Destruction Derby Raw returns after 26 years with new Windows, Linux and Mac port

Destruction Derby Raw is heading to modern computers, more than 25 years after its original PlayStation release. The demolition racing game from 2000 has received a new PC port, bringing its mix of high-speed racing, vehicle damage and arena battles to modern computers. The first release is now available for Windows, Linux and macOS, offering players another way to experience one of the PlayStation’s more destructive racing games. It’s not a remaster or a remake. The new release keeps the original game intact, complete with its familiar cars, circuits and demolition events. Players will need their own copy of the PlayStation game to get started, and the first release still has a few limitations.

Destruction Derby Raw was more than a racing game

Developed by British studio Studio 33 and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Destruction Derby Raw arrived on PlayStation in 2000. It followed Destruction Derby 2, building on the series’ combination of competitive racing and vehicle destruction with more cars, additional game modes and new environments.

The premise is straightforward. Race against other drivers, smash into their vehicles and try to stay in the competition for as long as possible. Winning isn’t always about reaching the finish line first. In some events, causing damage matters more than speed, and staying out of trouble can be as useful as forcing another driver into a barrier.

Destruction Derby Raw features 24 vehicles and a selection of racing circuits and demolition arenas. Cars suffer damage during competition, with collisions affecting their appearance and performance. Repeated impacts can leave a vehicle struggling to continue, particularly during events where the opposition has little interest in clean racing. The game mixes conventional circuit racing with competitions built around wrecking rival cars, giving players several ways to approach each event.

Different game modes keep the crashes coming

Destruction Derby Raw offers several modes, each putting a different spin on racing and vehicle destruction. Wreckin’ Racing combines circuit racing with aggressive driving. Players compete for position on crowded tracks, where pushing opponents into barriers or causing collisions can prove as useful as finding the fastest racing line.

Smash 4 $ takes a different approach. Damaging rival vehicles earns money, which players can spend on additional cars and upgrades. The mode introduces a progression system built around earning cash through collisions rather than concentrating exclusively on race results.

Battle mode removes conventional circuit racing from the equation and places competitors in dedicated demolition arenas. The objective is to eliminate opposing vehicles and remain in the competition.

Skyscraper is one of the more unusual events. It takes place on elevated platforms, with players attempting to push opponents over the edge without driving off themselves. The original PlayStation game features local multiplayer for up to four players in selected modes, giving the demolition events another competitive element.

The new PC port keeps the original game intact

The newly released Destruction Derby Raw PC port brings the PlayStation game to modern desktop operating systems, with version 0.1.0 supporting Windows, Linux and macOS. Mac users can choose between versions for Intel processors and Apple Silicon.

The release retains the original game’s graphics, gameplay and vehicle handling. There’s no new graphics engine, redesigned car roster or expanded selection of tracks. Instead, the port runs the existing PlayStation game through software created for modern computers.

For players expecting a full remaster with updated visuals and new features, this is a different proposition. Destruction Derby Raw remains the same game released in 2000, including its original presentation and collision-based racing mechanics.

You’ll need your own copy of Destruction Derby Raw

Getting the new PC version running requires more preparation than downloading a conventional PC game. The release doesn’t include the original PlayStation game files. Players must provide their own copy of the American PlayStation edition, identified by disc serial SLUS-00912, along with a compatible PlayStation BIOS file.

The included setup application guides players through the installation process, using their supplied game files to prepare the PC version. Once installation is complete, players can launch the game through the dedicated application. The download is free of the original game content, so players without the required PlayStation files won’t be able to start playing immediately.

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