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Racing and violence make a blissful video game combination when well executed. And Road Rash certainly does it well! Released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, the title was published and developed by Electronic Arts as part of their earliest efforts at internal development.
Gameplay revolves around an illegal motorcycle racing circuit across various regions of California. But what makes this 16-bit white knuckle racer unique is that it’s totally acceptable to punch your opponents…and wow, is it fun! A few well aimed punches, and you’re able to send other racers flying off their bikes. Careful though, because they can do the same to you! Some opponents will strike with clubs, which dish out even more damage. But if you time it right, you can take from the club away to use for the remainder of that race or until stolen. The game also offers a two-player mode in which players take turns racing. The original did not offer a split screen mode, but subsequent Road Rash releases did.
The title was developed by programmers who were initially hired by EA to work on Mario Andretti Racing. Afterward, they began work on a motorcycle racing game, which ultimately became Road Rash. The team knew they were onto something big when a number of test audience members vomited due to motion sickness. While many would argue that’s a negative aspect, they saw it as a step toward realism.
Popular with gamers and critics alike, Road Rash was EA’s most profitable title at the time.
It was followed up with a number of sequels including two more on the Genesis, both using the same engine and both also highly regarded.
