Reviewed
07.19.1999
Publisher
Sega
Developer
AM2
Format
1x
CD
Origin
Import
Domestic
Available
Apr.
1, 1995
(Japan)
May
11, 1995
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
1st
Person
3rd
Person
Genre
Arcade
/ Racing
Player(s)
1
Options
Analog
Arcade
Racer
Backup
43
Requires
n/a
Importable
99% |
| Intro |
> Gentlemen... Start your engines! Daytona USA is originally
a Model 2 arcade game from none other than the impressive AM2. Even
today, you can still find plenty of Daytona machines in arcades because
of its immense popularity. Well, Sega is known for their excellent
software so Daytona was a natural to be converted to the Saturn.
> Rolling Start! The home version has more modes, more cars and the
option to race more laps compared to its arcade brother. However,
the object is the same -- race against as many as 40 opponents and attempt
to finish in the top 3 while making sure to hit the checkpoints before
time runs out.
> Impatient import fans know that this game is a piece of cake in the importability
department. The Japanese version is mostly English and racing games
are usually import friendly anyway. |
| Graphics |
|
> The graphics are presented in polygon generated 3D as is the arcade.
The Saturn version does have more draw-in than the arcade version though.
At least the track moves by at a good clip and with a pretty solid frame
rate. AM2 even included the animated clouds reflecting off the rear
window of your car. In the Saturn mode, you can earn extra cars by
finishing in first place on the 3 tracks. The tracks are laid out
nicely with a choice of Beginner, Advanced and Expert. Finally, you
can pick from four different views: 1st person, cockpit, behind, and bird's
eye. |
| Control |
|
> This is where Daytona really shines. The Saturn version has excellent
control no matter what controller you use, but the analog wheel is the
best overall. Daytona USA basically introduced the idea of powersliding,
which AM2 implemented very well. Even though the control is "arcade",
you can still drift behind opponents to gain extra speed. The controls
are view change, accelerate, brake, shift up/down, and steer. |
| Sound |
> Some people don't like the so called "corny" music of Daytona, but I
absolutely love it! It really keeps me going, especially during the
extended lap races. Also, if it makes you hum, then it has to be
decent...
> The sound effects are right out of the arcade. You'll hear voice
cues, comments, engine roar, burning rubber, and crashes galore. |
| Fun |
|
> You can select Arcade, Saturn, and Ranking modes with Normal, Grand Prix,
and endurance sub-modes. In a nut shell, you can race up to 80 laps!
Thanks to the Saturn mode there are lots of cars to choose from with varying
capabilities. The gameplay is the name of the game though.
The only racers with equal or better gameplay are Daytona 2, Sega
Rally 1-2 and Sega Super
GT... |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> Daytonaaahhh! Easily one of the longest lasting racers of all time
because of its excellent gameplay. This is a must have for all racing
fans. It looks dated in 1999, but if all you care about is graphics,
then watch a DVD movie... |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
9.2 | Graphics: 8.0 | Control: 9.8 | Sound: 9.5 | Fun: 9.5 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
