Let’s keep it real. Carmageddon: Rogue Shift (yes, I had to retype that a few times because my brain kept saying something else entirely) is the modern return of the classic over-the-top, edgy vehicular chaos the series is known for. This time, it comes back as a roguelite battle car experience with a simple concept: smash through zombies, upgrade your ride, and survive the run.
But the real question is… does it actually work?
The Good
At its core, Carmageddon: Rogue Shift is a decent pick-up-and-play action game where you don’t need to overthink things.
The roguelite structure gives you:
- Upgrade paths for weapons and vehicle stats
- In-run pickups that improve survivability
- Currency that lets you unlock and swap to different vehicles
- Permanent upgrades that carry between runs
The zombie apocalypse setting adds a layer of chaotic fun. You’re not just racing, you’re bashing through hordes of undead while trying to reach the finish line. Hazards like poison bat swarms and bloater enemies add some variety and keep you alert.
Upgrading your car becomes the real progression hook. Strengthening your armor, improving your weapons, and enhancing your side bash attack makes a noticeable difference as runs get harder.
Ammo being limited to one pickup at a time can feel annoying, but it also keeps things balanced and forces you to be intentional with your shots.
Overall, it’s the kind of game where you can jump in, cause some destruction, and enjoy the ride without needing a deep mental investment.
The Bad
Let’s keep it a buck.
There’s a good idea buried inside Carmageddon: Rogue Shift, but the execution feels like it’s missing a spark. The roguelite concept is interesting, but with modern tech and design standards, this should have hit harder.
The biggest issue is the lack of intensity:
- Zombies often feel like background props instead of real threats
- Most enemies are stationary, outside of a few bloater encounters
- The apocalypse setting never reaches the level of chaos it promises
This could have been elevated by making the undead more aggressive or dynamic. Imagine swarming attacks, creatures leaping onto your vehicle, or wildlife mutations adding unpredictability.
Instead, the battlefield feels a bit empty.
The car physics are another weak point. The handling feels outdated and inconsistent. For a game centered on vehicular combat, the driving should feel tight and satisfying. Even older titles like Split/Second delivered more impactful vehicle control.
While explosions look good and races move quickly, the overall experience still comes off as bland rather than brutal.
There’s a solid foundation here, but it doesn’t fully commit to the chaos it’s aiming for.
Final Thoughts
Carmageddon: Rogue Shift has a fun concept and some decent moment-to-moment destruction, but it never reaches the level of intensity or personality the franchise is known for.
There’s potential here; the roguelite structure, upgrade system, and zombie theme could have created something wild and unforgettable. Instead, it lands somewhere in the middle, offering short bursts of entertainment without a lasting impact.
With more aggressive enemy design, tighter driving mechanics, and a stronger sense of danger on the track, this could have been a standout return for the series.
Right now, it feels like a game that’s okay for quick chaotic sessions, but not one that will keep most players coming back for long.