DESCRIPTION

Electronic Arts' motorcycle racing series makes its PlayStation debut with digitized graphics, a licensed soundtrack, and full-motion video cut-scenes. The fourth entry in the franchise continues the point-to-point racing format of the Genesis games, with players knocking out rivals with fists, boots, or even pilfered weapons. Two play options are available to rambunctious riders: Thrash Mode and Big Game Mode. The former lets players enter a single race on their choice of courses and difficulty levels, while the latter is structured like a career. Big Game Mode involves selecting one of eight colorful characters and competing in a total of 25 races on five Californian courses: Sierra Nevada, Napa Valley, Peninsula, The City, and Pacific Highway.

After selecting a character, players interact with competing drivers in a biker bar before hitting the open road. The goal is to finish third or better in each of the five courses to earn cash and to open up the next tier of competition. While each tier in Big Game Mode features the same five courses, all have varying lengths, traffic density, and police presence. Cash earned from winning races can be used to purchase new bikes or to pay fines from being "arrested" by police. A total of 15 bikes are included, each individually rated in speed, acceleration, and handling. The soundtrack features alternative rock bands Soundgarden, Paw, Hammerbox, Therapy?, Monster Magnet, and Swervedriver. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide