Reviewed: 2006/12/10
Last modified 2008/2/20.
The overriding criteria is how fun the game is to play, although control, graphics, and sound are also taken into account. |
Screen shots courtesy of Video Game Museum, Shinforce, Rotten Tomatoes.
| PGA Tour 96 | Grade: F | |
| Publisher: Electronic Arts (1995) Reviewed: 2003/12/22 | ||
| Check for PGA Tour 96 on Ebay, Amazon | 1 to 4 players |
| PGA Tour Golf | Grade: B+ | |
| Publisher: Electronic Arts (1991) Reviewed: 2002/4/14 | ||
One thing that just occurred to me about all of these old golf games is that their courses are totally flat. I never seemed to notice ten years ago, probably because I was too busy having fun. Golf translates surprisingly well into video game form. In PGA Tour, one to four players can compete on three actual courses and one fantasy course. The controls are simple to learn but tough to master, and the game moves along at a steady clip, eliminating the boring lulls you might expect from a golf game. The courses look nice, but because of their flatness, never seem to vary much. It's a pretty quiet game except for bird chirps and crowd reactions to putts. An extremely useful battery backup system saves your game and stats. The worst part of the game is the awkward, non-standard interface that forces you to navigate various drop menus. It's impossible to remember what button is used to select and what is used to cancel. But once your game is finally set up, you don't need to deal with it. PGA Tour Golf was the first in a series of fine golf games for the Genesis by Electronic Arts. © Copyright 2002 The Video Game Critic.| Check for PGA Tour Golf on Ebay, Amazon | 1 to 4 players |
| PGA Tour Golf 2 | Grade: A- | |
| Publisher: Electronic Arts (1992) Reviewed: 2002/4/14 | ||
Electronic Arts made major changes to the graphics and difficulty in this edition, but the results are mixed. Graphically, the golfers are now digitized images, a big improvement over the illustrated golfers in the last game. The courses look slightly more realistic, but not as clean looking. It can be difficult to tell when the fairway ends and the rough begins. PGA II is also noticeably easier. In the first game, it was difficult to hit the ball perfectly, but in this game, you can do it almost too easily. Other new features include six courses (up from four), and a Skins Challenge. This game is not dramatically better than the first, but it's still a lot of fun. Unfortunately, the confusing drop-menu system is still used to configure the game. My favorite memory of this game is cranking up the sound in order to hear the birds (at 2 o'clock in the morning), and then getting my eardrums blown out by the loud, obnoxious music that plays at the end of each round! © Copyright 2002 The Video Game Critic.| Check for PGA Tour Golf 2 on Ebay, Amazon | 1 to 4 players |
| PGA Tour Golf 3 | Grade: A | |
| Publisher: Electronic Arts (1993) Reviewed: 2002/4/14 | ||
In the early 90's, EA had the market on golf cornered. This third installment of PGA Tour really outdoes itself. This one features no less than EIGHT courses and a 54-player roster. The graphics have been upgraded slightly, and some digitized pro swings have been incorporated. The control system is slightly modified, but you still get the same simple horizontal swing meter that made the previous games famous. There's a wealth of statistics and a battery backup that even lets you save instant replays. No question about it, this one's a winner. © Copyright 2002 The Video Game Critic.| Check for PGA Tour Golf 3 on Ebay, Amazon | 1 to 4 players |
| Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures | Grade: F | |
| Publisher: Namco (1994) Reviewed: 2001/1/31 | ||
What a travesty! This ill-advised creation probably set the yellow guy back at least 10 years! Initially, Pac-Man 2 looks like it could be something special. The characters, which feature the entire Pac-Man family, are large and nicely animated. Combined with the detailed backgrounds, this game looks like an interactive cartoon. But the bizarre control scheme makes for a VERY poor game playing experience. The patented "Character Guidance Interface" is like nothing you've ever seen, or will ever see again! Get this - you don't control Pac-Man at all! All you can do is direct his attention to various obstacles and shoot a slingshot at certain targets on the screen. Pac-Man wonders through each "scene" oblivious to the dangers. Unfortunately, the controls are so worthless that Pac-Man ignores half of your commands anyway. If that's not bad enough, until you enter the correct sequence of commands, you're doomed to repeat the same scene over and over and suffer through the corny animations. If you've ever played Dragon's Lair, you can understand the frustrating experience I'm talking about. This game is pure torture. Even the fact that the original classic Pac-Man game is hidden in this cartridge cannot redeem this piece of trash. © Copyright 2001 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Pac-Man 2: The New Adventures on Ebay, Amazon | 1 player |
