Rock N� Roll Racing is an exciting racing game released for the Super Nintendo (also re-released later for the Game Boy Advance) in 1993. It was developed by Silicon & Synapse (now known as Blizzard Entertainment, yes THAT Blizzard Entertainment). The game was originally created as a sequel to the Super Nintendo game RPM Racing, but the title of the game was changed to Rock N� Roll Racing after the developers gained the license to rock n� roll music to insert into the game. Some musicians whose music was signed to this game include Ozzy Osbourne, Steppenwolf, and Deep Purple.
The title is essentially an arcade racer: four cars per race, each with their own set of power-ups. There are different classes of cars to progress to throughout the game, each with their own unique set of power-ups. Although the powers are unique, every vehicle follows the same structural formula for powers: one boost, one attack, and one mine. The further you progress through the game, the stronger the power-ups get: the first vehicles have a jump as a boost, a small missile as the attack, and the mine does no damage to the enemy, it simply attempts to spin them out; some vehicles later in the game contain a nitro boost, a large rocket, and a deadly explosive mine. The vehicles in the game are upgradable: the armor can be fortified, the number of power-ups your racer is allowed per lap can be increased, and it can be repainted at any time.
There are different racers to choose from at the start of the game, including Ivanzypher, Snake Sanders, and more, each of which is from a different home planet and have their own unique pair of +1 additions to racing skills such as acceleration or cornering. In single player mode, Rip and Shred are always two of the three people racing against you, with the third spot being replaced by the current world�s boss (such as Ragewortt or Viper Mackay).
Graphics: 8/10
The graphics in this game are bright and colorful. The look great on the screen, and the cars smoke to let the racer and the other drivers know if a car is about to explode.
Gameplay: 8.5/10
The gameplay formula is simple: Win the race and destroy anyone who attempts to get in your way. Although this formula is so simple, this game does it great.
Sound: 9/10
The music in this game is great: who doesn�t want to listen to Ozzy Osbourne, Steppenwolf, and Deep Purple while competing in a race (especially when this game was first released in 1993). The race has plenty of sound effects to let you know when your car or another driver�s car is ready to explode, and it keeps the player informed on who is falling further behind or leading the race.
Replayability: 8/10
The replay value in this game is fairly high, because it is so addicting to play. The reason it wasn�t scored higher is that there are only a few different tracks to race on in each world, so the player will find themselves racing around the same track a few times each before advancing to the next world.
Overall: 8.5/10