Road Rash 64 is a vehicular combat racing game developed by Pacific Coast Power and Light and published by THQ for the Nintendo 64 in 1999. It was the first not to be made by the series' creator, Electronic Arts.
Gameplay
The game maintained the classic gameplay established since the first title, released for the Mega Drive in 1991: a combination of illegal motorcycle races and fights between competitors. To win, any resources normally illicit in races can be used, such as hitting rivals with fists and weapons, knocking them off their bikes or causing them to crash into vehicles and obstacles on the track.
There are also police officers chasing the bikers, using cars or motorcycles. If the biker falls near the police, he will be arrested, and if he does not have enough money to pay bail, the game ends. If the bike is badly damaged and the player does not have money for repairs, it is another "game over" situation.
Compared to previous versions, RR64 has a greater variety of weapons and bikes, while tracks are marked by stretches of road (versus different roads, before).
The combat system has gained prominence, with intense fights between AI bikes, including. The multiplay mode allows up to 4 simultaneous players (with the screen divided into 4 blocks). Textures and polygons ended up being reduced in favor of supporting more actions during gameplay.
Development history
Initially planned as a port similar to PlayStation's Road Rash 3D, it was concluded that racing had been overemphasized in that game, so everything was rethought. Textures and polygons ended up being reduced in favor of supporting more actions during gameplay.
Reception and legacy
Critical reception to Road Rash 64 was average, negatively highlighting the somewhat "blurry" graphics, but valuing the return to origins with combat prioritized.
Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Road Rash 64 maintained the tone of previous installments, with an emphasis on alternative rock bands. The list includes bands Full on the Mouth, CIV, The Merman and Sugar Ray.
- Another • Full On The Mouth
- The Club • Sugar Ray
- Living Life CIV • CIV
- It's Not Your Fault • CIV
- Mean Machine • Sugar Ray
- Miki's Lush Beehive • The Mermen
- Sponge Cookie • The Mermen
Images
X-ray
- Development
- Pacific Coast Power and Light
- Production
- Gabriel Jones
- Players
- 4 (single-player, multi-player)
- Genre
- Racing, Vehicular combat
