Gamefings logoimg
Retro Game Review banner

Review of Assault Rigs on PlayStation

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Jan 1996
Cover image of Assault Rigs on PlayStation
Gamefings Score: 6
Platform: PlayStation PlayStation logo
Released: 31 Jan 1996
Genre: Vehicular Combat
Developer: Psygnosis
Publisher: Psygnosis

Introduction

1996. A simpler time when you could play video games without worrying about your social media presence and the worst thing to happen was a pesky Y2K bug. Enter 'Assault Rigs', a vehicular combat game from the illustrious Psygnosis that transports you to a future where virtual sports have outshined traditional ones. Yes, folks, we're all in on the reality of this future-competing in armored tanks on elaborate, often dangerous courses. It's like if 'Wipeout' and 'Twisted Metal' had a baby, and the poor kid came out a bit disoriented. Let's dive into this digital pandemonium, shall we?

Gameplay

So here's the gimmick: you, as a tank pilot (let's just say your main character is named 'Turbo Tankinator' for illustrative purposes), zoom around in 42 levels collecting gems and avoiding the explosive embrace of various enemies. Your mission is simple: gather all the shiny little gems, avoid the mines, and persevere through the maelstrom of turrets and aerial viruses (yes, they're flying viruses, not the computer kind, but still annoying). Did I mention there are four expansive themes? We're talking VR (not the headset kind, though), Industrial (where even machines have an existential crisis), Military (they're just here for the guns), and War (the mood, folks). Notably, the game spices things up with 20 weapon power-ups, so get ready to turn your foes into Swiss cheese. Got friends with a second PlayStation? You can hook up and blast each other for additional levels in an alternate multiplayer mode. It's honestly impressive, but don't expect a shadowy figure like Batman in your games. This is strictly vehicle violence, not character drama. You'll be too busy dodging bullets and catching virtual gems to care about story arcs, but hey-who needs depth when you can have explosions?

Graphics

Now let's talk visuals. The PlayStation was just coming into its own, and you can feel the developers working hard to push the envelope. The graphics are a delightful 1990s throwback that will make you feel like you've popped into a voxelized kaleidoscope of chaos. I mean, if you squint hard enough, you can almost see the polygons sweating as they struggle to keep up while you zip around avoiding mines and shooting turrets. Sure, it lacks the polish of modern titles, but there's a certain charm to the graphics that brings a nostalgic tear to your eye. Not all games need to be photorealistic, right? Sometimes you just need blocky tanks doing blocky things, while you ask the universe why this was what entertained us in our formative years.

Conclusion

Alright, folks, here's the lowdown: 'Assault Rigs' is like that scrappy underdog at the family reunion who shows up late but still brings the most fun stories. It's a charming mix of vehicular mayhem and nostalgic graphics that satisfies your craving for tank warfare from the comfort of your couch. Sure, it has its flaws-oversensitive controls, occasional graphical hiccups, and a story that resembles a collage of tank diagrams-but it's easy to overlook these faults when you're zipping around like a caffeinated soda can. Personally, I'd give it a solid 6 out of 10. It's not going to change your life, but it might remind you of a time when gaming was all about fun rather than that latest triple-A title. So, grab that old PlayStation and fire up 'Assault Rigs'-the future may be virtual, but the fun is oh-so-real!

See Prices for Assault Rigs on PlayStation on Ebay

See Latest Prices for Assault Rigs on PlayStation on Amazon

Related
Latest
image for news article 'Sophie Turner Is Lara Croft — How Tomb Raider's Brutal Skill Ceiling Will Shape Amazon's TV Take'
Hemal Harris - 04 Sep 2025
Sophie Turner will play Lara Croft in Amazon's Tomb Raider series. Here's how the show can capture the games' brutal challenge loo...
image for news article 'Gamescom 2025: From Hornet's Revenge to Gunfights in the Future — The Biggest Reveals, Ranked by Hype (and Probability of Screaming)'
Gemma Looksby - 27 Aug 2025
Gamescom 2025 unleashed release dates, surprises, and enough nostalgia to power a retro arcade. Hollow Knight: Silksong finally la...
image for news article 'From Sidekick to Symptom: An In-Depth Look at How Game Characters Grow (and Break) Over Time'
Tanya Krane - 22 Aug 2025
A witty, in-depth analysis of how video game characters evolve - from antiheroes and companions to tragic villains - and how gamep...
image for news article 'Helldivers 2: The Ultimate Skill Test — How to Survive When Friendly Fire Is A Feature'
Hemal Harris - 22 Aug 2025
Helldivers 2 turns cooperative shooters into a terrifying teamwork exam. From friendly-fire fiascos to stratagem juggling and glob...
image for news article 'PlayStation Plus August Drop: Mortal Kombat 1, Spider-Man, Sword of the Sea and Two Resident Evils — Sony’s Buffet of Beatdowns and Beachside Introspection'
Chucky - 22 Aug 2025
Sony's August PlayStation Plus drop mixes Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel's Spider-Man with day-one indie Sword of the Sea, EDF6 co-op ...
image for news article 'Tariff Drama and Console Character Arcs: How the PS5 Price Hike Recasts PlayStation's Story'
Tanya Krane - 21 Aug 2025
Sony just raised PS5 prices in the US - but this is more than a number. We break down the cast, the catalyst (hello, tariffs), and...
image for news article 'The Nintendo Switch 2: An Overhyped Second Date That Actually Went Well'
Chucky - 14 Jun 2025
Nintendo Switch 2 has hit the market, and it's selling like hotcakes! Here's what you need to know about this slightly improved se...