Reviewed
01.17.2000
Publisher
Sega
Developer
AM
Annex
Format
CD
Origin
Import/Domestic
Available
1997
(Japan)
1997
(USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
1st/3rd
Person
Genre
Arcade/Racer
Players
1-2
Options
3D
Pad
Backup
244
NetLink
Wheel
Requires
n/a
Importable
99% |
INTRO:
> Another sweet Sega arcade racer comes home to the Saturn with
style! Although the arcade version is quite rare, the Saturn and
PC versions of Sega Touring Car (STC) have allowed many gamers to see AM
Annex's creation. At first look, STC seems
quite similar to Sega Rally. After some play time, you'll quickly
realize this game is very different. STC is an arcade racer with 8 drivers
on multiple courses. You race a selectable amount of laps and the
trophy goes to the driver with the lowest combined time. STC also
features the ability to connect via NetLink to Sega's STC site and upload
high scores.
GRAPHICS:
> STC's graphics are very fast. The trade off is that the
frame rate is lower than usual. It doesn't take long, but the speed
takes some getting used to. Of course, it doesn't have the resolution
of the arcade version, but detail, scenery, and sight distance are great.
> There are three standard tracks (Country, Grunwald, And Brick Wall Town)
plus at least two hidden ones (Urban, and Boomtown). Each has unique
scenery that represent various times of day. Aside from the usual
grandstands, trees, and mountains, STC's tracks also feature overpasses
and moving backgrounds.
> You get two views while driving: first person forward and third person
behind. I prefer the third person view because when you powerslide
it's easier to see where you're going. Also note, the forward view
includes a functional rear view mirror.
CONTROL:
> Control is tough to get used to, especially if you're not using
the 3D Pad. The speed coupled with the quirky gameplay give the game
a little learning curve. My suggestion is to customize a car first
for optimum performance. Next, memorize the tracks, which isn't hard.
Then practice power sliding because that's the key to taking sharp corners.
> The control buttons are basic: accel, brake, view, shift up/down, steering.
Since STC doesn't control like other Sega racers including Daytona USA,
you have to perfect its powerslide maneuvers from scratch. Once you
tweak your cars' settings for the optimum drift, then you'll be good to
go.
SOUND:
> Some of the tunes are similar to Daytona, but many have a fast
paced dance sound to them. The music volume is adjustable and the
music is selectable before a race.
> The sound effects are solid with no real break through. You'll
hear crowds, tires, engines, and various cues. I do miss the "Game
Over, Yeah!!" from Daytona USA though.
FUN:
> STC has two Arcade modes: Championship, and Grand Prix (20 laps).
The Saturn modes are: Championship, Exhibition, Time Attack, and Versus
(split screen or AI). You get four immediately selectable cars with
three additional alternate paint jobs for a total of seven.
All these different modes coupled with 2 player split screen races adds
up to a lot to do for fun...
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