Road Rash II

This is one of my favorite racing games as well as games for the Genesis. Not a whole lot I can say, the game for me is sort of like "Super Hang On" only you get to play dirty. This sequel isn't too different from the first game but that's a good thing, as an old saying goes if it's not broke don't fix it. But what I love about this sequel is that it improves a little from the first game.

Just to get race past the elephant, the only speed bump this game has is the music, it's not memorable, the tunes aren't bad and are serviceable for the tracks they're on but their just average. But this is easy to roll past as you can simply just turn the TV on mute and then just play whatever music you want that fits this game. One of the tracks I love to play when playing this game are "AC DC" songs, but that's just me I'm sure you have your personal preferences.

One of the things I love is the fact that you have more tracks to race on, I always love me a variety of tracks because the thing about most racing games is that they always feel like they've ended faster than you've begun, so variety does help. I really like how different each of the tracks are, the background animation I think is great really gives you a sense of geography that you really are someplace different and avoids that fundamental problem most racing games have of tracks blending together. The animation is detailed well really giving that gritty street racing atmosphere but also fun adventure.

The game has a moderate difficulty (for me anyway) like in all races there are you twists and turns. But in Road Rash racing there are plenty of hazards on the road from the usual cars, unexpected roadblocks, oil spills, cracks on the road. When you're racing you really have to constantly pay attention to the road though also the competition you have to pass or attack.

Though word of caution try to avoid attacking the motorcycle cop, whom is always a pain in the butt in the "Road Rash" games as he'll chase you till he catches up with you or worse if your knocked off your bike your as good as caught. But this guy isn't that big of a problem as all you must do is simply outrace and get ahead of him; but make sure you get very far ahead.

I really like that the game is both a racing game but also joust as you can attack your opponents. You can bump, punch and kick to slow them down, knock them off the track, or better yet knock them completely off their bike which gets them out of the race permanently. The game also has a bit of a sense of humor, from the different races if you didn't place first you would see at the end of the race a picture of the racer that placed first and the comments they make to you; I always found it kind of funny it reminds me of what happens at the end of each match on the "Street Fighter" games and they would have that same kind of display. In a way those comments are just fuel for your motivation to beat the competition next time.

One of the other highlights of the game are you have a range of options which I always like in the racing games, really gives you the feel of calling your own shots. From not just waiting to race the next track but picking out your own tracks whenever you want.

There is a shop where you have your choice of bike to buy which each have their strengths and weaknesses, depending on what works best for you. Though getting them is the challenge as you must place high enough to build up your currency. In a way this guarantees some long play as I really love to try out and ride each of the different bikes.

But another highlight is the fact you can actually play two players for once, which was lacking in the first game. This is really cool as you have that split screen effect and both of you are not just trying to blow away the competition but each other. From this feature I'm surprised there haven't been any video game tournaments held for this game it's a thought to consider, but the point is with this sequel you have the opportunity to race and blow away any to all of your friends.

If you're going to race, race dirty.

Rating: 4 stars.