Shin Force | Sega Dreamcast Preview
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Shin Force ~ Dreamcast ~
 Sega GT ~Homologation Special~
Shinobi
Previewed
12.11.1999
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
Format
GD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Feb 16, 2000 (Japan)
Aug 31, 2000 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Hard
Dimensions
3D
View
Multi 1st/3rd
Genre
Racer/Sim
Players
1-2
Options
Backup 42
Internet
Racing Wheel
Rumble
VGA Box
VMS/VMU
Requires
n/a
Importable
99%
12.11.1999

     > Sega GT ~Homologation Special~ is the latest marquee title for Dreamcast which Sega will market to showcase their dominance in quality software.  Until recently, Sega GT has been a closely guarded secret, but the hype is building fast as the February date with your Uberconsole approaches quickly.  For your information, Sega GT is be a driving simulation, the "GT" in its title stands for "Grand Touring", and "Homologation" is a term used when you obtain a license for touring cars.  Sega GT is the result of two years of planning from project leaders Takeshi Nimura (worked on NiGHTS and other Saturn games), and Hideshi Tatsuno (worked on Giant Gram and others).
     > The tracks in Sega GT are fictional, yet quite realistic.  Some of the included courses are Night Section-A (similar to Tokyo Xtreme Racer), Sky Peak Hill, Solid Circuit, and Sprint Zone.  Since the design team is quite adamant about its “perfect physics”, realistic surface modeling will be included for tarmac, dirt, and gravel roads.
     > Championship mode is the main focus of this racing simulation.  Your first goal is to obtain a license in one of four classes (E, B, A, and SA) by taking a driver's test for one of eight car manufacturers.  Once that's obtained, you can purchase your own car and enter different races.  While racing, you can earn prize money for finishing with impressive results, such as best lap time.  The money is used to buy a variety of parts which allows you to fine tune and customize your car.  Also available are Single Race, Dual Race (2 player) and Time Attack modes.  To top it off, there's a replay booth and an internet mode (for downloading ghost cars and accessing a special Sega GT site).
     > Sega is working with at least ten auto manufacturers to secure about 200 different licensed cars for the game.  Some familiar names included are McLaren, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Daihatsu, and others.  Expect to race with the AE86 Silvia, McLaren F1 GTR, Celica, RX-7, Suzuki Cappuccino, and a host of others.
     > If all this information isn't enough to get you interested in this sure-fire Sega classic, then nothing will suffice.  Importing it should be straight forward as are most racers.  Sega of America is sure to pick this one up and have it in the USA before any competition arrives...

FIRST IMPRESSION:
     > Sega has kept this game a secret for quite some time.  Obviously, they didn't want to tip their hat too soon.  Anyway, Sega GT stands to prove that Dreamcast can compete with future consoles in the graphics and gameplay departments...  Who knows, this game may just end up being referred to as the Uber-racer!
Potential: 9+
~ Shinobi ~


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