| Pat Riley Basketball | Grade: F | |
| Publisher: Sega (1990) Reviewed: 2001/9/13 | ||
This game is hilarious! You know you're in for a treat when the opening screen features a high-flying white boy attempting to dunk while another goes up for the block. Now there's something you don't see every day! This was the first basketball game for the Genesis, and all the players and teams are completely fake. It's definitely a bad game, but it does have some amusing elements. First of all, there are some nice looking cut-scenes that provide dramatic close-ups for tip-offs, foul shots, long-range jumpers, and dunks. The dunk screens even feature jump and block meters that affect the outcome. Unfortunately, the main type of dunk looks ridiculous! It features a guy jumping high over the net, and throwing the ball down without even touching the rim! But what really cracked me up was the number of missed dunks. I love it when a guy goes up for a dunk three times in a row and misses all three times! The action on the court is even worse. The players move painfully slow, and it's nearly impossible to maintain possession of the ball. The computer player is especially unfair, stealing the ball at will. And despite the fact that the ball is HUGE, it's really hard to tell when it goes through the basket! Graphically, the side-scrolling court features a crowd and cheerleaders, but no coaches or benches. Surprisingly, a half-time show IS included. There are no customization options in this game, and annoying background music drones away throughout the whole ordeal. Pat Riley Basketball is much more fun to laugh at than to play. © Copyright 2001 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Pat Riley Basketball on Ebay, Amazon | 1 or 2 players |
| Pebble Beach Golf Links | Grade: B- | |
| Publisher: Sega (1994) Reviewed: 2002/4/14 | ||
Pebble Beach isn't a bad golf game, but it really can't compete with Electronic Art's PGA Tour Golf series. The fact that there's only ONE course doesn't help its cause. EA's PGA Tour 3, released the same year, has no less than EIGHT courses. Still, Pebble Beach is easy to play, fun, and fast-paced. The shot control is unique but not much different than what you're used to. After using a round shot meter, there's a second meter that determines the type and degree of spin you apply to the ball. You also have the opportunity to adjust your stance (move your feet) before each shot. The graphics are fine, but no better than EA's games. The screen contains everything you need to judge your shot, including an overhead map, wind and lie indicators, and hole status. You can compete against 48 top golfers. I should also mention that this version of Pebble Beach Golf is much better than some of the CD-based versions, which tend to be slow and bloated with unwelcome "features". © Copyright 2002 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Pebble Beach Golf Links on Ebay, Amazon | 1 to 4 players |
| Phelios | Grade: C- | |
| Publisher: Namco (1990) Reviewed: 2001/12/29 | ||
I've always been interested in Greek mythology, and Phelios attempts to incorporate it into a vertical shooter. Your character flies a Pegasus through various mythology-inspired stages. All three buttons fire, and holding down one will produce a "charged" shot. I would have preferred if one of the buttons was dedicated to rapid-fire - this game made my hand tired! The seven stages are long and VERY challenging. You'll face some huge mythical bosses like Medusa, Siren, and Cerberus, who look great but are CRAZY hard to kill!! Just taking out the first is excruciating enough! The excessive difficulty is enough to drag this shooter below average. © Copyright 2001 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Phelios on Ebay, Amazon | 1 player |
| Pirates Gold | Grade: B+ | |
| Publisher: Microprose (1993) Reviewed: 2006/12/10 | ||
At its core, Pirates Gold plays just like Pirates for the NES, but the improved graphics and controls enhance the swashbuckling experience considerably. Like its predecessor, the idea is to gather a crew, construct a fleet of ships, pillage towns, and engage in sea battles. When visiting friendly ports, you can trade supplies, upgrade your ships, hear news at the tavern, or visit the governor. The NES title was fine, but once you experience the visual and aural splendor of Pirates Gold, it's hard to go back. The screens are ornately crafted, with graphical displays (like the captain's galley) substituting for generic text menus. The finely detailed ships move swiftly through the sea, and the sword fighting characters are huge (although their animation could use some work). You're able to explore various towns on foot, but sadly, they all look pretty much the same. The musical score is first rate, as are the clear voice samples. Pirates Gold incorporates a few new bells and whistles, like the ability to battle other pirates and recreate famous expeditions. You can save your game whenever you're in a town. Action-oriented gamers may have a hard time dealing with the game's slow parts (sailing against the wind can be laborious), but patient gamers will be pleased. Pirates Gold may well have been the pinnacle of the entire series. © Copyright 2006 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Pirates Gold on Ebay, Amazon | 1 player |
