Reviewed
06.15.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
Psygnosis,
Perfect, Tantalus
Format
CD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
Mar.
14, 1997 (Japan)
Jul.
30, 1997 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Normal
Dimensions
3D
View
1st/3rd
Person
Genre
Arcade/Racer
Players
1-2
Options
3D
Pad
Arcade
Racer
Backup
90
Requires
n/a
Importable
99% |
INTRO:
> Many gamers would agree that Sega has the best arcade games around.
Well, Manx TT Superbike, another Model 2 conversion, is no slouch.
Based on an actual track on the Isle of Man (near Great Britain), this
racer has a nice combination of realism and arcade fun. You race
against rivals and the clock while trying to finish first -- very much
like Hang-On GP. For some unknown reason,
Sega used Psygnosis to develop the conversion. Thankfully, the game
wasn't hurt by it that much.
> If you want to import this game, then fear not. The Japanese version
is mostly English and the gameplay is straightforward. Both versions
are essentially the same.
GRAPHICS:
> Although not as great as the arcade, Manx TT treats your eyes to ultra
realistic and very smooth movement. Detailed scenery, bikes, and
terrain add a lot to the overall appeal. There are two tracks with
a mirror mode (for a total of four). They feature rolling hills,
buildings, various surfaces, sharp curves, and a few opportunities to get
some airtime. You get two views: first person (very convincing),
and third person. Overall the graphics are great (even though draw-in
does occur). The two player horizontal split-screen mode is great
and doesn't seem to suffer much at all.
CONTROL:
> Excellent! Just make sure you use the 3D Pad as Manx TT
is optimized for it. Don't even try to win with a digital pad, it
will not happen! Manx TT's gameplay is standard motorcycle fare with
accel, brake, steering, and view controls.
The key to victory is maintaining speed through the corners by minimizing
the amount of skidding. A sit-down motorcycle with 60 inch
monitor are the only things missing from the arcade.
SOUND:
> The music is average to good. At least it's not distracting
at all and you can adjust the volume. I guess it's somewhat reminiscent
of the After Burner series (another AM2 benchmark).
> Manx TT's sound effects are above average, but I wish the engine noise
was deeper. Sometimes I wonder if home racers don't have deep engine
roars because developers think people don't want to hear that amount of
realism. My only complaint is the tin-head they have for the speech.
FUN:
> With Arcade, Saturn (like Daytona USA),
Time Trial, and Versus modes, many hours of motorcycle racing excitement
await you and an optional friend. Overall, I wish they would have
included more tracks, but I'll easily live with the great conversion.
The Saturn mode offers reverse mode tracks and additional bikes, which
is nice. What can I say? There isn't much depth here, but the
great graphics and solid gameplay make it interesting enough for me.
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