

Making a welcome addition to the home version, all of the game's cars boast retractable wings, which give the stunt factor a shot in the arm by making it possible to control a vehicle's trajectory in the air. Rush 2049's emphasis is just where it should be in the areas of mad, arcade racing, high-flying stunts, and convoluted shortcuts.

While pure racing is definitely possible - and not to mention quite enjoyable - playing an SF Rush game without attempting to take advantage of the ludicrous jumps and tempting shortcuts would equate to cheating yourself out of 60 percent of the Rush experience. In a nutshell, the series is known for its uniquely "arcade" take on the pursuit of auto racing, characterized by an almost platformer-like emphasis on shortcuts and secret paths and high-flying stunt-capable vehicles. Those new to the San Francisco Rush series will find 2049 an ideal point from which to begin. Featuring a complete and functional version of the arcade game, plus a smattering of extra modes, Rush 2049's package is definitely the one to emulate.

Seldom missing a beat when compared with its cabinet-bound counterpart, Rush 2049 is the ideal home port of an arcade game. Midway's Dreamcast port of San Francisco Rush 2049 - the latest installment in its San Francisco Rush series - looks and plays simply marvelously.
