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Rock n' Roll Racing is a video game that combines racing with vehicular combat. It was created by Silicon & Synapse, which is now known as Blizzard Entertainment, and was released by Interplay Productions in 1993 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment/Super Famicom, and in 1994 for the Sega Mega Drive/Genesis.

Surprisingly, aside from being a good, racing action game, this features a number of popular heavy metal and rock songs in its soundtrack. You would have been living in the Steam Age if you haven't heard most of these songs.

Super Famicom box cover art for Japan. (Image source)

The Story

In this game, you choose your car, driver, and weapons, and then compete against other drivers on the track. The action is fast-paced and intense, with music blaring and engines roaring as you try to outmaneuver your opponents. To gain an advantage, you can use weapons like laser cannons and cluster bombs to take out the competition and come out on top. The other drivers are just as determined to win, and will stop at nothing to make sure you don't cross the finish line first.

Box, manual and cartridge of the game. (Image source)

The Graphics and Sound

While the graphics in this game may not be on par with some other games for the SNES, they serve their purpose well. The game features basic graphics for the tracks, different car designs, pilots' faces, and some SNES Mode 7 animations, as well as some explosion effects. However, while the graphics may not be the most impressive aspect of the game, they are not so terrible that they detract from the overall experience. They simply do what they need to do in order to make the game enjoyable for players.

As you race and defeat your opponents in the game, you'll enjoy listening to some great tracks from artists like Steppenwolf and Deep Purple! The music is well-suited for the SNES sound processor and adds to the excitement of the game. However, after a while, the songs will start to repeat over and over, so it's a good idea to take breaks while playing to avoid getting annoyed.

The sound effects in the game are not particularly remarkable. Additionally, while you're racing, Larry, the race announcer, will keep you informed about your status as well as that of your opponents.

https://youtu.be/55Pk2qNVvKk Gameplay video sample of Rock N' Roll Racing. Watch in 360p for near TV resolution of that time.

The Gameplay

In Rock n' Roll Racing, you'll be competing against three rivals on various planets. By winning a race, you'll earn $10,000, while destroying an opponent can fetch you $1,000. Additionally, achieving the best lap time can earn you a nice amount of cash. You can then use the money to purchase new weapons like missiles, mines, and turbos, or upgrade your car's tires, protection, engine, and suspension, or even buy a new vehicle altogether.

The game is easy to play, and driving your car and taking down your opponents is a lot of fun. Just don't expect a great simulation experience, as it's an off-road game that requires you to steer your vehicle in the right direction and floor the gas pedal.

The replay value is decent. The game is entertaining and enjoyable at first, but it can become monotonous after reaching the second planet. However, on the most challenging setting, the game becomes more fun as opponents try to shoot you. It's still amusing to play with friends, but after a few months, you may get bored and stop playing for a while.

My Verdict

There are numerous racing games available, but Rock n' Roll Racing still stands out from many of them. The game's good music, responsive controls, car upgrade system, ease of play, and enjoyable combat mechanics are some of the reasons for this. However, in terms of realism and simulation, it's just like any other racing game.

Play it on the Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a damn good emulator.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!