Road Rash · Having a Fight with Mike

Описание: Since Road Rash is quite popular on our channel, we gave it another shot after we recorded it 12 years ago. This time Mike, one of its most aggressive bikers, seems determined to pick a fight.

Road Rash, released in 1994 by Electronic Arts and developed by Monkey Do Productions, didn’t just push boundaries—it rewrote them. A mix of high-speed racing and no-rules combat, it dropped players into California’s most iconic landscapes, from San Francisco’s chaotic streets to the treacherous curves of the Pacific Coast Highway. The objective? Finish in the top three, by any means necessary—whether that meant outrunning opponents or knocking them off their bikes with chains, clubs, or bare fists.

The game’s impact went beyond its brutal gameplay. It was one of the early games to use digitized sprites and live-action cutscenes, giving it a cinematic edge that felt revolutionary. The soundtrack, featuring grunge anthems from Soundgarden, Monster Magnet, and Swervedriver, cemented its place as a ‘90s cult classic. Progressing through five levels meant earning cash for upgrades, but one wrong move—crashing into obstacles or burning out your stamina—could leave you broke and out of the race.

Road Rash also stood out for its social features. "Big Game Mode" let players pick from a roster of unique riders, while "Thrash Mode" offered quick, chaotic races. The Windows version even included online multiplayer, a rarity at the time. While later ports got mixed reviews, the original 3DO release was praised for its visuals and soundtrack, ensuring its legacy as a game that refused to play by the rules.

This video features the pre-release PC demo, using a Sound Blaster 16.