Reviewed
07.13.2002
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Sega
/ System Sacom
Format
1x
CD
Origin
Import
Available
Dec.
2, 1994 (Japan)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
1st
Person
Genre
Arcade/Racer
Player(s)
1-2
Options
3D
Pad
Arcade
Racer
Backup
13
Requires
n/a
Importable
100% |
|
Intro
|
|
> Gale Racer was the first game for Sega's System
32 arcade board, way back in 1991. You probably know it by the
U.S. name, which is Rad Mobile. I'm not really sure which design
team made this game, but it's a good bet a high profile arcade game like
this was created by AM2.
> The game is very similar to Out Run in that you're racing against the
clock to make it to the next checkpoint. One difference is that you're
competing against rivals. The 3D effect is generated by scaling bit
maps, which at the time, were state of the art. A nice touch was
the use of headlights and wipers on certain levels.
> The game is mostly English and a breeze for importing -- that is if you
can find this gem. I got mine shortly after getting my Saturn (1995),
so as to make sure I didn't miss out on this retro favorite. Good
thing too, since the game never made the trip to North America. |
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Graphics
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|
> Graphics are identical to the arcade in every way. All the high
speed scaling, detailed sprites (for the time), high resolution (for the
time), various locales (across the U.S.), and demos are exact. Even
the headlight and rain/wiper effects are duplicated with ease on the Saturn.
The CG cut scenes are way cool to watch, and a sweet addition to this arcade
gem. |
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Control
|
> Control with the Arcade Racer is as close to the arcade as we're likely
to get. Using the other
available
controllers isn't too bad, but the NiGHTS 3D Pad is ace for this game.
You have a gas pedal, brake, lights and wipers at your fingertips.
All you have to do is negotiate each round in the allotted time, avoid
the cops (occasionally), and pass as many rivals as possible. |
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Sound
|
|
> Music and sound effects are arcade exact. Decent for the time,
but lagging in the present. There are some new songs as well, which
are much better than the original score. Also, I wouldn't put the
tunes in the same light as Out Run, but at least you will not be looking
for the volume control. |
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Fun
|
|
> The game is as fun now as it was in 1991. However, Gale Racer doesn't
have the depth as games like Formula One WC (Sega CD), since it only has
one car and no Championship Mode. You do get a choice of Speed Race
(arcade), 2 Player Vs., and Time Attack modes though. Racing fans
"Start your engines and get ready for a trip down memory lane!!". |
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Bottom
Line
|
|
> If you like the arcade version and/or are into retro games, then look
no further because Gale Racer / Rad Mobile is exact! There isn't
much depth, but Out Run fans will probably love it nonetheless. I've
seen it for sale on ebay a few times so you just might get lucky. (-_- |
|
Ratings
|
| Overall:
8.0 | Graphics: 8.5 | Control: 8.5 | Sound: 7.5 | Fun: 7.5 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
