Road Rash (Mega-CD)

From Sega Retro

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RoadRash MCD Title.png

Road Rash
System(s): Sega Mega-CD
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer:
Supporting companies:
Genre: Racing

















Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega-CD
US
$59.9559.95[3] T-50085
ESRB: Kids to Adults
Sega Mega-CD
BR
Tectoy: Todas as Idades

Road Rash for the Sega Mega-CD is an entry in the Road Rash series of games. Despite its name, it is not a port of the original Road Rash, but rather its own game derived from the 3DO version (which was later ported to the Sega Saturn, again as Road Rash).

While only released in North America and Brazil, a European release was planned, and was even given cover art[5].

Gameplay

The game is centered around a series of motorcycle races throughout California that the player must win to advance to higher-difficulty races, while engaging in unarmed and armed combat to hinder the other racers. The bike steers with Left and Right. It accelerates with B and brakes with A. Higher-tier bikes are equipped with nitro and can launch a Nitrous Burst by pressing B twice quickly. These bikes start each race with a limited number of nitro charges.

The racer can attack neighboring opponents with C. Some opponents wield weapons such as clubs and chains, which can be taken and used by the racer if the opponent is attacked as they are holding the weapon out to strike. The racer can backhand opponents with Up+C or kick them with Down+C.

Racers are ejected from their bikes if they crash into obstacles (such as cars, trees, and wildlife) or if they run out of stamina (shown in the bottom-left corner of the screen) from fights with opponents. In this event, the racer automatically runs back toward his or her bike; the player can move the racer with Left and Right or stand still with A to avoid oncoming traffic. Stamina recovers over time. Opponents are likewise ejected from their bikes if their own stamina is depleted (shown in the bottom-right corner of the screen). The bike has its own damage meter (shown between the racer's and opponents' stamina meters), which decreases every time the racer suffers a crash. Opponents have different aggression levels, indicated by the color of their stamina bars (green being friendly unless attacked, yellow being friendly unless the player comes near, and red being aggressive and initiating attacks).

The bike is wrecked if the meter fully depletes, which ends the player's participation in the current race. In Big Game Mode, this also deducts the cost of a repair bill from the racer's balance. Police officers (on motorcycles) make sporadic appearances throughout the game's courses and can likewise end the player's participation if they apprehend the racer following a crash. In Big Game Mode, this also deducts the cost of a fine from the racer's balance. Repair bills and fines become more expensive with each subsequent level. If the racer lacks the funds to cover either a repair bill or a fine, the game ends. The player's bike has rear-view mirrors that can help the player see other racers and police officers approaching.

Modes

There are two gameplay modes. Thrash Mode is a basic mode that allows the player to pick a course and race on it. There are fifteen racers (including the player), and the player starts each race in last position. Qualifying on all five courses (by finishing the race at third position or better) unlocks the next level, which features faster bikes, more aggressive opponents, and longer versions of the same five courses. There are five levels total. The player can also select the level in the options menu.

Big Game Mode is a more expansive mode where the player chooses a racer, each with different advantages and disadvantages. Similar to Thrash Mode, the player chooses from five courses and unlocks another level of courses by finishing each race in a qualifying position. The player earns cash prizes from each successful race (depending on finishing position). The player has access to a shop and can use prize winnings to purchase several bikes of differing weights, speeds and steering capabilities. As the bikes become faster as each level progresses, purchasing a faster bike eventually becomes essential for keeping up with the other racers. The player wins the Road Rash Cup (and the game) by winning a race on every course on all five levels.

The game has a two-player option where the players can take turns playing either mode (but there is no simultaneous two-player mode).

Racers

Each racer starts with a different bike, a different weapon, and a different amount of money.

Road Rash CD, Racers, Axel.png

Axel
Road Rash CD, Racers, Axel.png

Road Rash CD, Racers, Bose.png

Bose
Road Rash CD, Racers, Bose.png

Road Rash CD, Racers, Cydney.png

Cydney
Road Rash CD, Racers, Cydney.png

Road Rash CD, Racers, Milwaukee.png

Milwaukee
Road Rash CD, Racers, Milwaukee.png

Road Rash CD, Racers, Pearl.png

Pearl
Road Rash CD, Racers, Pearl.png

Road Rash CD, Racers, Rhonda.png

Rhonda
Road Rash CD, Racers, Rhonda.png

Road Rash CD, Racers, Slim.png

Slim
Road Rash CD, Racers, Slim.png

Road Rash CD, Racers, Teflon.png

Teflon
Road Rash CD, Racers, Teflon.png

Bikes

Bikes are divided into three classes, each progressively faster than the last.

