Drive Angry is a vehicular combat video game developed by WayForward Technologies and published by Electronic Arts. It was released for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Microsoft Windows in February 2011.
Development
- The game was directed by Adam Tierney, with design led by Michael B. Swenson.
- Development began in 2009, employing a proprietary physics engine to simulate realistic vehicle dynamics and destruction.
- Voice acting featured notable actors such as James C. Miller (as the protagonist Dalton) and Phil LaMarr (as Killian).
Gameplay
- Players control Dalton, a demon hunter who escapes from the underworld to pursue the demon Drec.
- The core gameplay consists of high‑speed racing through procedurally generated canyon segments, interspersed with arena-style combat against enemy vehicles.
- Vehicles can be equipped with a variety of weapons (e.g., machine guns, rocket launchers, flamethrowers) and receive upgrades through collectibles called “Souls.”
- The game features a single‑player campaign and a multiplayer mode supporting cooperative and competitive play.
Release and Reception
- Release dates: February 1, 2011 (North America) and February 4, 2011 (Europe) for console platforms; February 8, 2011 for Windows.
- Critical response was mixed. Review aggregators recorded average scores around 61/100 (Metacritic). Critics praised the game’s fast‑paced action and humor, while noting repetitive level design and limited depth.
- Sales figures have not been publicly disclosed in detail, but the title did not achieve blockbuster status.
Legacy
- Despite modest commercial performance, Drive Angry retains a niche following for its blend of arcade racing and combat.
- The game’s engine was later adapted for WayForward’s 2012 title Sonic Generations (as a physics component).
