Road Rash 64

"This game defines 'Hit and Run' perfectly."

Introduction
Where to start with Road Rash... this game is CLASSIC. Motorcycle racing, beating up your opponents and watching them crash. That's about what it comes down to and damn is it fun. You get the choice to pick from different kinds of bikes, outfits, etc. Dozens of tracks to race on, win money and grab items as you race to beat the crap out of the other racers wanting to do the same just to win the race.

Except this Road Rash takes place on a very VERY large island and the tracks take a very long time to complete. Some up to 12 minutes, taking into consideration you don't run into any vehicles or walls along the way and can maintain a steady course to the finish line.

Gameplay - 9/10
This game is pure fun. From the second you hit the road doing 120 mph you'll be addicted and quickly laughing your ass off. This game is realistic enough... well, considering you're slightly sadistic and enjoy watching people crash and things fly... THEN THIS GAME IS FOR YOU.

The point of the game is rather simple - win the race. You win money based on what place you come in and you can spend the money on upgrading your motorcycle which is needed later in the game for more competitive opponents, harder tracks, etc.

Weapons are a huge fun factor in this game. From things like nightsticks and chains, to baseball bats and spray paint to blind your opponent and watch them go head first into a house. The crashes that you cause and get into will have you rolling in laughter. My buddies and I could not get enough of it.

There are hidden features in the game which you desperately need to unlock to have some real fun. Picture yourself on a motorcycle screaming down the streets of a city and when you suddenly hit a ramp doing 300 mph? I can't explain how hilarious it is to watch yourself come crashing down into the street, into oncoming traffic and the other bikers.

Multi-player - 6/10
One thing that makes the game fun, but kind of annoying as well. Most games seem to lack many features that single player has and makes multi-player less enjoyable. Road Rash is that kind of game. Don't get me wrong, it's fun to race around, bashing your opponents into walls with clubs but there is far less involvement of things in the actual game.

There are different modes of play for your enjoyment as well. Simple lap racing, tag and a little beat 'em up mode. Tag is simple, get close enough to your opponent and their it. Beat 'em up is exactly what it sounds. Beat the crap out of your opponent and then wait for them to get up again so you can clobber them once more.

Graphics - 7/10
The graphics are nice, not the best, but decent enough to provide enjoyable gameplay. I like watching a body bounce around the screen after a crash. :D Some times the game might render improperly and ghost objects or surroundings, but it doesn't happen very often... just try to keep the Nintendo 64 in a fairly cool place and you shouldn't have to worry about this.

Sound - 9/10
The music is nice. Soundtracks from various artists that play at random every time you race. But that won't matter because you'll be to busy playing slap stick with your opponent not aware of that car coming straight at you...

The sound effects are excellent. Tire screeching, engines running, crashing, it's all great. It goes along perfectly with what happens. Hit your opponent with a bat and he kind of falls forward with a slight lose of control before being pummeled by a another car.

Overall - 7/10
Usually you beat the game and it is over, since there's not much depth to racing games you only ever play them once. But hey, it's all good. You have the comic relief of 180 mph motorcycles being hit by oncoming diesel trucks sending you or your opponent hundreds of feet into the air.

If you want a fun game to play that'll give you great laughs until you can laugh no more, Road Rash is your game.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 10/15/04, Updated 08/28/08

Game Release: Road Rash 64 (US, 08/31/99)