Axle Rage

Axle Rage, later renamed to Rage Rider, is a cancelled PS2, PSP, PC game by Akella. It was to be 3D action sandbox game.

Plot
You play as Axle, a motorcyclist of the No Dice gang. He has a history with this mysterious glowing gold substance named 'Miro'. This drug enhances human capabilities, like combat prowess.

The game takes place in Nailsdale, a city built on an artificial island. The population of Nailsdale has degenerated into thugs, drug dealers, and criminals. Two opposing political parties are vying for power. They both want control over the Miro.

Gameplay
There was to be up to 32 weapons, as well as tons of equippable everyday objects to wield. Melee combat was reinforced with a combo system. Combat on motorbikes (called Corsairs) would involve driving and melee or weapons.

Nailsdale is split into different districts, each with their own theme. There was the industrial area, downtown, business district, and the slums. Your motorcycle is your means of transport.

Development
Axle Rage started off as a cyberpunk sort of game. Then around 2005 the game was renamed to Rage Rider and it's setting shifted. The setting went from a cyberpunk city to a generic Nevada-esque city.

2006 saw the release of the PlayStation 3. According to Akella, Sony representatives did not allow Axle Rage to be released on the PS2. The game was reworked for the PlayStation Portable but it is unknown how far development got.

Cancellation
Axle Rage was cancelled around 2005 due to the advent of the next gen consoles. Without the money to retool it for the PS3, development ceased.

Timeline:
 * 2002: development begins
 * 2005: game renamed to Rage Rider
 * 2006: development shifted to PSP, development ceases soon after

Video
Trailer

Gameplay footage