Road Rash 3DO
Road Rash 3DO review
Introduction
Road Rash is an excellent example of using all the capabilities of the 3DO to maximum effect. Released in 1994, Electronic Arts unsurprisingly knew how to get the best out of the machine and delivered a multimedia mega game.
Game Modes
There are two modes: Thrash Mode, which allows any track to be chosen but upgrades aren’t possible, and Big Game Mode, where you progress through each race earning money that allows for bike upgrades. In the same vein as the original Road Rash, you participate in a series of illegal street races in different settings, with the ability to kick or bludgeon opponent bikers off the road and avoid getting caught by the police.
Race Environments
The five race environments are spectacular for the time, featuring realistic riders, tunnels, and coastal winding roads. These offer the player a great feeling of speed and control. Precise handling is needed to weave through oncoming traffic and avoid (or mow down) unsuspecting pedestrians. The races take place on roads that are lovingly textured, passing through smooth, detailed 3D scenery and under a sky with moving clouds.
FMV Integration and Soundtrack
The package is complemented by smooth FMV scenes of bikers racing along country roads, accompanied by music from Soundgarden, PAW, Hammerbox, Monster Magnet, Therapy?, and Swervedriver. Each race ends with a humorous FMV segment (containing mature themes!) portraying your win or loss with the reaction of fellow bikers and girlfriends.
Bike Upgrades and Multimedia Features
The game lets you enter Olley’s Skoot-A-Rama bike shop to upgrade bikes, showing 3D rendered versions of each potential purchase. Characters are portrayed by exaggerated cartoon versions, and there’s even a section where you can play videos of the aforementioned bands. Some of the USA long boxes contained an additional music CD showcasing all the tracks used in the game.
Conclusion
The whole experience adds up to a true multimedia extravaganza and is one of the very best games to play if you have a 3DO.
3DO Road Rash video
3DO Road Rash screenshots
Road Rash game box
Key points
Overview
- Road Rash showcases the 3DO’s capabilities to the fullest.
- Released in 1994 by Electronic Arts, the game was a multimedia powerhouse.
Game Modes
- Two modes: Thrash Mode (choose any track, no upgrades) and Big Game Mode (progress through races, earn money for upgrades).
- Features illegal street races with options to attack opponents and evade police.
Race Environments
- Five race environments featuring realistic riders, tunnels, and coastal roads.
- Provides a sense of speed and control with detailed 3D scenery and textured roads.
FMV Integration and Soundtrack
- Includes smooth FMV scenes of bikers on country roads.
- Soundtrack by bands like Soundgarden, PAW, Hammerbox, Monster Magnet, Therapy?, and Swervedriver.
- Humorous FMV segments after races portray win or loss reactions.
Bike Upgrades and Multimedia Features
- Enter Olley’s Skoot-A-Rama bike shop for 3D rendered bike upgrades.
- Exaggerated cartoon characters and a section to play band videos.
- Some editions included an additional music CD with game tracks.
Conclusion
- Road Rash offers a true multimedia experience and is one of the best games for the 3DO.