Road Rash for Sega CD is a vehicular combat racing game where players partake in high-speed illegal street races. The game is set on a variety of courses across California with the core objective of finishing in the top positions while avoiding traffic, obstacles, and the police. Players can engage in combat with other racers, using punches and kicks, or wielding weapons that can be taken from opponents. This mix of racing and fighting elements, along with the inclusion of FMV (full-motion video) sequences and licensed music, makes Road Rash a unique hybrid in the racing and action game genres.