Rat Bikes

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Rat, Banzai Sport 450.png

Banzai Sport 450
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Rat, Banzai Sport 450.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Rat, Corsair Swallow.png

Corsair Swallow
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Rat, Corsair Swallow.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Rat, Kamakazi ZYX 250.png

Kamakazi ZYX 250
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Rat, Kamakazi ZYX 250.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Rat, Killer Rat.png

Killer Rat
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Rat, Killer Rat.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Rat, Perro Pico.png

Perro Pico
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Rat, Perro Pico.png

Sport Bikes

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Sport, Diablo Vampiro.png

Diablo Vampiro
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Sport, Diablo Vampiro.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Sport, DMG M10.png

DMG M10
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Sport, DMG M10.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Sport, Kamakazi ZYX 750.png

Kamakazi ZYX 750
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Sport, Kamakazi ZYX 750.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Sport, Perro Grande.png

Perro Grande
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Sport, Perro Grande.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Sport, Stiletto Aggressore.png

Stiletto Aggressore
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Sport, Stiletto Aggressore.png

Super Bikes

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Super, Banzai Super Sport.png

Banzai Super Sport
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Super, Banzai Super Sport.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Super, Corsair Raven N.png

Corsair Raven N
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Super, Corsair Raven N.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Super, Diablo Vipera N.png

Diablo Vipera N
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Super, Diablo Vipera N.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Super, Kamakazi ZYX 750 N.png

Kamakaze ZYX 750 N
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Super, Kamakazi ZYX 750 N.png

Road Rash CD, Bikes, Super, Stiletto Asassino.png

Stiletto Assassino
Road Rash CD, Bikes, Super, Stiletto Asassino.png

Courses

The game has five levels, each containing longer and more dangerous versions of the same courses.

Road Rash CD, Tracks, The City.png

The City

Road Rash CD, Tracks, Sierra Nevada.png

Sierra Nevada

Road Rash CD, Tracks, The Peninsula.png

The Peninsula

Road Rash CD, Tracks, Napa Valley.png

Napa Valley

Road Rash CD, Tracks, Pacific Highway.png

Pacific Highway

Versions

The main difference between this version of Road Rash and the 3DO original is that it uses the same core engine seen in its Sega Mega Drive predecessors, meaning the world is not rendered in 3D and the tracks are all different as a result. Much of the aesthetics are identical, however (save for colour restrictions), with similar cutscenes and menus, and an identical soundtrack.

The Mega-CD version of the game is the only version in which the alternative rock soundtrack plays during races and not only during menus.

