Bogus Journey

Neon flair can’t make up for Rad’s painfully average action.

- Natalie Clayton

Are you sick of the ’80s yet? We’re in a peak cultural flashback. Bad clothes are back, baby, and everyone’s trying to be the kid with the wildest leather jacket. Rad, Double Fine’s post-apocalyptic mutant-basher, is no poser. This kid’s deeply in love with the decade of loud hair and louder guitars. They’ve done their homework, for sure. Thing is, I’m kinda sick of the ’80s. I kinda wish that passion went into making Rad a better game.

Fortunately, these are some good ’80s. Double Fine has poured lavish detail into every synthesised riff. Every sunset in the background is a neon CRT wonder, every bark of the narrator a gruff, biting commentary. Vendors will lavish you in free gear for landing a sick 720. It’s the Goonies meets Bill & Ted in an end-of-the-world adventure. Even for a sourpuss like me, it’s lovely to look at.

It’s the far future. We’ve wrapped up one apocalypse, but another hit us with a cheap shot. With the adults nowhere to be seen and mutants breaking down the walls, it’s up to the off-brand Stranger Things kids to pick up their baseball bats and bash out a better tomorrow. Or die trying, over and over again.

Rad’s taken some notes from Nuclear Throne, my favourite one-of-these. Rather than picking up new tricks and tools from vendors or drops, you’re mutating a new power every time you collect enough rads.