Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA (1998)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 5 minutes read

Summary

Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA (1998)

Introduction

Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA is a sequel to San Francisco Rush and the second game in the Rush series. Developed by Atari Games and published by Midway Games, it was released in arcades in 1998 and ported to the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Color in 1999. The game is notable for its high level of detail in the recreations of the various cities and states used, and for its fast arcade-style physics. The game also features a two-player mode and rumble pack support. Hidden shortcuts and jumps add to the replay value of the game.

Gameplay

Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA is an arcade-style racing game in which players race through various tracks based on real-world locations. The game features four different modes:

  • Single Race: Race against up to seven computer-controlled opponents on any of the game’s tracks.
  • Tournament: Compete in a series of races to earn points and unlock new tracks and cars.
  • Time Trial: Race against the clock to set the best possible time on any of the game’s tracks.
  • Stunt: Perform stunts to earn points and unlock new cars.

The game features a variety of different cars, each with its own unique handling characteristics. Players can also customize their cars with different paint jobs, wheels, and performance upgrades.

Tracks

Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA features a total of 12 tracks, each based on a different real-world location. The tracks are:

  • New York (Uptown): A race through the streets of New York City, featuring landmarks such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.
  • New York (Downtown): A race through the streets of New York City, featuring landmarks such as Times Square and the Brooklyn Bridge.
  • Hawaii: A race through the lush Hawaiian countryside, featuring waterfalls, volcanoes, and beaches.
  • Las Vegas: A race through the neon-lit streets of Las Vegas, featuring casinos, hotels, and the Las Vegas Strip.
  • San Francisco (Alcatraz): A race around Alcatraz Island, featuring the infamous prison and the Golden Gate Bridge.
  • Los Angeles: A race through the streets of Los Angeles, featuring landmarks such as the Hollywood sign and the Santa Monica Pier.
  • Seattle: A race through the streets of Seattle, featuring landmarks such as the Space Needle and the Pike Place Market.
  • Stunt: A track designed for performing stunts, featuring ramps, jumps, and obstacles.
  • Crash: A track designed for crashing into other cars, featuring obstacles and hazards.
  • Halfpipe: A track shaped like a halfpipe, featuring ramps and jumps.
  • Midway: A bonus track where players race through the offices of Midway Games.
  • Full Pipe: A bonus track that is unlocked after completing all of the other tracks.

Graphics

Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA features impressive graphics for its time. The game’s tracks are highly detailed and feature realistic textures and lighting. The cars are also well-modeled and feature realistic damage effects.

Sound

Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA features a pulse-pounding soundtrack that perfectly complements the game’s fast-paced gameplay. The game also features realistic sound effects, such as the roar of engines and the screech of tires.

Reception

Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and soundtrack. It was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

Legacy

Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA is considered to be one of the best arcade racing games of all time. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, detailed graphics, and catchy soundtrack have made it a fan favorite. The game has also been ported to a number of different platforms, including the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, and PlayStation 2.

Conclusion

Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA is a classic arcade racing game that still holds up today. The game’s fast-paced gameplay, detailed graphics, and catchy soundtrack make it a must-play for fans of racing games.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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