Death Rally (Classic)

Played this as a kid and somehow it’s still fun.

Fond memories of playing this with my father. He would race, and I did the guns (poorly).

One of my favorite games ever. Played this all the time back in the day. The fact you can get this for free is just amazing. Truly a classic!

ya know as far as Im concerned this is part of the greater Alan Wake/Control canon. Alright Im kidding - this game kicks all sorts of ass though. The MOST demoscene coded game I have ever played, it plays slick, it sounds like heaven and it's got Duke Nukem in it. Start off with a measly pittance of credit and stack the cash (and the bodies) to secure faster and meaner rides, more mines, spikes and whatever else you'll find yourself needing in a "totally not Death Race 2000" type experience. Pulls off exactly the type of game as advertised; but has more flavor and heart than you would expect. The best application of the top-down perspective for a racing title as far as I'm concerned as well. In between race bouts you can complete sub-objectives to get more cash or get an advantage. Maybe someone is impressed by your racing and you come out with a scratch-less ride? Well someone comes from the shadows to pass that cash along to YOU. That's the vibe that's going on here. Hell even the Grim Reaper will come out to shake your hand and take you to lunch if you send some customers his way. What's not to love? It's Twisted Metal (but good), in a top down form with some kickass tracker m…

Wonderful little game, much in the spirit of Radical Psycho Machine Racing, and Rock n' Roll Racing, and also Biker Mice from Mars for the SNes and many other wonderful 'fight racing' games that came after, probably inspired by this gem, like Carmageddon. Race in the track, earn cash, buy upgrades or better cars, sabotage your competitors with the help of the black-market, defeat the Duke, and lastly defeat the Adversary. A fun 5 hour* romp. *results may vary depending on your ability and difficulty setting.

Okay, where to start with this one? Well, for one, I hate racing games because they stress me out. Next, this game is older than sliced bread, which doesn't help make it very playable thirty years later. It's not very visually pleasing, and the game window doesn't even fit in my monitor correctly. I got this solely because I've been vastly impressed with Remedy Entertainment's output over the years, and I believe they're probably second only to Valve in terms of sheer quality. Death Rally, sadly, is a relic with virtually no attractive features. There's apparently a remaster, though I've got no idea what to expect with that. As for this oldie? It's a nice little time capsule, yes, but as for being something I would actually spend time on? Put it in reverse and hit the road.