Rush (video game series)
Encyclopedia
Rush is a series of racing game
video games developed by American based company Atari Games
and published by Atari Games
and Midway Games
for the Home Consoles. The series debuted worldwide in 1996. Initially, the series was exclusive to the fifth generation consoles
and was brought back later in the sixth-generation
video game consoles by 2006. The games consist mainly of racing with various cars on various tracks, and to some extent, including stunts in races. Since L.A. Rush
the series has adopted its street racing
atmosphere.
phase.
in 1997. This included 3 additional cars (bringing the total to 11) and four additional tracks (bringing the total to 7; 1 of these tracks was hidden). The game also included new shortcuts that were not in the arcade's original three tracks. Within the game's 6th track is a hidden stunt track. Several months after the game's release, there were rumors about a bonus "Alcatraz Track" hidden within the game. Via a special code, or through such hardware like Gameshark
, an unfinished version of the Alcatraz track could be unlocked within the game. The developers of the game later revealed, via interviews with IGN
, that the track was originally to be included in the final release, but was cancelled by the publisher. Instead, the developers decided to hide the track within the game, rather than completely delete it. The version plays like a beta, with many textures unfinished on the track. The finalized version of the track was eventually released in Rush 2 for the Nintendo 64.
version of San Francisco Rush). Like the last home game, new cars are unlocked by collecting keys but now Mountain Dew
cans are also featured. Rush 2 includes every car that was used in its predecessors and includes several more (both hidden and default) that are new to Rush.
, which replace keys when unlocking new cars. Two rarer versions of Rush 2049 exist: SF Rush 2049 TE and SF Rush 2049 SE, which stand for "Tournament Edition" and "Special Edition", respectively. These games featured 2 additional tracks and a number of additional cars, as well as bug fixes (mostly to eliminate certain dubious racing practices). The SE version was produced by Betson Enterprises and released in 2003.
with major changes. The Alcatraz track from the arcade is scrapped in favor of the return of the stunt track concept from Rush 2 (4 tracks this time) and 2 other brand new modes of play: "battle" and "obstacle". The game includes 3 new race tracks and features 8 battle arenas and 1 obstacle course. Also new this time is the addition of wing
s in the home version, which players can use to stabilize their cars during airtime or to pull off amazing tricks in the stunt mode. Also as a hidden bonus, on track 2 there is a small stunt room hidden within a loop. Though it is mainly just directional boost pads with two or three coins hidden inside. it was a possible homage to the hidden stunt track from the first game.
, by the movie The Fast and the Furious
, and other copycat video games and movies. In another series first the game now uses licensed cars, rather than knock-offs. In the time between the release of San Francisco Rush 2049
and L.A. Rush
, a semi-sequel to San Francisco Rush 2049 was attempted. The game was to be called Hot Rod Rebels
, but unfortunately the project was canceled.
The Midway Arcade Treasures 3
compilation released for the GameCube, PS2, and Xbox in 2005 contains ports of San Francisco Rush The Rock: Alcatraz Edition and the Dreamcast version of San Francisco Rush 2049. The 2006 PC-only Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition
compilation also includes those ports.
Racing
A sport race is a competition of speed, against an objective criterion, usually a clock or to a specific point. The competitors in a race try to complete a given task in the shortest amount of time...
video games developed by American based company Atari Games
Atari Games
Atari Games Corporation was an American producer of arcade games, and originally part of Atari, Inc..-History:When, in 1984, Warner Communications sold the Atari Consumer division of Atari Inc...
and published by Atari Games
Atari Games
Atari Games Corporation was an American producer of arcade games, and originally part of Atari, Inc..-History:When, in 1984, Warner Communications sold the Atari Consumer division of Atari Inc...
and Midway Games
Midway Games
Midway Games, Inc. is an American company that was formerly a major video game publisher. Following a bankruptcy filing in 2009, it is no longer active and is in the process of liquidating all of its assets. Midway's titles included Mortal Kombat, Ms.Pac-Man, Spy Hunter, Tron, Rampage, the...
