Reviewed
08.21.1999
Publisher
Sega
Developer
AM2
Format
24
Megabit
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
1994
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
1st
/ 3rd Person
Genre
Arcade
/ Racer
Player(s)
1-2
Options
6
Button
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
| Intro |
|
> AM2 -- the masters of arcade game creation. Back
in 1992, AM2 made the first "Virtua" game titled
Virtua
Racing, which ran on the Sega Model 1 arcade board.
At the same time, they patented the VR mode -- essentially
the ability to change views on-the-fly. Virtua Racing Deluxe
is an arcade/racer with flat shaded polygons, colorful backgrounds, and
famous Sega/AM2 gameplay. You're racing against the
clock as well as the other drivers. The "Deluxe" in
the title refers to this game's enhancements over the arcade original and
Genesis conversion. |
| Graphics |
|
> With the addition of the 32X module to the Genesis,
AM2
had no trouble implementing the 3D polygon generated graphics in the game.
However, compared to the arcade or Saturn versions, this
version lost some polygons. Anyway, the tracks fly by at high speeds,
there is never any slowdown and the detail is surprisingly good.
Considering the 32X wasn't really meant to do 3D (according
to the mass media) there isn't much draw-in either. The three arcade
tracks are intact and AM2 even added two exclusive tracks
(Highland and Sand Park). Finally, you can choose from four views
on-the-fly: behind the wheel, behind the car, behind and above the car,
and high overhead. |
| Control |
|
> The gameplay is classic Sega arcade racing -- tight as
can be. You just use accel, brake, shift (optional), and 4 views
as you effortlessly drift through the many corners. During races
against the computer you'll have to contend with fifteen other cars on
the track. While racing, you have to be fast enough to get to each
check point before time runs out. Each race is a certain number of
laps and pit stops are possible, but not recommended if you plan to win.
Lastly, there is also a great 2 player split screen mode. |
| Sound |
|
> The game consists mainly of short jingles, as in the arcade version.
They don't sound as good as the arcade, but they're better than the Genesis
iteration.
> The sound effects are digitized and feature various engine revs, voices
and lots of skidding. I'm sure a lot of the cartridge memory went
to the sound effects. |
| Fun |
|
> After a race you can watch a replay from various views and from any car's
perspective (cool). Another new option is the choice of three cars:
Formula One, Stock and Prototype (really flies). You also get five
tracks, two of which are exclusive to the 32X. Race
in Virtua Racing, Time Attack, or Versus modes. The gameplay is what
keeps this game interesting even five years after its release... |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> Back in 1994, polygon games weren't that good, depending on what system
was attempting to do them. Even so, Virtua Racing Deluxe
is easily the best 16-bit era racer I've played, with or without polygon
graphics. If you liked the arcade original, or just plain like great
gameplay and smooth graphics, then Virtua Racing Deluxe is
for you. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.2 | Graphics: 9.5 | Control: 9.5 | Sound: 8.9 | Fun: 9.0 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