| Pirates of Dark Water, The | Grade: C | |
| Publisher: Sunsoft (1994) Reviewed: 2006/12/10 | | |
I'm always up for a pirate game, but this one threw me for a loop. Pirates of Dark Water takes place on another planet. What the hell is that all about? Fortunately, the only difference I could perceive was the existence of "monkey birds". I know what you're thinking: "Wow, I wish we had monkey birds on Earth". No you don’t. Take it from me - they look dumb and never shut up. Anyhow, Dark Water's gameplay is strictly by-the-numbers as you leap between ledges, climb ladders, and ride moving platforms. By slashing with your sword and tossing knives, you send pirates and skeletons to their demise in puffs of smoke. Along the way you'll contend with cheap traps like nets full of coconuts that fall on your head as you jump onto a narrow ledge ("aarrggh!"). I also dislike having to backtrack through certain stages to locate keys. Pirates of Dark Water does have a few things going for it. Each stage is beautifully rendered with vibrant graphics and eye-pleasing color combinations. The jungle in the first stage isn't so hot, but some of the later stages really caught my eye. The haunted citadel is shrouded by eerie blue moonlight, and the "sunken bridge" is battered by enormous waves. I absolutely love the tropical paradises with their white beaches and soaring mountain backdrops. The weakest aspect of the game is its audio, with ho-hum music and understated sound effects. A password feature allows you to save your place between stages. Pirates of Dark Water's gameplay will seem awfully familiar to jaded 16-bit gamers, but its crisp controls and captivating visuals might just make it worth your while. © Copyright 2006 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Pirates of Dark Water, The on Ebay, Amazon | 1 player |
| Pit-Fighter | Grade: C+ | |
| Publisher: Tengen (1990) Reviewed: 2006/5/3 |  | |
Combine grainy digitized graphics with sloppy animation, dodgy controls, and horrendous voice synthesis, and what do you get? A remarkably good fighter! It would be easy to dismiss Pit Fighter off hand, but there's actually something endearing about this mess. The game's flaws are a large part of its charm. The action takes place in a seedy underground fight club as you battle of series of lowlifes in the midst of a bloodthirsty crowd. You select from one of three fighters (Buzz, Ty, and Kato), attempting to scale the ranks all the way to the masked warrior. In the process you'll face the Executioner, Southside Jim, CC Rider, Chairman Eddie, Mad Miles, Heavy Metal, and Angel. The fighters and crowd are all digitized, but due to the low resolution and limited color palette, it's a bit hard to tell! The fighting areas are strewn with knives, sticks, barrels, and stools that are satisfying to smash over your opponent's head. The rowdy crowd includes a woman who likes to stab fighters in the back. Moves include punches, kicks, jump-kicks, and throws. You can even knee an opponent when he's down, which is always nice gesture. The controls aren't the most responsive and the collision detection is erratic, but there's still enough technique to maintain your attention and keep you mashing away. The indecipherable voice samples add unintentional humor, and isn't that really the best kind? Three continues are available, and you'll need them all if you want any chance of finishing the game. I remember old buddies Steve and Brendan playing Pit Fighter in my room when I was still living at home, and they got a real kick out of it. Brendan loved to mock the game and then ask, "How much did you pay for this Dave?" © Copyright 2006 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Pit-Fighter on Ebay, Amazon | 1 or 2 players |
| Primal Rage | Grade: C | |
| Publisher: Sega (1995) Reviewed: 1999/10/3 | | |
The Genesis version of this game was released at the same time as the Super Nintendo (SNES) version, and it's interesting to compare the two. The Genesis version's graphics and sound aren't as good, but at least the game is playable. The frame rate and collision detection are a step up from the poor SNES version. Apparently the Genesis CPU could handle the animation better, allowing for some relatively smooth creature movement. Unfortunately, in the crowded field of 2D fighting games, looks are about the only thing going for Primal Rage. The music can't compare to the SNES version, and the sound effects are hollow and tinny. All you have left is a very average fighter. © Copyright 1999 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Primal Rage on Ebay, Amazon | 1-2 players |