for the Home Consoles. The series debuted worldwide in 1996. Initially, the series was exclusive to the fifth generation consoles
History of video game consoles (fifth generation)
The fifth-generation era refers to the computer and video games, video game consoles, and video game handhelds available at stores...
and was brought back later in the sixth-generation
History of video game consoles (sixth generation)
The sixth-generation era refers to the computer and video games, video game consoles, and video game handhelds available at the turn of the 21st century. Platforms of the sixth generation include the Sega Dreamcast, Sony PlayStation 2, Nintendo GameCube, and Microsoft Xbox...
video game consoles by 2006. The games consist mainly of racing with various cars on various tracks, and to some extent, including stunts in races. Since L.A. Rush
L.A. Rush
L.A. Rush is the 4th installment in the Rush series of video games. It was released in North America for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles on October 10, 2005 and on October 21 in Europe. The PC version was released on November 4 in Europe. PlayStation Portable version was released on October 30,...
the series has adopted its street racing
Street racing
Street racing is a form of unsanctioned and illegal motor racing which takes place on public roads. Street racing can either be spontaneous or well-planned and coordinated. Well coordinated races are planned in advance and often have people communicating via 2-way radio/citizens' band radio and...
atmosphere.
Rush Series
The evolution of Rush is a gradual process in which each installment builds slightly upon the last. There are essentially two different phases in this evolution--the San Francisco phase and the L.A.Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
phase.
San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing
The original San Francisco Rush was released in 1996 in the arcades and included 3 tracks and 8 cars.San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing (Home Version)
The original arcade version was followed by the home version for the Nintendo 64Nintendo 64
The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
in 1997. This included 3 additional cars (bringing the total to 11) and four additional tracks (bringing the total to 7; 1 of these tracks was hidden). The game also included new shortcuts that were not in the arcade's original three tracks. Within the game's 6th track is a hidden stunt track. Several months after the game's release, there were rumors about a bonus "Alcatraz Track" hidden within the game. Via a special code, or through such hardware like Gameshark
GameShark
GameShark is the brand name of a line of video game cheat cartridges and other products for a variety of console video game systems and Windows based computers. Currently, the brand name is owned by Mad Catz, who actively markets GameShark products for the PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo, and Sega game...
, an unfinished version of the Alcatraz track could be unlocked within the game. The developers of the game later revealed, via interviews with IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
, that the track was originally to be included in the final release, but was cancelled by the publisher. Instead, the developers decided to hide the track within the game, rather than completely delete it. The version plays like a beta, with many textures unfinished on the track. The finalized version of the track was eventually released in Rush 2 for the Nintendo 64.
San Francisco Rush The Rock: Alcatraz Edition
Also released in 1997, San Francisco Rush The Rock: Alcatraz Edition included the 4 new tracks from the home version and added additional shortcuts to them all. 1 car from the home version of San Francisco Rush was not included. However, the game introduced several new cars which were also included in the next Rush game.Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA
Rush 2 was released in 1998 on the Nintendo 64. Although this game only has one track that is featured in it that's in San Francisco (Alcatraz), this still belongs in the same category as the others. This is the first game in the series that doesn't include the core 3 tracks from the original San Francisco Rush, and the first, and only, that includes multiple cities to race in. It is also the first Rush game to have a proper stunt track (rather than the hidden stunt track in the Nintendo 64Nintendo 64
The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
version of San Francisco Rush). Like the last home game, new cars are unlocked by collecting keys but now Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew
Mountain Dew is a citrus-flavored carbonated soft drink brand produced and owned by PepsiCo. The original formula was invented in the 1940s by Tennessee beverage bottlers Barney and Ally Hartman and was first marketed in Marion, VA, Knoxville and Johnson City, Tennessee. A revised formula was...
cans are also featured. Rush 2 includes every car that was used in its predecessors and includes several more (both hidden and default) that are new to Rush.
