Rush 2 – Extreme Racing USA (N64)

Game Overview

Rush 2 takes the signature formula of extreme verticality and aerial stunts and scales it up across diverse American landscapes. Instead of being restricted to San Francisco, players tear through hyper-stylized, roller-coaster-like tracks set in Las Vegas, New York City, Seattle, Hawaii, and the Grand Canyon, alongside dedicated stunt tracks designed specifically for flipping, rolling, and racking up high scores.

The game refined the physics engine of the original title, making vehicle handling feel much tighter and more responsive while maintaining the trademark loose, arcade-style drifting. A massive draw for players was the obsessive hunt for hidden gold keys and stunt icons scattered across every circuit, which unlocked a deep roster of secret vehicles, concept cars, and custom body paints. Coupled with a dedicated four-player split-screen multiplayer mode—a major upgrade over the first game's two-player limit—Rush 2 cemented itself as a quintessential multiplayer party racer on the N64.

Quick Specifications

• Platform: Nintendo 64

• Developer: Atari Games

• Publisher: Midway Games

• Release Date: October 31, 1998 (North America), November 1998 (Europe)

• Genre: Arcade Racing / Extreme Sports

• Modes: Single-player (Circuit, Stunt, Practice), Multiplayer (up to 4 players split-screen)

• Peripheral Support: Nintendo 64 Controller Pak, Rumble Pak

Key Features

• Iconic American Locations: Race through gravity-defying, stunt-filled tracks set in New York, Las Vegas, Seattle, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, and more.

• Expanded Four-Player Multiplayer: Compete against friends locally in split-screen racing and stunt competitions supporting up to four players simultaneously.

• Dedicated Stunt Arenas: Launch vehicles off massive ramps in specialized arenas to execute mid-air flips, rolls, and combo scoring multipliers.

• Extensive Unlockable Fleet: Hunt down hidden gold keys and stunt trophies across every level to unlock dozens of secret high-performance vehicles and unique body types.

• Rumble Pak Integration: Feel the bone-jarring crashes, road friction, and explosive jump landings through tactile controller force feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Does Rush 2 support four-player multiplayer?

Yes! Unlike the first game which was limited to two players, Rush 2 fully supports up to four players simultaneously in split-screen racing and stunt modes.

How do you unlock secret cars in the game?

Players can unlock hidden vehicles by exploring tracks thoroughly to collect scattered gold keys and stunt trophies, or by winning championship tournament circuits.

Are the tracks based on real-world layouts?

While tracks take inspiration from real landmarks and geography—such as the Las Vegas Strip or the Seattle Space Needle—they are heavily exaggerated into wild, roller-coaster stunt courses packed with multi-story jumps and secret routes.

Does the game require a Controller Pak to save progress?

Yes, a Nintendo 64 Controller Pak is necessary to save championship standings, stunt score records, best lap times, and unlocked vehicle profiles.