| Quackshot | Grade: B+ | |
| Publisher: Sega (1991) Reviewed: 2000/2/23 |  | |
Sega's second Disney game on the Genesis (after Mickey's Castle of Illusion) is another winner. This time you're Donald Duck, equipped with a gun that shoots plungers, popcorn, and explosive bubblegum. This gameplay here is more complicated than Castle of Illusion. You can select what stage you want to play, and switch stages at certain checkpoints. Mexico, Transylvania, and the town of Duckberg are available at the beginning, but more stages open up later. One unique feature is how certain stages require items from other stages, forcing you to move between them. The graphics and animation are colorful and fun, and the music is very memorable. I especially enjoyed the spooky atmosphere of Dracula's castle. Quackshot is not particularly tough or long, but it's a quality game. There are a few flaws I should mention however. There's a scene in Dracula's castle where I went around in circles for quite a while before figuring out what I had to do. There's one slow-motion, underwater scene that I hate, but at least it's mercifully short. This game also comes up short in terms of replay value, and there's only one skill level. Still, Quackshot is great fun the first time through, and it's perfect for younger players. © Copyright 2000 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Quackshot on Ebay, Amazon | 1 player |
| RBI Baseball '93 | Grade: C+ | |
| Publisher: Tengen (1993) Reviewed: 2001/4/14 | ||
Can you remember when the year in the title of the baseball game actually coincided with the year it came out? It's been a while! RBI '93 calls to mind those old days, and it's a fun but unspectacular little baseball game. All the stadiums are here, which was a big deal in 1993. I recall being so impressed with Royal Stadium and its fountains of "frozen" water. The gameplay is fair, but you only get a small view of the field, so activating fielders can be a challenge. The higher a ball is hit, the larger it becomes. It makes the ball easier to track down, but it sure does look funny. Pop-ups look like beach balls! RBI '93 is one of the few baseball games of the time period to have foul balls, but there's too many of them! It can't match Sports Talk, but RBI is still moderately fun. © Copyright 2001 The Video Game Critic.| Check for RBI Baseball '93 on Ebay, Amazon | 1 or 2 players |
| RBI Baseball 4 | Grade: C+ | |
| Publisher: Tengen (1994) Reviewed: 2001/4/14 | ||
This is basically RBI Baseball '93 with updated rosters. Man, it pisses me off when game companies do that! Yes, there are some new options, but Tengen missed an opportunity to make some real improvements. Heck, the players aren't even the right colors! Too bad Tengen got lazy and could never take RBI to the next level. © Copyright 2001 The Video Game Critic.| Check for RBI Baseball 4 on Ebay, Amazon | 1 or 2 players |
| Rambo 3 | Grade: A- | |
| Publisher: Sega (1989) Reviewed: 2008/2/20 |  | |
Rambo 3 is a surprisingly engaging one-man-army blast-a-thon. In true Rambo fashion you'll plow through scores of generic enemy soldiers and blow up gates to infiltrate their bases. Like the movie, Rambo 3's body count and destruction quotient are impressive! Not only can you spray bullets non-stop, but you can plant bombs to take out trucks and guard towers. I find it amusing the way guards always fall out of the towers when you blow them up - what a bunch of drama queens! Despite using only three buttons, I found the control scheme somewhat hard to grasp. The A button is used to toggle between items (knife, arrow, bomb), B uses these items, and C fires your machine gun. In the heat of battle, it's really easy to confuse A and B for some reason. Rambo 3's shooting action is non-stop and challenge is formidable. I had to turn down the difficulty (to easy) and crank up the lives (to five) just to make some headway into the game, and I'd advise you to do the same. Unlike the "real" Rambo, you will die early and often. While exploring prisons, arsenals, and fortresses, the screen scrolls in all directions. Unfortunately, certain levels tend to have maze-like layouts which are mildly annoying. My advice for playing Rambo 3? Hold down the C button and shoot like a freakin' madman, even when nobody's in sight (they will be soon). As icing on the cake, Rambo 3 also incorporates some truly impressive bonus rounds where you face off against a tank and helicopter. The controls offer a nice balance of risk and reward, and that looming helicopter looks amazing! Another interesting aspect of Rambo 3 is how the prisoner in mission 2 looks exactly like Rutger Hauer. And he wasn't even in the movie! The fine musical score suggests excitement and intrigue, and it has that unmistakable Genesis twang that we all love. A two-player mode is included, but it's alternating turns only. For Rambo fans in the mood for chaos, this fine shooter is right on target. © Copyright 2008 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Rambo 3 on Ebay, Amazon | 1 or 2 players |