San Francisco Rush 2049
Rush returns to San Francisco when San Francisco Rush 2049 was released in arcades in 1999. It features 3 all-new tracks as well as a returning track, Alcatraz, re-invented for the future. Unlike Rush 2, Rush 2049 does not carry over cars from the previous game. Except for two returning cars, all cars in this game are new. Also new is Rush 2049 uses coinsCOinS
ContextObjects in Spans, commonly abbreviated COinS, is a method to embed bibliographic metadata in the HTML code of web pages. This allows bibliographic software to publish machine-readable bibliographic items and client reference management software to retrieve bibliographic metadata. The...
, which replace keys when unlocking new cars. Two rarer versions of Rush 2049 exist: SF Rush 2049 TE and SF Rush 2049 SE, which stand for "Tournament Edition" and "Special Edition", respectively. These games featured 2 additional tracks and a number of additional cars, as well as bug fixes (mostly to eliminate certain dubious racing practices). The SE version was produced by Betson Enterprises and released in 2003.
San Francisco Rush 2049 (Home Version)
The home version of San Francisco Rush 2049 was released in 2000 for the Dreamcast and Nintendo 64Nintendo 64
The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
with major changes. The Alcatraz track from the arcade is scrapped in favor of the return of the stunt track concept from Rush 2 (4 tracks this time) and 2 other brand new modes of play: "battle" and "obstacle". The game includes 3 new race tracks and features 8 battle arenas and 1 obstacle course. Also new this time is the addition of wing
Wing
A wing is an appendage with a surface that produces lift for flight or propulsion through the atmosphere, or through another gaseous or liquid fluid...
s in the home version, which players can use to stabilize their cars during airtime or to pull off amazing tricks in the stunt mode. Also as a hidden bonus, on track 2 there is a small stunt room hidden within a loop. Though it is mainly just directional boost pads with two or three coins hidden inside. it was a possible homage to the hidden stunt track from the first game.
L.A. Phase
On August 25th, 2004, Midway Games announced the arrival of a long-awaited new Rush game, L.A. Rush which is so different from its predecessors that it is no longer an evolution of a previous game; it is a whole new start. First of all, this game is wide-open; no longer does the game include "tracks" but now racers are free to roam the city of L.A. Secondly, the game has a story (which no previous Rush game had) centering on urban street racing culture made famous by the videogame Midnight Club: Street RacingMidnight Club: Street Racing
Midnight Club: Street Racing is a racing arcade game, developed by Angel Studios and published by Rockstar Games. The game focuses on competitive street racing and the import scene, later popularised by The Fast and the Furious movies...
, by the movie The Fast and the Furious
The Fast and the Furious (2001 film)
The Fast and the Furious is a 2001 street racing action film starring Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster. Directed by Rob Cohen, The Fast and the Furious was the first mainstream film to feature the Asian automotive import scene in North America. It is the first film...
, and other copycat video games and movies. In another series first the game now uses licensed cars, rather than knock-offs. In the time between the release of San Francisco Rush 2049
San Francisco Rush 2049
San Francisco Rush 2049 is a racing video game developed by Atari Games and published by Midway Games for the Arcade, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, and Dreamcast. It was released on September 7, 2000 in North America, and November 17, 2000 in Europe....
and L.A. Rush
L.A. Rush
L.A. Rush is the 4th installment in the Rush series of video games. It was released in North America for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles on October 10, 2005 and on October 21 in Europe. The PC version was released on November 4 in Europe. PlayStation Portable version was released on October 30,...
, a semi-sequel to San Francisco Rush 2049 was attempted. The game was to be called Hot Rod Rebels
Hot Rod Rebels
Hot Rod Rebels is the unpublished sequel to San Francisco Rush 2049 coin-op. It was being developed by Atari Games/Midway Games West when investors from parent company Midway Games decided to pull the plug on all coin-op development company-wide...
, but unfortunately the project was canceled.
