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Road Rash for the Game Boy came out in 1996, published by THQ. It was one of those portable attempts to bring a chaotic, combat-heavy racing experience to the small screen during an era when handhelds were really stretching what they could do. You got the sense they were trying to pack a lot of attitude into that little cartridge.

You control a motorcycle racer, weaving through traffic on narrow roads while trying to knock other riders off their bikes with weapons like clubs or chains. The main goal is to finish each race in the top three to advance and earn cash for better bikes. Signature mechanics include the side-on perspective that scrolls by screen, the close-quarters weapon combat mid-race, and the management of your bike's condition and speed. The pacing is frantic, and the difficulty can be unforgiving, especially with the limited view ahead. It feels scrappy and unpredictable, a game where every finish line crossed is a relief.