| Ranger X | Grade: D+ | |
| Publisher: Sega (1993) Reviewed: 2006/2/24 | ||
I expected Ranger X to be yet another excellent side-scrolling Genesis shooter, but I was wrong. Can someone please tell me what the F is going on in this freakin' game?! Little help over here!? The game's designer was apparently trying to push the envelope with an elaborate six-button control scheme, but it will leave most players bewildered. Ranger X is simply too complicated for its own good. You not only control a robotic warrior with a jet pack, but also a robotic vehicle that follows you around on the ground. Both can fire independently, or combine to fire homing missiles. The control scheme is so confusing that even after I learned it, I never felt comfortable with it. The stages don't make a lot of sense either. You often can't discern the background graphics from foreground dangers, and in certain brief sequences, you seem to have no bearing on events. It's as if the game is playing out some elaborate background story and it forget to let you in on it. The stages are so-so, with the standard planet surfaces and caverns of lava pools. Even the music is mediocre. Each stage is introduced with some rotating wireframe models that are pretty advanced by 16-bit standards, but not too exciting in 2006. The game is extremely hard, so I'd recommend setting the difficulty to easy. All in all, I didn't care much for Ranger X, and I'm not just saying that because I didn't know what the F was going on half the time. Okay, maybe I am. © Copyright 2006 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Ranger X on Ebay, Amazon | 1 player |
| Red Zone | Grade: F | |
| Publisher: Scavenger (1994) Reviewed: 2005/2/2 | ||
Few things get my blood pumping like a good Genesis shooter, but Red Zone doesn't qualify. The packaging reads "from the creators of Subterranea", another Genesis shooter that didn't exactly set the world on fire. Red Zone has a few interesting elements, but in general it's too confusing and frustrating. In each stage you fly an Apache helicopter into enemy territory, attempting to wipe out targets such as airfields or radar facilities. Most missions also include an "on foot" sequence that puts you in control of an individual soldier infiltrating an enemy complex. The mission and status screens are quite detailed, and they provide some critical clues (like "knock out the power facility first"). You can zoom in on the map in a manner that brings to mind Blade Runner, but the close-ups rarely provide additional information, so what's the point? When flying your Apache, the action is viewed from directly overhead, but the rotating screen and confusing radar display make it easy to get disoriented. Scaling effects attempt to convey the height of land structures, but these are not very convincing. I had to repeat the second mission about eight times before I realized there was a "doorway" in the fence of an enemy fort. There are times when the game orders you to perform certain actions immediately, but you have no clue of what it's talking about. Red Zone involves more trial and error than skill. The "on foot" sections are slightly better because they're easier to navigate and you have two characters in reserve. Your soldier can fire a machine gun, throw grenades, or plant explosives. Too bad he hobbles around like he has a gigantic pole up his butt. One thing Red Zone does have going for it is its thumping electronic soundtrack - it's edgy and relentless. But overall, this is a poorly executed shooter that most Genesis fans could live without. © Copyright 2005 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Red Zone on Ebay, Amazon | 1 player |
| Ren and Stimpy: Stimpy's Invention | Grade: F | |
| Publisher: Sega (1993) Reviewed: 2005/8/14 | | |
