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Timmy Malinu, a melancholic office worker trapped in the monotony of daily life, dreams of a peaceful death in his own bed. When Death arrives to collect his soul, Timmy is unexpectedly granted his wish – with a catch. He must reach his bed without succumbing to the countless, bizarre hazards now littering his path. Thus begins the challenging and surprisingly thought-provoking journey of Rage in Peace.

The 2D side-scrolling adventure genre is well-trodden territory, often bordering on predictable. Yet, developer Rolling Glory Jam has managed to craft a captivating experience in Rage in Peace. Without relying on stunning graphics or sprawling landscapes, the game weaves a compelling narrative and delivers addictive gameplay that keeps players hooked.

Rage in Peace

A Constant Barrage of Unexpected Obstacles

Rage in Peace‘s controls are deceptively simple: move, jump, and occasionally double jump. However, the challenges Timmy faces are anything but straightforward. His journey home takes him through a variety of environments, from mundane office spaces and city streets to surreal deserts, crypts, jungles, outer space, and even the depths of his own mind.

A constant barrage of unexpected hazards awaits, appearing without warning. From falling icicles and sharpened bamboo sticks to spinning gears and swinging hammers, the game boasts a seemingly endless array of creative and often darkly humorous ways to end Timmy’s life. Even sharks, camels, and zombies make an appearance, adding to the game’s surprising diversity.

The unique aspect of Rage in Peace is that there is no traditional “game over” state. Instead, the game tracks your deaths, displaying them prominently on screen. The only way to “win” is to die repeatedly, memorizing the placement of each trap and reacting before it springs.

Multiple Game Modes Add Variety

To further enhance the gameplay, Rage in Peace offers several different modes. Speedrun mode skips cutscenes and transitions, focusing purely on completing the game as quickly as possible. Pilgrimage/challenge mode ratchets up the difficulty, requiring players to start from the beginning upon death, eliminating checkpoints. Conversely, goldfish mode provides more frequent checkpoints, making the game more accessible for those struggling with the demanding difficulty.

A Deeper Meaning Beneath the Surface

Throughout his perilous journey, Timmy collects “mementos” and encounters various characters. While these elements don’t directly impact the gameplay, they provide glimpses into Timmy’s life and backstory.

Gradually, Rage in Peace reveals a deeper narrative exploring the meaning of life and death. Timmy’s struggles are revealed to be rooted in psychological issues, and his journey home becomes a metaphor for overcoming personal demons and finding inner peace. The game subtly suggests that death, or failure, is not an ending, but rather a necessary part of life’s journey.

Rage in Peace

Not for the Faint of Heart

Despite its charming 2D cartoon aesthetic, Rage in Peace doesn’t shy away from depicting death in a graphic, albeit darkly humorous, manner. Even Death himself is portrayed in a relatively lighthearted fashion. However, Timmy’s numerous demise often involve gruesome, over-the-top scenes that are not for the squeamish. The developers themselves warn that the game contains sensitive content and is not suitable for all ages or public play. The game’s high difficulty can also be a source of frustration for some players, leading to premature abandonment.

A Unique Blend of Challenge and Reflection

Rage in Peace is more than just a typical platformer. It’s a game that requires patience and contemplation, encouraging players to appreciate its soundtrack, cutscenes, and underlying message. While the gameplay is fast-paced and demanding, the true beauty of Rage in Peace lies in its thoughtful exploration of life, death, and the journey in between.

Game Information

• Developer: Rolling Glory Jam
• Publisher: Toge Productions, Another Indie
• Genre: Action, Adventure
• Release Date: November 8, 2018
• Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch

Minimum System Requirements (PC)

• OS: Windows 7
• Processor: Dual Core 1.6 GHz
• Memory: 2 GB RAM
• Graphics: DX9 (shader model 3.0) or DX11 with feature level 9.3 capabilities.
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 2 GB available space
• Sound Card: Stereo