Is this Road Rash, the game also known as Violent Motorcycle Racing?
Yes. The correct English title is Road Rash. This page covers the 1996 Windows PC release built around motorcycle road racing and combat with rival riders.
Road Rash (1996 Windows PC)
This is Road Rash, the 1996 Windows PC motorcycle racing and vehicular-combat game remembered for illegal road races, traffic, police chases, and fights with rival riders. Use this guide to distinguish the Windows release from the DOS label, learn its original keyboard controls, and plan a run through Thrash or Big Game mode.
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Overview
Electronic Arts released this Windows 95 conversion in 1996 after the same generation of Road Rash appeared on 3DO, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn. It is a Windows PC game, even though the browser wrapper and this route still carry a DOS label.
Thrash Mode is the quick-race option: choose a track and get to the starting grid without campaign management. Big Game Mode adds progression, cash, bike purchases, repairs, police fines, and the need to place high enough to advance.
Racing and fighting share the same road. You must steer through civilian traffic and roadside hazards while watching nearby riders, then use punches, backhands, kicks, or a stolen weapon without losing the line through the next corner. A wreck costs time and can damage the bike; an arrest costs money.
Cheat Codes
1996 Windows PC version: XYZZY cheat mode: During a race, type XYZZY to enable cheat mode. Then type THWACK! for a chain, K'THUNK! for a club, SPOON! to refill nitrous, BRIBE to remove the police officer, DRIP!DRIP! to refill the oil meter, or PLUGH to disable the cheats.
Controls
- Original PC: Left / Right arrows
- Steer left or right; use Home and Page Up when you need a stronger left or right lean
- Original PC: Up / Down arrows
- Accelerate or brake
- Original PC: Insert
- Punch, use a held weapon, or grab a weapon from the nearest opponent
- Original PC: Space / Enter
- Throw a backhand punch or kick the nearest opponent
- Original PC: N / D
- Trigger a nitrous burst on a nitro-equipped bike or dismount
Before you play
- Use Thrash Mode to learn a track before risking campaign cash in Big Game Mode. The quickest bike is not useful if an unfamiliar corner sends it into traffic or off the road.
- Stay near a predictable lane line and look beyond the rider directly ahead. Oncoming cars and roadside obstacles punish late swerves more severely than giving up one attack opportunity.
- Attack only when a rival is level with the bike and the road ahead is readable. Insert is the direct punch or weapon action; Enter gives the kick more reach but can pull attention away from steering.
- Keep a cash reserve after buying or upgrading a bike. Repair bills and police fines can turn one bad race into a stalled Big Game campaign.
Known limitations
- The play screen and URL may still show a DOS wrapper label, but this package is the 1996 Windows 95 release of Road Rash.
FAQ
Is the 1996 version of Road Rash a DOS game?
No. The 1996 PC release was made for Windows 95. The browser package runs inside a DOS-style emulator wrapper, which explains the DOS label without changing the original platform.
What is the difference between Thrash Mode and Big Game Mode?
Thrash Mode starts a quick race with minimal setup. Big Game Mode is the progression campaign, where results, cash, motorcycles, repairs, and police fines carry forward.
What are the default Road Rash PC controls?
The original defaults use the arrow keys for steering, acceleration, and braking; Home and Page Up for leaning; Insert for punching or weapons; Space for a backhand; and Enter for a kick.
How do Road Rash cheats work on the 1996 PC version?
During a race, type XYZZY first. You can then enter codes such as THWACK! for a chain, K'THUNK! for a club, or SPOON! for nitrous.
