Earache Extreme Metal Racing has probably touched the ears of gamers at some point this year. This PC, PS2 and PSP exclusive has jumped onto the gaming scene as an over-the-top battle-racer with music-inspired characters and themes. There’s ten different racers to choose from, ranging from Mortiis, Deicide, Morbid Angel, Akercocke, Decapitated, Biomechanical, Municipal Waste, The Berzerker, Linea 77, and Society 1. There’s also a handful of tracks and music specifically featured from the Earache label.
This budget-priced racing title is one of many being released during what many might consider as the current-gen finale. So the question on everyone’s mind is: how does it play? Quite well, actually. Pacing action and daring racing in an arcade simulation like this is a key factor for keeping the game fun and entertaining. Earache Metal Racing manages to toss some original elements into the fray that challenges players to some furious death racing. The one track available was a hellish underworld of sorts, with the walking (un)dead scattered throughout the race track. The key to wining the race, though, is through the undead.
Literally, players will drive over and mutilate zombies to activate a number of available specials. However, in the one track that was available, the specials were signified over the heads of a pack of zombies...running the zombies over activated the designated special. Honestly, the specials were a bit difficult to make out, however they ranged from speed boosts to lightning attacks. The dangerous part about the lightning special was that it could strike the person who picked it up...which happened to be me. I had a few other successes in blowing up my opponents by collecting the appropriate the special.
The way the game is setup, after knocking an opponent over or successfully blasting them to bits, they tip over and respawn. In addition to specials, each racer has a left and right vehicle melee attack. Getting close to opponents and pressing the appropriate attack button can render enemies immobile and tipped-over if the attack is executed correctly. It can be a bit tough, though, given that others are trying to run you off the road and you’re also trying to win the race. Actually, this game seems very reminiscent to the likes of an updated version of Road Rash.
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