1990 · Sega AM2 · Racing · Simulation

Rad Mobile

Sega console exclusive

Rad Mobile is a first person perspective racer and had the player engage into a non-stop road race across the USA while avoiding traffic and police cars under the time limit. The only player controlled car is a Ferrari 330 P4 type prototype racing against computer controlled opponents driving generic cars. The player would race with fifteen other rivals across the track, all attempting to prevent the player from winning. During some of the courses the player would have the opportunity to activate different controls, which include headlights for night driving and windshield wipers during rainstorms. If the player does not activate these controls when prompted, effects such as a restricted view of the road or a wet windshield will occur.

Released: 3 October 1990
Platforms: Arcade Sega Saturn
Genres: Racing Simulation
Developers: Sega AM2
Publishers: —
Modes: Multiplayer Single-player
Perspective: First person
Themes: Action
Country: Japan

About

Rad Mobile is a racing arcade game developed by Sega AM3 and published by Sega. It was first published in Japan in October 1990, followed by an international release for arcades in February 1991. Rad Mobile was Sega's first 32-bit game, using Sega's System 32 arcade system board. It was also the first ever appearance of Sonic the Hedgehog, who appears as an ornament hanging from the driver's rearview mirror.

The game was ported to the Sega Saturn in December 1994 under the name Gale Racer. A similar game with a two-seat cabinet was also released in 1991 as Rad Rally. Rad Mobile received mixed reviews; critics praised its 3D visuals, but criticized its gameplay.

Keywords

2.5d
street racing
time limit
day/night cycle
darkness
motorsports
motion control
cameo appearance
original soundtrack release
particle system
super scaler
police chase

Media

The articlegameplay, story, development, reception

Gameplay

Similar to Turbo OutRun, the concept behind Rad Mobile is a race against opponents across the United States. Players must race across the country while also avoiding police cars. At certain points in the race, the road forks, allowing players to skip several stages. The game's weather and time of day changes, sometimes requiring players to turn on windshield wipers or headlights.

Rad Mobile was also the first appearance of Sonic the Hedgehog, appearing as a decorative item hanging from the driver's rearview mirror. Sonic's appearance in the game predated his debut in Sonic the Hedgehog for the Sega Genesis by eight months. Interested in getting their new character visible to the public, Sonic Team approved of his appearance in the game.

Reception

At the time of its release, the arcade game was commercially successful in Japan. Rad Mobile was the fourth highest-grossing dedicated arcade game of 1991 in Japan, while Rad Rally was the year's seventh highest-grossing dedicated arcade game in Japan.

Rad Mobile was generally praised for its graphics but criticized for its gameplay. Sinclair User stated that Sega "concentrated on the technology and forgot about the gameplay". Reviewer John Cook called the gameplay "dull" and stated there was little to do in the game other than stare at the visuals. John Cook also reviewed Rad Mobile in The One, stating that it employs "some astonishing effects, but little or no gameplay" and suggests GP Rider as an alternative, stating that "some will enjoy [Rad Mobile] because it's loud and colourful, but afficionados [sic] will stick to GP Rider".