For the releases on Nintendo 64 and Sega Dreamcast, see San Francisco Rush 2049 (Console).
"Rush 2049 takes the driver 50 years into the future with a city landscape that looks familiar but is definitely out there! The city is teeming with the effects of another Gold Rush, but this time it’s 200 years after the original discoveries. Mining for gold deep beneath the city has resulted in layers of underground tunnels where hidden gold coins can still be found by racers who dare to take these challenging shortcuts."
-The San Francisco Rush 2049 Website
San Francisco Rush 2049 is the final Rush game released on Arcade and 5th generation systems, it is also Atari Games' last developed game. It features 4 brand new tracks, as well as a revision of The Rock from the previous entry, San Francisco Rush The Rock: Alcatraz Edition (Arcade). For the first time, players are able to record data with a brand new save system called Team Rush. This allows players to keep persistent track of their lap and race times, mileage, and unlocks.
San Francisco Rush 2049 would later receive an update a year later for select locations called San Francisco Rush 2049: Tournament Edition, which brings the additions of Tournament Mode, two new tracks designed by Rush 2 and Rush 2049 home port developers, and four new cars.
Release
San Francisco Rush 2049 released for Arcades on June 15th. 1999. It shipped as single sit-down cabinets, however are commonly found as two or more units for multiplayer races. It includes a 4-speed shifter and Atari's proprietary force-feedback steering. As a step up from the original San Francisco Rush release, 2049 ships with a 27" VGA monitor, 5-channel surround sound, and has the capability to run at 60 frames-per-second during gameplay. For a more in-depth look at San Francisco Rush 2049's hardware specs, see Arcade Hardware.
San Francisco Rush 2049 would also see a release on September 6th 2000 for 5th the generation systems, Nintendo 64 and Sega Dreamcast. These releases were handled by Ed Logg his development team, previously responsible for San Francisco Rush and Rush 2: Extreme Racing USA, both for Nintendo 64. These version are not direct ports of the arcade version, rather they are built on the driving model established in Rush 2. The home release of Rush 2049 introduced wings as a brand new driving mechanic, and the additions of the Stunt and Battle modes. For additional info on the home releases see San Francisco Rush 2049 (Console).
Gameplay
Like its previous entries, San Francisco Rush 2049 can be played Solo or against other drivers in head-to-head races. When playing solo, drivers can choose between a standard race against 7 drones, or their own ghosts to compete for the best time.
Returning from the original San Francisco Rush is the difficulty-tiered handling model, this time however handling can be changed per car. Normal handling gives the driver the most control out of the options, however it also has to lowest top speed. If the driver wishes to have a faster drivetrain, they will have to sacrifice control by selecting Advanced, or Extreme handling.
Exploration is more important than ever in this San Francisco Rush 2049. Locating all of the hidden shortcuts beforehand ensures that drivers will have the competitive edge needed to win. In addition, drivers can also find hidden Gold Coins giving them access to exclusive racing liveries.
Tracks
Track 6: Dawn (TE and SE exclusive)
Track 7: Dusk (TE and SE exclusive)
Cars
| Car 8 | Available from start | Available from start | Mileage Unlock | Mileage Unlock |
| Car 9 | Available from start | Available from start | Mileage Unlock | Mileage Unlock |
| Car 10 | Available from start | Available from start | Mileage Unlock | Mileage Unlock |
| Car 11 | Mileage Unlock | Mileage Unlock |
| San Francisco Rush 2049 | |
|---|---|
| Tracks | Morning • Noon • Sunset • The Rock • Night • Dawn • Dusk |
| Tracks | Morning • Noon • Sunset • The Rock • Night • Dawn • Dusk |