San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing

"Such an underrated game!"

Introduction - This review is for the game 'San Francisco Rush' which was released on the Nintendo 64 in 1997. The game was developed by Midway and was published by GT Interactive.

The game was previously released on the Arcade format, and the original Arcade version was developed by Atari.

Gameplay - There is only one word to describe a game like this, and it is ''FUN!''

People say that nine out of every ten games that Midway develop are rubbish, well in this instance, I'd say that this is the good one!

The tracks are very large, and there is a lot to do on them. Firstly, there is the racing aspect. You can race against five other competitors in either a 'Quick Race' format, or in a 'League' format, where you get different amounts of points depending on which position you came in the race. Secondly though, the is the adventure aspect of the game, where you must search for the six - eight keys that are strewn around each track. If you get all the keys, some very nice secrets await you. (But don't tell anyone!)

But what sets this game apart from its competitors it the total disregard for reality or physics! You can be just driving down a freeway, and then, out of nowhere a ramp presents itself to you, and the maniac in you demands that you launch yourself off this ramp, over rooftops, through the odd window, and back onto the road! Kerrraaazzzeeeee!!!

Next up is the crash system, this is probably the only realistic thing in the game (Apart from the environments, but we'll get to them later.) If you crash in this game, your car will show damage, and behave as though it is damaged. If you crash hard in this game, you will blow up. Remember kids, driving into walls is not good for your health!

Also the handling for the game is 'okay'. It's not brilliant, but it's manageable, and after a time, it works!

Story - What story? You drive around one of the worlds most famous cities at top speeds in an attempt to win races!

Graphics/Sound - Probably one of the games shortcomings. The graphics can be pretty muddy and bland at times, and the in game music is... oh who are we to beat around the bush, it is terrible! It sounds like a 1980s tape of B - Sides from a 'Tech Noir' club!

But in the games advantage, the tracks are absolutely huge, and the game even loads lots (and I mean LOTS) of off track sections too, so that can attribute for the odd amount of slowdown that this game has.

Play Time/Replayability - Well this game has lasted me since 1997, and I still mess around doing mad stunts in the opening section of Track 4!

As long as the maniac inside you has a thirst for some mad, high speed, high octane action, you will not be satisfied until you have played San Francisco Rush just one more time!

Final Recommendation - To anyone who hasn't got this game, I say gop down to your local game store that still sells N64 games, look in the bargain bin, get your greasy mitts on this, and buy it! You won't regret it! Trust me!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 09/28/03