Road Rash 3D
Score: 86% ESRB: Teen Publisher: EA Games Developer: EA Games Media: CD/1 Players: 1 Genre: Racing
Graphics & Sound: The graphics are great, but they have to take a back-seat to the gritty, hard-rockin’ soundtrack of Road Rash 3D. You’ll find bands like the Mermen and Sugar Ray; the soundtrack was even sold separately as a music CD. The background music definitely adds to the feel of an actual cross-country road trip with a bunch of Hell’s Angels. Now, the graphics are not to be left out. There is very little pop-up and it’s pretty realistic. Especially enjoyable are the cinematics shown to drive home the fact that you lost the race. Hey, it’s not often you get to watch yourself getting beaten up by a biker chick!
Gameplay: I really enjoyed playing Road Rash 3D from the start. I chose the bike that had all the options evenly distributed (speed, traction, etc.) and there was very little learning curve needed. In addition to your standard driving and avoiding being hit by other bikers, you can also abuse your opponents. Along the way, you can pick up weapons like sticks, etc., so it can get rougher by the minute. I, personally, chose to focus on driving rather than bashing.
Difficulty: As I said earlier, it’s great for jumping right in and playing. Now winning the race is a different story altogether. RR3D offers the perfect amount of challenge for the beginner and seasoned gamer alike.
Game Mechanics: One big disappointment was the fact that the game wasn’t Dual Shock compatible. Analog is nice, but with all the bumping going on in Road Rash 3D, I really missed the rumbling of my Dual Shock controller. There are several ways to play: Thrash, a big free-for-all race, Big Game, winner’s can collect monetary prizes and purchase upgrades for their existing bikes or buy a new ride altogether, and lastly, Time Trial. Go to the Jukebox and you can choose which background song will be played during your race. One note is that although there are a number of courses, they are all variations of the same four or five settings. You’ll drive one way through a town and then take a different route on another course. But this is really minor when compared with all the fun Road Rash 3D has to offer.
-Psibabe, GameVortex Communications AKA Ashley Perkins
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