In the immortal words of Mr. Horse, "No sir I don't like it." This, coming from a rabid fan of the old Ren and Stimpy cartoon series. I normally don't watch cartoons, but I've always found the Ren and Stimpy show strangely appealing, if only because it's so damn bizarre. This video game adaptation conveys a hint of the show's outrageousness, but none of its clever dialogue or wit. This is painfully evident during the lame introduction, which explains the background story using nothing but boring text. The game itself is a complete mess. In the single-player mode, you control both Ren and Stimpy as a unit, executing moves and attacks that usually involve tossing each other around. Frankly, the control scheme is so confusing that you can't predict how the pair will react to your commands. And it's even worse with two players! The jumping controls are far from responsive, and the stage designs are as annoying as they are unimaginative. You'll battle bizarre creatures like eyeballs and blue chickens as you explore a neighborhood with giant cracks in the sidewalk, a freezer, a dog pound, and a zoo. There are scattered references to the show (like Powered Toast Man and Mr. Horse) but these are token appearances. There's nothing to get excited about in terms of graphics, although I do like how the game adopts the same visual style as the show. The scratchy voice samples ("get on with it man") are hard to stomach, and the music is utterly generic. Did Sega really think they could sell this garbage on the strength of the Ren and Stimpy name alone? Those stupid eediots!! © Copyright 2005 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Ren and Stimpy: Stimpy's Invention on Ebay, Amazon | 1 or 2 players |
| Revenge of Shinobi | Grade: B- | |
| Publisher: Sega (1990) Reviewed: 2006/2/17 | ||
Here's a remarkable game that readers have been urging me to review for quite a while. Revenge of Shinobi begins as your typical side-scrolling ninja fighter, as you battle traditional samurai warriors in ancient settings. Shinobi is equipped with a limited number of shurikin throwing knives, and can perform melee attacks up close. You also have four Ninjitsu (ninja magic) powers to choose from (via the pause screen), providing invincibility, high jumping, and a fire attack. The fourth is magic ("Mijin") deals devastating damage but requires you to sacrifice a life. The game seems typical at first, but progressively becomes more surreal and bizarre. It's never dull though, because the stages change abruptly, and each feels like a different game. You'll traverse waterfalls, dark alleys, a factory, freeway, shipping dock, airport, and China Town, just to name a few. Along the way you'll face soldiers, attack dogs, Bruce Lee look-alikes, and ninja women disguised as nuns! The graphics are better than average, and what they lack in detail they make up for in personality. If you have the original version of the game, you'll encounter some inexplicable bosses including a Terminator, Batman, Spiderman, and even Godzilla! Interestingly, in the later-released "Sega Classics" version, most of these licensed characters have been replaced with odd substitutes (including a skeletal dinosaur). Revenge of Shinobi's controls are responsive with the exception of the double-jump move, which doesn't always want to work. Other frustrations include booby-trapped crates and getting knocked off of ledges into bottomless pits. Do real ninjas have to put up with that kind of crap? The game has an excellent old-school soundtrack, and the stage theme reminds me of Streets of Rage - it's that good. The sound effects of crackling flamethrowers and clanking swords are terrific, although the voice samples are generally awful (typical for the Genesis). Revenge of Shinobi had the makings of a truly great game, but it's entirely too hard. I had to do some serious research just to figure out how to defeat the first boss, and I never would have been able to properly review this game without my Game Genie. The difficulty is brutal, and the ending is weak. I can only recommend Revenge of Shinobi to gamers to insist their games be hard as nails. The game has a lot to offer, but casual players probably won't survive long enough to see much of it. © Copyright 2006 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Revenge of Shinobi on Ebay, Amazon | 1 player |
| Road Rash | Grade: A | |
| Publisher: Electronic Arts (1991) Reviewed: 2003/5/10 | ||
This classic motorcycle game succeeds on so many levels. It's a no-holds-barred cross-country racing game where abusing other racers is part of the fun. I remember when I first bought this game my friends couldn't get enough of it. My buddy John liked it so much that he used it in one of his college film projects. He videotaped parts of the game and spliced it with some cheesy clips of him riding his motorcycle - it was awful! My girlfriend (and future wife) also got a kick out of this game, and it's one of the few she'll still play today. The rolling hills and scaling scenery effectively convey the feeling of speeding down the open road, and you can even catch air on some of the big hills. There are five tracks, but since the scenery is sparse, they all look pretty much the same. What makes Road Rash such a trip is the perfect combination of racing and combat. When you pull along side other racers, you can punch and kick them off of their bike, and they fight back too! The best part is when you snatch a club from one guy, and then systematically