This game defines 'Hit and Run' perfectly.
Where to start about Road Rash. This game is CLASSIC. Motorcycle riding, beating up your opponents and watching them crash. That's about what it comes down to and damn is it fun. You get the choice to pick from different kinds of bikes, outfits, etc and basically you begin. Dozens of tracks to race on, win money and grab items on your way to beat the crap out of the other races wanting to do the same just to win the race.
Except this Road Rash takes place on a very VERY large island and the tracks take a very long time to complete. Some up to 12 minutes, considering the fact you don't run into any vehicles or walls along the way and can maintain a steady course to the finish line.
Gameplay - 10/10
This game is pure fun. From the second you hit the road doing 120 mph you'll be addicted and quickly laughing your ass off. This game is realistic enough... well, considering you're slightly sadistic and enjoy watching people crash and things fly... THEN THIS GAME IS FOR YOU.
Like I said, this version of Road Rash takes place on a huge island. Tons of tracks, some spanning over a dozen miles with obstacles, different races, landscapes and environments that all have an affect of what will happen to you next.
A point of the game is rather simple; win the race. You win money based on what place you come in and you can spend the money on upgrading your motorcycle which is needed later in the game for more competitive opponents, harder tracks, etc.
Weapons are a huge fun factor in this game. From things like nightsticks and chains, to baseball bats and spray paint to blind your opponent and watch them go head first into a house. It's like watching comedy central. The things that happen will crack you up, which makes the gameplay that more enjoyable.
There are hidden features in the game which you desperately need to figure out to have some real fun. Bikes that go blazingly fast, just like the fastest ones in the world today can top. And when you hit a ramp doing 300+ mph? I can't explain how hilarious it is to watch it come crashing down into the street.
Multi-player - 7/10
One thing that makes the game fun. But kind of annoying as well. Most games seem to lack many features that single player has and makes multi-player less enjoyable. Road Rash is that kind of game. Don't get me wrong, it's fun to race around, bashing your opponents into walls with clubs but there is far less involvement of things in the actual game.
There are different modes of play for your enjoyment as well. Simple lap racing, tag and a little beat 'em up mode. Tag is simple, get close enough to your opponent and their it. Beat 'em up is exactly what it sounds. Beat the crap out of your opponent and then wait for them to get up again so you can clobber them once more.
Control - 10/10
The controls are easy to learn and use. Don't be surprised if you have them memorized by the time you start your first race.
Story - 5/10
What can I say? This is a racing game. You race, you win and buy parts; that's about all the game comes down to. But the fun of racing games lays in the racing itself. Really, there's no story line, you just race, buy a better bike and beat the game. But this isn't an RPG so don't be expecting something like a Final Fantasy Storyline.
Graphics - 8/10
The graphics are nice, not the best but good enough to enjoy the game as realistic as it gets. The detail of the environment and vehicles is peak enough to not hurt the frame rate, causing you to possibly mess up while racing. Skid marks and spray paint are nice little extras to add to the depth.
Sound - 9/10
The music is nice. Soundtracks from various artists that play at random every time you race. It's enjoyable and won't annoy you unless it's not your type of music. But that won't matter because you'll be to busy playing slap stick with your opponent not noticing that car in front of you.
The sound effects are excellent. Tire screeching, engines running, crashing, it's all great. It goes along perfectly with what happens. Hit your opponent with a bat and he kind of falls forward with a slight lose of control.
Replay Value - 3/10
Like I said, it's a racing game. Usually you beat the game and since there's not much depth to racing games you only ever play them once. But hey, it's all good. You have the comic relief of 180 mph motorcycles being hit by oncoming diesel trucks sending you or your opponent hundreds of feet into the air.
If you want a fun game to play that'll give you great laughs until you can laugh no more, Road Rash is your game. Hope you enjoyed my review.