San Francisco Rush 2049 (DC) (San Francisco Rush 2049 (DC))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	San Francisco Rush 2049 (DC)
Date:	16/10/09 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Graphics

Disadvantages: Some learning curve

"San Francisco Rush 2049" is a video game which was released for the Sega Dreamcast in 2000 by Midway. It is a racing title based on a freestanding arcade cabinet system of the same name. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" which deemed it appropriate for all ages.

San Francisco Rush has been a long standing series in racing games. It has been characterized by high speed, action packed ventures with an added sense of realism. 2049 is the third installment in the series and does not fail to uphold what is to be expected by the player. San Francisco Rush 2049 takes place in a futuristic urban setting and as with any racing title the objective is to travel from point A to point B in the shortest possible time. Aside from this, there is a strong emphasis on stunt performance. Each car is equipped with a vast wingspan which protrudes from the side of the vehicle at the player's command and allows the vehicle to twist, turn and otherwise flutter through the air. I did not immediately find any obvious use for stunt performance but the results are quite aesthetically pleasing. What I did find quite fun about this game are the frequent shortcuts, detours and other directions which a player can take on any given track. These hidden journeys almost seem critical to the gameplay experience as I found most detours to offer a visually differing experience from the rest of the track in play. It almost seemed as if I was going from one race course to another after gliding into a hidden section of the track.

The realism factor is present in San Francisco Rush 2049 but is also one of it's main downfalls. Due to the vehicles traveling at such high speeds, the turning mechanisms are difficult to control and this often resulted in my cars sliding and skidding their way through the course. The general feeling is quite stiff when first beginning the game but can be tamed after a steady learning curve. I also found the mid air flips and twists to be somewhat slow. Many times I would simply fall hood first onto the race course and receive a time penalty for ruining my vehicle. Stunts can be practiced in the appropriately named "stunt" mode prior to actual racing and this allows the player to become familiar with the speeds at which certain functions can be performed.

San Francisco Rush 2049 is a pleasing visual experience. The game boasts a very smooth framerate and I did not notice any obvious choppiness or lag. Each car boasts a unique, creative design and this is also seen in the course design. Each race track is well lit and boasts a range of buildings, lighting features and other decals which accent the quick pace of play. The soundtrack could be described as standard to what one may expect from a racing game. The sound effects dominate much of the track with the thick roar of engines and burning rubber. Quietly in the background rests an upbeat, lively techno based music track which provides a fun listen during periods of intense racing.

Overall, San Francisco Rush 2049 offers an exciting arcade port for the Sega Dreamcast console. It is a game which I would happily recommend to prospective buyers.

Summary: Thumbs up