Get ready to strap in and grab your sunscreen because we're taking a wild ride through a post-apocalyptic version of 2012 in 'Rogue Trip: Vacation 2012'. This ridiculous romp from the minds at SingleTrac takes a classic vehicular combat formula and adds a tacky twist - a vacation service that will have you wondering if you're booking a trip or initiating a demolition derby. Grab your tourists, avoid enemy fire, and laugh your way through some rather chaotic and explosive beauty.
The crux of 'Rogue Trip' sits snugly in the vehicular combat mechanics everyone loves, reminiscent of the well-liked 'Twisted Metal' series. Players can choose from a charming cast of auto mercenaries, each boasting unique rides and crazy special weapons. It's like an automotive fashion show with grenades! The game's mission structure assigns players the task of eliminating competitors while simultaneously picking up tourists who are ready to take some snazzy selfies at various photo ops. It's the perfect fusion of the gritty 'mad max' dystopia meets tourist trap insanity. In a delightful twist, the tourists play a critical role. You drive around picking them up (trying not to explode in the process) and completing photo ops that earn you some sweet cash for weapon upgrades. The levels aren't just boring wastelands either; they're colorful chaotic environments filled with destructible objects and hidden power-ups. You'll feel like a kid at a candy store, except that candy is missiles and the store is a post-apocalyptic battlefield. Play through a straightforward single-player mode, or challenge your friends to a multiplayer deathmatch in a split-screen delight that will have your relationships tested alongside your driving skills. It's like Mario Kart for gritty revenge fantasies! And let's not forget about the locals you're kidnapping... uh, I mean, picking up - nothing says vacation like hauling tourists around while dodging explosions, right?
Let's talk about the graphics. Released in 1998, 'Rogue Trip' doesn't exactly push the visual boundaries, often leading players to wonder if they're in a time warp back to the early 90s. The environments are somewhat charming, yet they lack the polish seen in many contemporaries. You may find yourself squinting at character models that feel like they've been pulled straight from an old-school arcade cabinet. One can't expect too much from the PlayStation, but sometimes the visuals just leave you slightly longing for a little extra sheen. But hey, who needs polished graphics when you possess the ability to hurl homing missiles at your foes? In the end, gameplay always takes precedence over graphics... right?
In conclusion, 'Rogue Trip: Vacation 2012' offers a mix of chaos, fun, and explosions that any vehicular combat fan will enjoy. Those looking for a mirror image of the 'Twisted Metal' series may feel a bit disappointed, as 'Rogue Trip' doesn't quite manage to reinvent the wheel (pun intended) nor does it always hold up in the graphics department. However, it's a riotous good time filled with ridiculous action and crazy characters, a perfect recipe for anyone needing a break from the mundane. So rev those engines, gather your friends for some explosive multiplayer goodness, and remember: nothing screams vacation quite like vehicular mayhem!