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| Software Review | 
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| Title: | Road Rash |
| Version: | |
| Manufacturer: | Electronic Arts |
| Computer Tested On: | Generic Pentium 133 Desktop |
| Operating System: | Windows 95 |
| Reviewed By: | Frank Fogg |
| Review Date: | February-98 |
| Rating: | 
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OVERVIEW
Road rash is an arcade style motorcycle racing game. The game features head-to-head play via network or modem and allows campaign style role playing as the player selects an identity and a motorcycle. As experience is developed and the player wins races, faster and more powerful motorcycles may be purchased.
Graphic design is exotic and innovative.The game feature lifelike representations of other racers and full screen video clips adding to the transitions between races.
The races against the computer involve 14 other computer generated bikers with varying abilities. Five different race courses are included for variety. Note that the game involves racing on city streets and, as the manufacturer states, avoiding brain dead drivers and zombie pedestrians. Action is fairly intense and the average race lasts about 3 to 5 minutes. Animation sequences are realistic as the bikers hit or avoid objects on and around the road, and wrecks may end the race as the player either has a wrecked motorcycle or is arrested for speeding.
Also included are over 15 modern songs that play on the "jukebox" while races are being setup, including four songs by Soundgarden.
There is extensive video footage supporting the role playing function, although parents may find some of the footage offensive or inappropriate for younger gamers. However, there isn’t extensive blood in this game, although numerous violent acts occur both in the game and video sequences.
STRONG POINTS
Short games - You can play Road rash for just a few minutes or all night.
Numerous game features - Head-to-head play, a wide variety of integrated full-screen videos and an outstanding music track make this an enjoyable game.
Reliable - This game runs consistently well on Windows 95 with few glitches
WEAK POINTS
Requires a FAST computer - Game performance is abysmal on systems slower than Pentium 75; the manufacturer recommends at least a Pentium 90 with 16 MB of RAM.
Abundant game violence - Some parents may object to the content of the full screen videos for young gamers in what is otherwise a very enjoyable game.
COMMENTS
Road rash requires Windows 95.
