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Road Rash, a classic motorcycle racing game with six iterations, holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers. The 1995 version, in particular, with its entertaining gameplay, over-the-top “biker gang” aesthetic, and cheesy live-action cutscenes, remains iconic. Despite its seemingly simple formula, no game has truly captured the magic of Road Rash 1995. This year saw the release of two games attempting to follow in its tire tracks: Road Redemption and Road Rage. While Road Redemption fell flat due to poor level design and lackluster combat, Road Rage, unfortunately, fares little better. Despite the nostalgic memories of Road Rash, and the hope for a worthy successor after Road Redemption’s failure, Road Rage leaves much to be desired, proving that the legacy of Road Rash still awaits a true heir.

Stiff Gameplay and a Convoluted Story

Road Rage – Đánh Giá Game

The core of Road Rash’s success lies in the sheer fun of its races, the satisfaction of knocking opponents off their bikes, and the chaotic joy of each high-speed chase. Road Rage, however, replaces that fun with frustration. The first major issue is the game’s overall stiffness. The protagonist and their bike feel like plastic models awkwardly glued onto the screen. Basic animations like leaning into turns or tucking in at high speeds are absent, making the riding experience feel robotic and unnatural. The numerous bikes and weapons suffer from the same lack of polish.

Road Rage – Đánh Giá Game

Furthermore, Road Rage assaults the player with a convoluted and messy narrative. The game’s world is introduced as a crime-ridden city where entertainment revolves around high-speed races. However, after a promising opening, the story devolves into a chaotic mess. Frequent, unskippable text message conversations filled with childish taunts and challenges disrupt the flow of gameplay. These messages often clash with the actual missions, creating a jarring disconnect. For example, the protagonist might challenge a “boss” character, only to be tasked with performing wheelies or jumps in the next mission.

Uninspired Combat and Collision Physics

The combat system is equally disappointing. Limited to left and right attacks, the fighting lacks impact and satisfaction. Successfully landing a hit simply knocks opponents down momentarily before they magically get back up and continue racing. The visceral thrill of sending opponents flying and watching them tumble across the road, a staple of Road Rash, is entirely absent.

The game’s collision physics are also bizarre. Even minor bumps can cause the player’s bike to explode, sending the rider ragdolling across the screen in an unnatural way. Bikes often defy physics, abruptly snapping back to an upright position after flying sideways. These issues are particularly noticeable with AI riders. Despite its age, Road Rash’s collision detection and ragdoll physics are significantly more refined.

A Bland Open World and Glimmers of Unreal Engine 4

Road Rage – Đánh Giá Game

Road Rage features an open world divided into four distinct areas, but each one is plagued by the same bland and lifeless aesthetic. The environments lack character and detail, with lifeless NPCs resembling puppets and buildings resembling cardboard boxes. The world is visually unappealing and offers little incentive for exploration.

Road Rage – Đánh Giá Game

Despite being built on Unreal Engine 4, Road Rage’s graphics are comparable to 2011’s Saints Row: The Third, which ran on older technology. However, the engine does manage to deliver some decent visual effects, albeit in small doses. These include reflections in puddles, sunlight filtering through trees, and passable explosions. These minor details are the only visual highlights in an otherwise underwhelming presentation.

Conclusion

Road Rage fails to recapture the spirit and excitement of Road Rash. Its stiff animations, convoluted story, uninspired combat, and bland open world make for a frustrating and ultimately disappointing experience. While the Unreal Engine 4 provides some minor visual flourishes, they are not enough to salvage the game. Road Rash fans hoping for a worthy successor will have to keep waiting.