Rage 2

Though there are a lot of open-world, post-apocalyptic shooters, this one distinguishes itself by giving players Jedi-like powers and having a looser, slightly more cartoonish feel. Like the first game, Rage 2 is set in the ashes of what remains after a meteor turned the world into a Max Mad-like wasteland full of mutants, desperate survivors, and driving enthusiasts. Using a variety of weapons and explosives, including a sharp boomerang-like throwing weapon, you have to do what you do in every open-world shooter: complete missions, run errands, and gather supplies so you can strengthen yourself enough to take on the bad guy who killed your aunt and destroyed your hometown.

What sets this apart from such similar and recent games as Days Gone and Far Cry New Dawn is that you also have some Jedi-like powers that can send enemies flying, destroy their armor, or briefly pump you full of adrenaline. There's also more vehicular manslaughter, which is made easier by having cars with mounted machine guns instead of guns you have to hold while steering. The game also has a slightly cartoonish and punk rock approach that gives it a looser tongue-in-cheek appeal, making it feel fresher and different. Similarly, your enemies are often frantic, acrobatic, and unpredictable, with some also sporting heavy armor or the ability to become invisible, all which keeps you on your toes. Rage 2 does have some issues, technical and otherwise; for example, you have to look at a ladder just right before you can climb it. Also, some bad guys don't understand that they can't walk through tables, which makes them sitting ducks because they're not smart enough to go around furniture. But, overall, Rage 2 manages to stand out in a crowded post-apocalyptic wasteland full of freaks and killers.