Games Gone By - Road Rage

Does anybody remember Road Rage? The madness in getting onto your pixelated motorbike and zooming through vast valleys and cities in a chain whipping, leg hurtling frenzy of a race.

What makes the game so memorable for me:

- The characters. Each biker has its own character, its own traits and its own personality. This fills the game with more depth and makes it somewhat more satisfying when you beat them (sometimes literally off their bikes).

- The music. The background music is very memorable and it lends well to the fast paced nature of the gameplay.

- A linear game with multiple choices. Should you take the motorway or nip through the valleys? Should you turn left or right? What seems a standard thing now, was so new back then. Ultimately a linear experience has the feel of something more, just with little additions like this.

- The locations. They are varied and each is unique. Napa valley is my favourite.

The game just didn't take itself so seriously and I think we lack that in games developed these days. Basic, straight forward fun!