Red Asphalt is another high speed shoot 'em up on wheels. Most of what you'll
see here has been done before. However, Interplay may have found a better way
to do it.
You begin by selecting a character for your alter ego. The choices are:
Motormouth, Thula Crimstone, Jackal, Junkyard, Hiroki and Jack Bloodwheel.
The character's have 3 different abilities: Driving, Tactical and Aggression.
Each character has his/her own strengths and weaknesses. Doing well in a race
earns you Experience Points to improve the character's skills.
There are 6 racing cars available. You're strapped for cash so you'll have to
buy a low end car. The screen for each car contains data and a commercial
that's worth watching. You earn cash which can be used to buy a better car,
or to upgrade the one you're driving.
Upgrades for the car includes: Armor, Engine, Nitro, Offensive/Defensive
Weapons, Tires and Suspension.
The Options screen has 3 difficulty settings: Sissy Boy, Veteran and Death
Wish.
You must place in the top 3 to earn: Cash, Experience Points, and Chaos
Points. There are power-ups including cash bonuses on the tracks. In order
to move on to the next world you must earn a set amount of Chaos Points.
There are 6 races on each of the 4 imaginative worlds. You'll race through
the streets of Los Angeles, mine shafts, a city that resembles an amusement
park and other interesting locales. Successfully finish in the 4 worlds and
you advance to a "winner takes all" death match in the 5th and final world.
The graphics are exceptional for a racer. The scenery and objects are
beautifully rendered. You can race from behind your car or in the drivers
seat. Visibility is good without any clipping or pop ups. Objects do not
break apart up close. There are a lot of FMVs which are very good. On the
down side, there are occasional white seams on the track.
The special effects are very good. The voice acting is above average and
entertaining. There are 9 rocking tracks of enjoyable music to compliment the
races.
Red Asphalt supports the neGcon controller. Using the neGcon to play this
game was outstanding. The movement was precise and the steering was accurate.
Playing with a digital controller was OK.
The manual is above average. The innovative Main Menu is easy to use. The
learning curve is low.
Red Asphalt contains the right combination of racing thrills and explosive
action. The races are challenging and will test your driving, strategy and
shooting skills. The game is fun and addictive.
The Replay Value is high due to the variety of characters and cars.
BOTTOM LINE: If you're looking for a fun racer with fire power, Red Asphalt
is the game for you. Definitely worth buying. At least rent this one and
check it out for yourself.
Graphics: 8.8
Sound: 8.5
Learning Curve: Low
Difficulty: Moderate to High
Control: 9
Manual: Very Good
Replay Value: High
FINAL SCORE: 88