Games
- San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing (ArcadeArcade gameAn arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
- 1996) - San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing (Nintendo 64Nintendo 64The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
- 1997) - San Francisco Rush The Rock: Alcatraz Edition (ArcadeArcade gameAn arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
- 1997) - San Francisco Rush: WaveNet (Online ArcadeArcade gameAn arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
- 1998) - San Francisco Rush: Extreme Racing (PlayStationPlayStationThe is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
- 1998) - Rush 2: Extreme Racing USARush 2: Extreme Racing USARush 2: Extreme Racing USA is a racing video game developed by Atari Games and published by Midway Games for the Nintendo 64 video game console. It was released on November 10, 1998 in North America, and February 10, 1999 in Europe....
(Nintendo 64Nintendo 64The , often referred to as N64, was Nintendo′s third home video game console for the international market. Named for its 64-bit CPU, it was released in June 1996 in Japan, September 1996 in North America, March 1997 in Europe and Australia, September 1997 in France and December 1997 in Brazil...
- 1998) - San Francisco Rush 2049San Francisco Rush 2049San Francisco Rush 2049 is a racing video game developed by Atari Games and published by Midway Games for the Arcade, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, and Dreamcast. It was released on September 7, 2000 in North America, and November 17, 2000 in Europe....
(ArcadeArcade gameAn arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
- 1999) - San Francisco Rush 2049 (Dreamcast and Nintendo 64 - 2000)
- San Francisco Rush 2049 (Game Boy ColorGame Boy ColorThe is Nintendo's successor to the 8-bit Game Boy handheld game console, and was released on October 21, 1998 in Japan, November 19, 1998 in North America, November 23, 1998 in Europe and November 27, 1998 in the United Kingdom. It features a color screen and is slightly thicker and taller than...
- 2000) - San Francisco Rush 2049 (PCPersonal computerA personal computer is any general-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and original sales price make it useful for individuals, and which is intended to be operated directly by an end-user with no intervening computer operator...
emulationEmulatorIn computing, an emulator is hardware or software or both that duplicates the functions of a first computer system in a different second computer system, so that the behavior of the second system closely resembles the behavior of the first system...
- 2007) - L.A. RushL.A. RushL.A. Rush is the 4th installment in the Rush series of video games. It was released in North America for the PlayStation 2 and Xbox consoles on October 10, 2005 and on October 21 in Europe. The PC version was released on November 4 in Europe. PlayStation Portable version was released on October 30,...
(PlayStation 2PlayStation 2The PlayStation 2 is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Sony as part of the PlayStation series. Its development was announced in March 1999 and it was first released on March 4, 2000, in Japan...
, XboxXboxThe Xbox is a sixth-generation video game console manufactured by Microsoft. It was released on November 15, 2001 in North America, February 22, 2002 in Japan, and March 14, 2002 in Australia and Europe and is the predecessor to the Xbox 360. It was Microsoft's first foray into the gaming console...
, PC - 2005) - Rush (PlayStation PortablePlayStation PortableThe is a handheld game console manufactured and marketed by Sony Corporation Development of the console was announced during E3 2003, and it was unveiled on , 2004, at a Sony press conference before E3 2004...
- 2006)
The Midway Arcade Treasures 3
Midway Arcade Treasures 3
Midway Arcade Treasures 3 is a compilation of arcade and racing games for the PlayStation 2, Xbox and Nintendo GameCube. It is the third and final installment following Midway Arcade Treasures and Midway Arcade Treasures 2.-Games:...
compilation released for the GameCube, PS2, and Xbox in 2005 contains ports of San Francisco Rush The Rock: Alcatraz Edition and the Dreamcast version of San Francisco Rush 2049. The 2006 PC-only Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition
Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition
Midway Arcade Treasures Deluxe Edition is an arcade compilation released exclusively for the PC on February 17, 2006 in North America, and on March 17, 2006 in PAL regions. It is a compilation of Midway Arcade Treasures 2 and Midway Arcade Treasures 3, which had both been previously released on...
compilation also includes those ports.