Back in 2006, EA was exploring the idea of a new Road Rash game. Aside from the video evidence that surfaced back in late 2009, we now have some new concept art and mock-up pieces to ogle from Liverpool-based artist, Richard Cook -- after leaving EA, Cook spent a few years working with Bizarre Creations on The Club and Blood Stone.
Being back on the job market has brought some attention to Cook's portfolio; these pieces seem to suggest EA was aiming to have big environmental set pieces in the game (the tornado above and a speeding train are a few), with one piece of concept art in particular showing a branching path where players could potentially take different routes in a level.
Sadly, it looks like this is all we're going to see on this version of Road Rash. The project was canceled back in 2006 and the studio responsible, EA Warrington, has since been shuttered.
[Image credit: Richard Cook]
Reader Comments (34)
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 3:56PM Truant said
Oh. My. God.
I wish I never saw this. I'm mad at the world for not having this game in my possession right now.
I wish I never saw this. I'm mad at the world for not having this game in my possession right now.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:01PM (Unverified) said
I love Road Rash, I used to spend HOURS playing this game and all that new footage looked so effin' awesome! I really hope that they reconsider and bring this awesome title back!
Also, adding the code for the super bikes where you could jump your bike about a quarter mile down the track while turboing would be so sweet.
Also, adding the code for the super bikes where you could jump your bike about a quarter mile down the track while turboing would be so sweet.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:02PM DCGX said
Well damn.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:08PM InDurdenWeTrust said
Give it to Criterion!!!
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:23PM (Unverified) said
@InDurdenWeTrust
yes. They were GOLDEN, before EA took over their projects (see: Burnout franchise)
Reply
yes. They were GOLDEN, before EA took over their projects (see: Burnout franchise)
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:40PM InDurdenWeTrust said
@InDurdenWeTrust
I don't get all the hate for Hot Pursuit. I don't think it felt like a Burnout game but a Criterion game.
It's almost like Led Zepplin making a cover album of Abbey Road and us complaining it sounds too much like LedZep.
I'm not bashing your opinions, I'm just curious as to what you expected.
Reply
I don't get all the hate for Hot Pursuit. I don't think it felt like a Burnout game but a Criterion game.
It's almost like Led Zepplin making a cover album of Abbey Road and us complaining it sounds too much like LedZep.
I'm not bashing your opinions, I'm just curious as to what you expected.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:46PM DarthPaul said
@InDurdenWeTrust
Heh, a couple of Criterion folks moved from the Derby Office that I worked at when they shut it down only to have to go through the rigmarole of the redundancy process when Warrington shut down.
Still rate Criterion as a studio since I left, can't blame them for shutting us down, we were a bit of a waste of talent out on a limb from the rest of the company.
Reply
Heh, a couple of Criterion folks moved from the Derby Office that I worked at when they shut it down only to have to go through the rigmarole of the redundancy process when Warrington shut down.
Still rate Criterion as a studio since I left, can't blame them for shutting us down, we were a bit of a waste of talent out on a limb from the rest of the company.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:55PM Truant said
@InDurdenWeTrust
While you weren't talking to me, I didn't like Hot Pursuit. I wish it was more like Burnout or Need for Speed. Instead it straddles the line between the two and it just didn't click with me.
I've spent days playing both franchises and while they had very different styles of play, I was able to get a great feel for both. With Hot Pursuit I just don't feel as skilled when I make cool maneuvers as I did in Burnout or NFS... it feels like it's based on luck. Just my opinion.
Reply
While you weren't talking to me, I didn't like Hot Pursuit. I wish it was more like Burnout or Need for Speed. Instead it straddles the line between the two and it just didn't click with me.
I've spent days playing both franchises and while they had very different styles of play, I was able to get a great feel for both. With Hot Pursuit I just don't feel as skilled when I make cool maneuvers as I did in Burnout or NFS... it feels like it's based on luck. Just my opinion.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 5:30PM DrMacTavish said
@InDurdenWeTrust Yeah! I would love to see what Criterion can do with full game dedicated to bikes!
Reply
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 7:24PM maveric101 said
@InDurdenWeTrust
personally, i just wanted an HD remake of the PS2 version of Hot Pursuit 2 (or something very close). all the extra powers and abilities they added are kinda silly. HP2, racers didn't have any abilities; you relied on your driving ability to win. cops only had boost, spike strips, and choppers.
the feel of the game is pretty good though.