Production credits

Game Credits
  • Programmers: Russel Patterson, Carson Whitsett, Jr.
  • Additional Programming: Dan Geisler, Warrick Holfield, Walt Stein
  • Graphics: Keith Bullen, Chris Meland, Ivaylo Vaklinov, Jeff Stokol, Dave Weismann, Cindy Ahuna, Barbara Meyers, Charlie Navarro, Laura Bowen
  • Audio: Marc Farly, Don Vecca
  • Video Compression: Eric Kornblum
  • Producer: Randy Breen
  • Associate Producer: Steve Murray
  • Art Direction: Keith Bullen
  • Technical Direction: Colin McLaughlan
  • Project Manager: Nana Chambers
  • Track Editing: Steve Murray, Aaron McClay, Mike Lopez
  • Game Testing: Jeff Hasson, Mike Hensley, Randy Eckhardt, Anji Mayfield
Original Version
  • Graphics: Louis Sremac, Matt Sarconi, Neil Strudwick, Nathan Walrath, Margaret Foley, Oliver Wade
  • 3D Graphics: Dimitri Detchev
  • Photography: Robert Fujioka Studios, Inc.
  • Game Design: Randy Breen, Lori Washbon
  • Track Tool Programming: Thom Phillabaum
  • Track Layout and Design: Steve Murray, Jeff Glazier, Mike Lopez, Steve Matulac
  • Writers: David Luoto, Jamie Poolos
  • Art Direction: Jeff Smith, Lori Washbon, Dale Horstman
Game Cast
  • Motorcycle Rider: Denise "Bud Man" Kobza Jr.
  • Motorcycle Cop: Randy Breen
  • Flag Girls: Noreen Berberiech, Lisa Higgins
  • Business People: Lucy Bradshaw, Margaret Foley, Jeff Lee, Mark Douglas, Cyndi Hill, David Stokes
  • Tourist: Andrea Smith
  • Pedestrian: Emily Favors
  • Old Lady: Audrey Gustafson
  • Joggers: Randy Dillon, Audrey Gustafson
  • Bikers: Noreen Berberiech, Randy Dillon, Mark Douglas, Lisa Higgins, Dave Luoto, Andrea Smith, Jeff Smith
  • Boogie Boarder: Dan Hewitt
  • Beach Dwellers: Dan Hewitt, Kara Mabry
  • Divers: Kara Mabry, David Stokes
  • Tennis Player: Jeff Lee
  • Hitchhikers: Margaret Foley, Dan Hewitt
  • Caltrans: Mark Douglas, Dan Hewitt, Lisa Higgins, Dave Luoto, Jeff Lee
Video Production
  • Director: Rod Gross
  • Line Producer: Larry Lauter
  • Director of Photography: Robin Mortarotti
  • Video Engineer: Jim Rolin
  • Key Grip: Mark Otewalt
  • Production Assistants: Joe Cravelli, Stefanie Wasserman
  • Wardrobe-Props: Brenda Giguere
  • Camera Car: Jeff Bane
  • Offline Editing: Alan Babbitt, Rod Gross, Rod Swanson
  • Online Assembly: Jim Spadoni
Video Post Production
  • Design of Effects and Logo Treatment: Rod Swanson EA Director, Good Pictures, San Francisco
  • Special Effects and Additional Online Editing: Randy Breen EA Director, Rod Gross Director, Western Images, San Francisco
  • Color Correction: Jeff Smith EA Director, Western Images, San Francisco
  • Sound Effects: Murray Allen EA Director, Music Annex, San Francisco
  • Music and Audio Processing: Marc Farly
  • Video Processing and Compression: Eric Kornblum
Video Cast
  • Squad Car Driver: Ron Boyer
  • Motorcycle Cop: Cato Samuels
  • Cop: Melissa Rogers
  • Stunts: Sean P. Donohue
  • Motorcycle Riders: Joel Bloom, Randy Breen, Joe Carrillo, Jeff Smith
  • Race Conclusion Winners, Losers: Joel Bloom, Randy Breen, Joe Carrillo, Randy Dillon, Stacey Hayes, Audrey Gustafson, Jeff Smith, Jeff Stokol
  • Trophy Presenters: Stacey Hayes, Lisa Higgins, Bill Lee, Nathan Walrath
  • Delinquent Kid: Anthony Marshall
  • Bottle Bully: Scott Gilliand
  • Park and Run Driver: Steve Murray
  • Dog Trainer: Bow Wow Productions
Music Credits
  • Rusty Cage: – Soundgarden, Outshined: – Soundgarden
    • Music and Lyrics: Cornell
    • Published by: You Make Me Sick I Make Music (ASCAP)
    • Produced by: Terry Date, Soundgarden
    • (P) 1991 A&M Records, Inc.
    • From the A&M cassette and CD "Badmotorfinger" 75021 5374 4-2
  • Kickstand: – Soundgarden
    • Lyrics: Chris Cornell
    • Music: Kim Thayil
    • Published by: You Make Me Sick I Make Music, In One Ear And Out Your Mother Music (ASCAP)
    • Produced by: Michael Beinhorn, Soundgarden
    • Mixed by: Brendan O'Brien
    • (P) 1994 A&M Records, Inc.
    • From the A&M cassette and CD "Superunknown" 31454 0198 4-2
  • Superunknown: – Soundgarden
    • Lyrics: Chris Cornell
    • Music: Kim Thayil, Chris Cornell
    • Published by: You Make Me Sick I Make Music, In One Ear And Out Your Mother Music (ASCAP)
    • Produced by: Michael Beinhorn, Soundgarden
    • Mixed by: Brendan O'Brien
    • (P) 1994 A&M Records, Inc.
    • From the A&M cassette and CD "Superunknown" 31454 0198 4-2
  • The Bridge: – Paw
    • Written by: Mark Hennessy, Grant Fitch
    • Published by: Dinky Tone Music, Cyberpope Music (ASCAP)
    • Produced by: Mr. Colson, Paw
    • Mixed by: Andy Wallace
    • (P) 1993 A&M Records, Inc.
    • From the A&M cassette and CD "Dragline" 31454 0065 4-2
  • Pansy: – Paw, Jessie: – Paw
    • Written by: Mark Hennessy, Grant Fitch, Peter Fitch
    • Published by: Dinky Tone Music, Cyberpope Music, Camel Face Music (ASCAP)
    • Produced by: Mr. Colson, Paw
    • Mixed by: Andy Wallace
    • (P) 1993 A&M Records, Inc.
    • From the A&M cassette and CD "Dragline" 31454 0065 4-2
    • "Jessie" video (C) 1993
    • A&M Records, Inc.
  • Trip: – Hammerbox, Simple Passing: – Hammerbox
    • Written by: Carrie Akre, Harris Thurmond, James Atkins, Dave Bosch
    • Published by: Fat Karma Music, Blue Zephyr Music (ASCAP)
    • Produced by: Michael Beinhorn
    • (P) 1993 A&M Records, Inc.
    • From the A&M cassette and CD "Numb" 31454 0072 4-2
  • Teethgrinder: – Therapy?
    • Written by: Andrew Cairns, Fyfe Ewing, Michael McKeegan
    • Published by: Music Corporation of America, Inc. (BMI)
    • Produced and Mixed by: Harvey Birrell
    • (P) 1992 A&M Records Ltd.
    • From the A&M cassette and CD "Nurse" 31454 0044 4-2
  • Auto Surgery: – Therapy?
    • Written by: Andrew Cairns, Fyfe Ewing, Michael McKeegan
    • Published by: MCA Music Publishing, a division of MCA Inc. (ASCAP)
    • Co-Produced by: Chris Sheldon, Therapy?
    • (P) 1993 A&M Records Ltd.
    • From the A&M cassette and CD "Hats Off To The Insane" 31454 0139 4-2
  • Dinosaur Vacume: – Monster Magnet
    • Written by: David Wyndorf
    • Published by: Songs of PolyGram International, Inc., Bull-God Music (BMI)
    • Produced by: Dave Wyndorf
    • (P) 1993 A&M Records, Inc.
    • From the A&M cassette and CD "Superjudge" 31454 0079 4-2
  • Last Train To Satansville: – Swervedriver, Duel: – Swervedriver
    • Written by: Adam Franklin, Jeremy Hindmarsh, Jimmy Hartridge
    • Published by: EMI Music Publishing Ltd.
    • Admin. by: EMI Blackwood Music Inc. (BMI)
    • Produced by: Alan Moulder, Swervedriver
    • (P) 1993 A&M Records, Inc. Licensed from Creation Records Limited.
    • From the A&M cassette and CD "Mezcal Head" 31454 0129 4-2
    • "Duel" video (C) 1993 A&M Records, Inc. Licensed from Creation Records Limited.
All music courtesy of A&M Records, Inc.
Source:
In-game credits
Road Rash MCD credits.pdf
[6]

