Rampage: Total Destruction

Rampage: Total Destruction
Company type	Video game
Industry	Video games
Founded	April 2006
Headquarters	United States
Products	Video games

Rampage: Total Destruction serves as the follow-up to the Rampage arcade classic released by Midway, marking the last title before the company merged into Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The game launched in April 2006 for the GameCube and PlayStation 2, with a subsequent release on 19 November 2006 in North America for the Wii.

Gameplay

Continuing the series' core concept, Rampage: Total Destruction revolves around players demolishing environments to accumulate points. Players can consume civilians and hurl vehicles to increase destruction. A new mechanic allows characters to scale building facades to cause additional damage. Collectible tokens unlock new monsters and unique abilities. Charging a special meter grants access to powers such as Rampage mode or a powerful Roar.

The game offers four distinct modes:

Campaign: Players advance through various cities around the globe, causing widespread destruction.
King of the City: Up to four participants (limited to two on PlayStation 2) battle for dominance over city districts.
King of the World: A series of King of the City battles spanning multiple urban locations.
Time Trial mode.

Plot

An employee at Scumlabs reports that sampling their new product, Scum Soda, has resulted in mutations affecting 30 individuals (40 in the Wii version). Mr. Z, head of Scumlabs, expresses concern about public awareness but is reassured by Dr. Vector that all mutated creatures are securely stored within concealed Cryo-Tubes under cryogenic preservation. Despite these safeguards, one monster named George breaks free and unleashes chaos.

Following extensive destruction, Scumlabs discovers that Scum Soda has become a commercial hit, with consumers either indifferent or even eager to undergo mutation. The storyline concludes with Mr. Z and an associate celebrating as George's rampage is broadcast on television, foreshadowing a profitable yet tumultuous future for Scumlabs.

Development and marketing

Total Destruction includes immediate access to two classic titles as bonus content: the original Rampage and Rampage World Tour. Although an Xbox edition was under development, it was never officially revealed. The Wii iteration features an exclusive clip from the Cartoon Network show The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, introduces an additional city (Dallas), adds ten new monsters (including returning favorites V.E.R.N., Boris, and Ruby), and incorporates a fifth upgrade ability called Super Jump.

Reception

While the GameCube and PlayStation 2 versions garnered "mixed" reviews, the Wii edition received generally "unfavorable" feedback according to Metacritic. Child of Chaka from GamePro criticized the PS2 version for its repetitive gameplay despite enjoying the destructive elements. Ouroboros commented that the Wii version underperformed as a party game but expressed hope for stronger titles on that platform.

The Detroit Free Press rated the GameCube version three out of four stars, noting room for expanded content. In contrast, The Times awarded the PS2 version three out of five stars, pointing out limited activities beyond destruction. Both GameCube and PS2 versions earned a C+ from Entertainment Weekly, which described the gameplay as monotonous. The PS2 release received one star from The Sydney Morning Herald, citing repetitive button mashing despite some enjoyment derived from demolition mechanics. The Wii version was given a 5.9/10 score by GameZone, praising its concept but criticizing its execution and control scheme.

Despite receiving mixed critiques overall, Midway announced that sales surpassed one million copies; furthermore, the GameCube version attained Player's Choice status.

External links

Official site