Motor Raid

Road Rash may not have been the direct inspiration for Sega's newest driving simulation--but you wouldn't know it from playing this cycle-smashing racer. Road Rash is one of the most successful driving games ever released on the home systems for one simple reason: It's not just another driving sim.

Using sophisticated motorcycles, it has you racing with others using weapons such as chains, whips and clubs to smash your opponents and civilians along the way. Motor Raid borrows from the same idea: Use futuristic bikes that can go in excess of 300 mph and weapons such as lightsaber-like blades, maces, etc., to smash your opponents on your way to the finish line.

This game may only be on Model 2 hardware, but the graphics are incredible. The bikes themselves are beautifully rendered and the whole game has a very WipeOut feel about it. It's hard to even tell what the hell is going on at top speed, but believe it or not, you get used to it. Sega did an excellent job in putting you on the bike and keeping the twists and turns obvious enough to not make it impossible. The cabinet features a sit-down bike with buttons on the handlebars to control your weapons. You can also kick or punch if you don't have a weapon. Each character has his or her own stats, including speed, acceleration and attack. MR is an all-around entertaining racing game.