Game Credits
  • Product Manager: Lisa Higgins
  • Package Designer: Michael Lippert
  • Documentation: Bill Scheppler
  • Documentation Layout: Blair Creative Group
Game Cast
  • Skateboarders: Dave Luoto, Nathan Walrath
  • Caltrans: Andrea Smith
Source:
US manual
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[1]


Magazine articles

Main article: Road Rash (Mega-CD)/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Mean Machines Sega (UK) #31: "May 1995" (1995-03-28)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Consoles + (FR) PAL
89
[7]
Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U
100
[8]
GameFan (US) NTSC-U
73
[9]
Game Players (US) NTSC-U
62
[10]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
88
[3]
MAN!AC (DE) PAL
69
[11]
Mega Fun (DE) PAL
80
[12]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
74
[13]
Next Generation (US) NTSC-U
50
[14]
Player One (FR) PAL
95
[15]
Sega Magazin (DE)
74
[16]
Sega Power (UK) PAL
82
[17]
Sega Mega-CD
78
Based on
12 reviews

Road Rash (Mega-CD)

Mega-CD, US
RoadRash MCD US Box Back.jpgRoadRash MCD US Box Front.JPG
Cover
RoadRash MCD US Disc.jpg
Disc
Roadrash mcd us manual.pdf
Manual
Mega-CD, BR
RoadRash MCD BR front.jpg
Cover

Technical information

Main article: Road Rash (Mega-CD)/Technical information.

ROM dump status

System Hash Size Build Date Source Comments
Sega Mega-CD
 ?
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
CD-ROM (US)
Sega Mega-CD
CRC32
MD5
SHA-1
1995-02-11 Has bad sectors towards the end of the image. Page

References


Road Rash (Mega-CD)

RoadRash MCD Title.png

Main page | Magazine articles | Reception


Sega Mega-CD
Prototypes: 1995-02-11



Road Rash games for Sega systems
Sega Mega Drive
Road Rash (1991) | Road Rash II (1992) | Road Rash 3: Tour De Force (1995)
Sega Master System
Road Rash (1994)
Sega Game Gear
Road Rash (1994)
Sega Mega-CD
Road Rash (1995)
Sega Saturn
Road Rash (1996)
Related games
Sega Mega Drive
Skitchin' (1994) | Face Plant (unreleased)