beat the living crap out of everybody else. It's surprisingly easy to maneuver and maintain your position alongside opponents. Fighting while trying to avoid oncoming traffic can be quite a rush, but there's more. A cop on a motorcycle will try to run you off the road, but no, you can't beat him up (although everybody tries). After a motorcycle wrecks, the driver goes flying, but he's not out of the race yet! He'll automatically run back to his bike, which is often lying in the middle of the road. As you can guess, each oncoming motorcycle tries to run him over. And I can't forget the incredible music. These hard-edged, high-energy tunes are the best I've heard in a Genesis game - they REALLY get your adrenaline flowing. After each race you win cash to upgrade your bike or buy a new one, and you can save your place using a huge, hard-to-read password. Road Rash is a true classic that stands the test of time. © Copyright 2003 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Road Rash on Ebay, Amazon | 1 player |
| Road Rash 2 | Grade: B | |
| Publisher: Electronic Arts (1992) Reviewed: 2003/5/10 | ||
The original Road Rash was an incredible motorcycle racing game, but as good as it was, it begged for a two-player split-screen mode. Enter Road Rash II. Unfortunately, the new split-screen mode didn't exactly set the world on fire. The two screens are rather small and the framerate is painfully low. The action is choppy, and objects pop-up and disappear unpredictably. Control also suffers, with turning that feels sluggish and unresponsive. The one-player mode plays more like the original Road Rash, which is a good thing. There are a few minor enhancements, like the addition of a chain weapon and additional obstacles like deer in the road. There's a new set of tracks, but nothing too compelling, and the music is surprisingly lame. The hard-edged, grinding tunes of the first game have been replaced with light, upbeat melodies - bad idea! After each race you see a little animation that's pretty funny, and the passwords are more manageable this time around. But overall I prefer the original Road Rash. © Copyright 2003 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Road Rash 2 on Ebay, Amazon | 1 or 2 players |
| Road Rash 3 | Grade: B+ | |
| Publisher: Electronic Arts (1995) Reviewed: 2003/5/10 | ||
The third and final Genesis installment of Road Rash has more depth than previous offerings, but treads water in terms of gameplay. The first thing that stands out is the overhauled graphics. Instead of the colorful, hand-drawn riders and scenery, everything now has a digitized look. While the drivers admittedly look more realistic, the scenery - especially the backgrounds - looks terribly grainy. The locations span the globe from Japan to Brazil, but there's really not a lot to see. The framerate in the split-screen mode is noticeably improved, but the one-player mode actually looks a bit choppier. I do like how your opponent's bike stays up momentarily after you knock him clean off of it, and it's always fun to crash just before the finish line and fly over it without your bike. The controls seem slightly more responsive than RR2, and police now come on motorcycles, patrol cars, AND helicopters. One area in which Road Rash 3 falters is in combat, despite the fact that there are now seven weapons. Unlike the first Road Rash, it's really difficult to get a clean shot at other riders. Another problem is the music. These uninspired tunes sound like leftovers from previous editions. Road Rash 3 is still good, but it can't top the original. © Copyright 2003 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Road Rash 3 on Ebay, Amazon | 1 or 2 players |
| Rock 'N Roll Racing | Grade: B+ | |
| Publisher: Interplay (1994) Reviewed: 2001/6/7 | ||
This game was made by Interplay and Blizzard, two game companies that would become giants in the industry. Anyone who's played RC Pro Am on the NES will feel right at home with R&R Racing. The 45-degree, pseudo-3D view of the track gives you a good angle, letting you see just enough of the road ahead. Cars are equipped with front and rear weapons. The elevated tracks are available on six "planets", which offer unspectacular but colorful scenery. The gameplay is surprisingly deep. You can buy different types of cars, upgrade them, and equip them with all sorts of gadgets. A password lets you save your spot. The two-player split-screen is also a lot of fun, and let's not forget about the music! The Sega Genesis isn't known for its great audio, but you'll hear stellar versions of "Paranoid", "Bad To The Bone", "Born To Be Wild", and "Radar Love", among others. Be sure to turn off the annoying announcer, who often interrupts the music. © Copyright 2001 The Video Game Critic.| Check for Rock 'N Roll Racing on Ebay, Amazon | 1 to 2 players |
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