Reply
personally, i just wanted an HD remake of the PS2 version of Hot Pursuit 2 (or something very close). all the extra powers and abilities they added are kinda silly. HP2, racers didn't have any abilities; you relied on your driving ability to win. cops only had boost, spike strips, and choppers.
the feel of the game is pretty good though.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:11PM Shockwave said
Good ol' memories on my Saturn. A new one would be very welcome.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:12PM AmethystHarp said
Sure, this was cancelled a long time ago, but this would be awesome, no doubt about it...
I'm just mad about EA and it's recent decisions...
I'm just mad about EA and it's recent decisions...
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:16PM handlas said
Ah..Road Rash is horrible 2D graphics with rock songs and crappy live-action cutscenes. That is the charm. Without that, it's not Road Rash. And I imagine no studio would make a game like that again...closest game that is actually good that is a modern day Road Rash is Motorstorm.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:19PM HybridPara said
....My god I didn't know this was a thing and i wish I didn't. Such a deep pit of sadness inside of me right now
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:21PM (Unverified) said
Road Rash (ps2) is on my all-time vidgame list.
while i would very much like a remake. I don't want it to be made by EA. (see: Burnout, Hot Pursuit, Shift). When it involves driving games, what they make turns to garbage.
incidentally, i LOVED Burnout. Before EA took over the franchise and introduced 'take downs'.
while i would very much like a remake. I don't want it to be made by EA. (see: Burnout, Hot Pursuit, Shift). When it involves driving games, what they make turns to garbage.
incidentally, i LOVED Burnout. Before EA took over the franchise and introduced 'take downs'.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:51PM (Unverified) said
@skeldare
yes. Was thinking PS1 and typed PS2 instead...
Reply
yes. Was thinking PS1 and typed PS2 instead...
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:55PM (Unverified) said
@DarthPaul
my point is, Burnout 2 was the best game in the franchise (no 'Take Downs' etc.). Then EA entered the picture, and the franchise went downhill...
Reply
my point is, Burnout 2 was the best game in the franchise (no 'Take Downs' etc.). Then EA entered the picture, and the franchise went downhill...
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:32PM Haon said
Gimmee. Ive been waiting long enough. Need more infinite boost bike from RR2 (wildthing 2000)
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:35PM ThePunisher138 said
why do you tease me?! I've been waiing forever for a new Road Rash!!!
Posted: Feb 23rd 2011 7:39PM monkeyontherun4 said
@YourMomsLover
well i loved getting the pipe and hearing the *Tink* sound and then the other bike would flip 500 times.... just pure awesome
Reply
well i loved getting the pipe and hearing the *Tink* sound and then the other bike would flip 500 times.... just pure awesome
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 4:56PM (Unverified) said
@kgoo867
agreed. I no longer trust Criterion.
too bad, they were excellent until EA became their 'handlers'
agreed. I no longer trust Criterion.
too bad, they were excellent until EA became their 'handlers'
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 5:13PM Adhesive said
Fond 3do memories
* pours out a 40
* pours out a 40
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 5:42PM Unreal Armos said
If Duke Nukem Forever can see the light of day...
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 5:51PM Gooblechev said
I think there's a chance we could see a new Road Rash, if this keeps getting attention.
I'd be all over that. The original was the poop, man.
I'd be all over that. The original was the poop, man.
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 6:08PM kamikazebubble said
Wasn't there a rumor going around like 2 years ago that Skid Row was doing the music for a new Road Rash game?
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 6:47PM Fuzunga said
Step 1: Studio closes
Step 2: Concepts and demos released of cancelled/in development games
Step 3: New Studio forms from the ashes, announces awesome projects
Step 4: Tears dry away and everything is happy again
Step 2: Concepts and demos released of cancelled/in development games
Step 3: New Studio forms from the ashes, announces awesome projects
Step 4: Tears dry away and everything is happy again
Posted: Feb 22nd 2011 7:08PM StormEagle said
OUTSHINED OUTSHINED OUTSHINED!
Posted: Feb 23rd 2011 11:50AM ThePunisher138 said
RUSTY CAGE!!!!!
Posted: Feb 23rd 2011 2:23PM SWGooner said
It just has to happen!
An HD XBLA/PSN update of any of the originals will do for a start. It worked a charm on SFII.
An HD XBLA/PSN update of any of the originals will do for a start. It worked a charm on SFII.
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