Road Rash

"An Awesome Motorcycle/Brawler Game"

The game Road Rash has appeared on many systems over the years including the Sega Genesis, Sega Game Gear, 3DO, and the Sony Playstation. It is also here, on the Sega Saturn. The Playstation and Saturn games are virtually identical except for a few minor differences that are because of the hardware and not the game.

Game play
There are two types of game play with in Road Rash: Thrash mode and Big Game mode. In Thrash mode you are simply "Player one" and you just race and try to beat the other racers over the five tracks. There is not much too it other than that. You can also do a two player mode but it is not at the same time. Big Game mode is where the fun lays. Here you have the choice to choose your character, each with his or her own personality. Also, depending upon who you pick, you may have other riders that are your friends and watch your back while racing. In Big Game mode you can earn money and buy better bikes and advance through 5 levels. Each level has longer versions of the race from the previous level and is more difficult as the computer racers are better. You can also get arrested and total your bike, both of which will cost you money.
Score 10

Graphics
The graphics are sweet. Real people were rendered into the game to represent the pedestrians - which you can run over - as well as 25 minutes of real video that can be viewed after the race, when you get arrested or if you total your bike. The video looks grainy but that's because these games were on CD and CD video is low quality. For 1996, it's pretty amazing. The races are very well done and actually look like real roads and highways.
Score 10

Sounds and Music
Never before have I ever played a game that had such an awesome sounds and music. There is an entire soundtrack within the game. None of the bands are big names but atleast the music is good. The music plays at all times except during the race. You can also switch the the song at any time in the menu. There are also two music videos hidden within the game. The sounds are all real sounds recorded specifically for the game. You can hear the gear shifts in the engine as well as the yelps of the women spectators as you run them over.
Score 10

Overall Road Rash is one of the best games out there, even though it is over looked as just another motorcycle racer. This one is different though because of the music, video and the fact that you can steal the police man's club and beat him to death with it.

Pros
1. Fun and challenging
2. Awesome sound track
3. Better than Playstation version because of less load times.

Cons
None

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 11/15/04