A part of the difference can be explained by the different game engines. id tech 5, which was used for Rage, is really one of a kind, and that has been reflected in the look as well. First and foremost the megatexturing. Secondly, Rage has very dramatic and detailed lighting, but it is baked and thus completely static. Rage 2 on the other hand has a dynamic 24-hour daycycle lighting. All this being said, it doesn't look like Avalanche made too big efforts to get close to Rage 1 in terms of looks. Many outdoor areas are a lot more flattering for the successor, though.

Aside from the particular lighting and grainy textures from Rage 1 the engine in Rage 2 should be able to get this piece of scenery pretty darn close. It's just a matter of they either didn't have the time, budget or didn't care enough to add some grass, some worn rusty plating, cracks in the cement, ...

Makes you wonder if it couldn't be exported from R1 to R2, but that would probably have entailed too much work to fit it into the new map seamlessly.

And keep in mind, they did have to fill a world that is substantially bigger.

also why does Rage 2 have so much pink?

Rage 1 had a soul, felt more alive, Rage 2 feels unfinished and empty, misses alot of that xbox360 era of ''charm''

I'm a HUGE fan of the first Rage, that game looks awesome 'til this day, better than the second one, no doubt. But this is not a bad game, the looks and main quest may not be as engaging as the first one, but it gives so much more in my opinion. I mean, this game sacrificed a bit of that to make you feel unstoppable with stunning gun play and combat mechanics, a good looking (somewhat-live) open world, actual online play, insane physics, the game continues after the main quest is completed, and above all, there is absolutely ZERO loading screens. I mean, i went through all of the regions without realizing how repetitive it was, i just don't mind shredding everyone in so much different ways.

Rage 2 looks very good in many places, but this scene is very unflattering. Avalanche could have put more love into that scene. Also let's not forget Rage was another creation by programming mastermind John Carmack, which automatically means cutting-edge rendering which Rage 2's Apex is not.

Rage 1 is the far better game in the series. Playing Rage 2 was unreasonably flat and boring.

Rage 1 forever and it looks so much better.

Damn Rage1 looks sooo much better O_o

Rage 1 playable ....the second not...