Carmageddon: Rogue Shift is grinding my gears

February 25, 2026 - 04:28

The long-awaited return of vehicular mayhem, Carmageddon: Rogue Shift, has finally screeched onto the scene, but for many fans, the experience is more of a sputter than a roaring start. Promising a blend of classic demolition derby chaos with modern rogue-lite progression, the game finds itself caught in an awkward middle ground, ultimately satisfying neither craving fully.

While the core loop of completing events, earning upgrades, and attempting longer runs captures the rogue-lite spirit, the execution feels repetitive and grindy. The procedural tracks lack the memorable, hazard-filled design of the original titles, and the vehicle handling often feels floaty and imprecise, a critical flaw in a game about car combat. The signature pedestrian-running, dark humor is present but feels like a superficial layer over a gameplay foundation that hasn't fully decided what it wants to be.

For players seeking the unadulterated, mission-based carnage of the classic Carmageddon series, Rogue Shift's structure will feel like a detour. Conversely, those looking for a deep and rewarding rogue-lite will find its progression systems shallow and its runs lacking meaningful variety. The game shows glimpses of its destructive potential in moments of chaotic pile-ups, but these are too often buried under a layer of repetitive objectives and a grind that feels more like a chore than a thrilling escalation. It’s a title that, for now, is stuck in neutral, revving its engine but struggling to engage the right gear.