PC PC GAMES

Last time I did a retro-gaming review here on PC PC Games, I decided to start by delving into a little of the history behind the Sega Dreamcast and what it had to offer. Some of you out there were nice enough to leave feedback about your past experiences with what I call “The Little Console That Could”. Well today I’m back to do a review on a classic hit that appeared on the Sega Dreamcast.

First, it should be mentioned that there were not a lot of “pure” driving games produced for the Dreamcast such as what has appeared on the PSX and PS2. By “pure”, I mean racing games that do not include encountering disastrous environments or the ability to destroy other vehicles (ie “Gran Turismo” or “Ridge Racer”). But while the quantity of racing games might not be as plenty as one would like, the quality is.

“Daytona USA” is one such example. “Daytona USA” is the only stock car racing game that came out for the Dreamcast. With Electronic Arts deciding not to support the Dreamcast and instead directed their allegiance towards Sony, Sega lacked any kind of license for NASCAR racing games. Thus Daytona USA came to be. Sega decided to port the arcade version over to the Dreamcast. It should be noted that prior to the Dreamcast version, Sega had produced a lackluster version that appeared on the Sega Saturn. However, the Dreamcast port was actually better than the original arcade version both graphically and in playability. The Dreamcast was capable of faster fps, more polygons and better shading than the arcade version could.

There are 8 tracks in all to compete on. Three tracks from the original arcade version, two from the Saturn version, and three tracks designed specifically for this version. Tracks can be raced in reverse direction as well.

In the beginning, there are two cars to choose from for Team Hornet. Later in the game as you begin to win races, there are 6 additional cars that can be unlocked. The cars can be custom painted in several different ways. As with all racing games, you can choose automatic or manual transmissions. Tires can be changed depending on if you like the car to grip the track or if you prefer the car to drift a bit. The player can change the camera angle to be behind the car, above it and from behind the wheel for that authentic driving effect.

Races consist of your normal time attack, single racing, championship racing, and head-to-head. Head-to-head allows the screen to be split horizontally or vertically. “Daytona” also featured special online multiplayer racing as well.

The game can be played with the driving wheel controller or the standard Dreamcast gamepad. There are people who say that using the gamepad allows for too much over-steering and the wheel is less sensitive, thus making it easier to drive the car. That is a matter of opinion. I find the gamepad to be acceptable once you get a feel for the controls.

So here’s how I rate this game:

Graphics: 3.5 While this game looks dated by today’s standard, the game has that retro arcade quality and feel about. The Dreamcast adds it own touches of transparency and gloss to the cars that the arcade version didn’t. There were other games with much better graphics later in the Dreamcast’s lifespan, but for “Daytona USA” time of release, this was pretty good.

Audio: 3 It’s your average racing sounds and music. Nothing special here. But it is interesting how the game announces “Game Over” in an odd voice at the end which just adds a creep factor.

Control: 4 While others may decide that the wheel controller is better suited for this game, it is not impossible to learn the controls quickly using the standard gamepad.

Fun Factor: 5 This may not be the highest tech stock car racing game, but it is plenty of fun. With a good number of tracks to choose from, unlockable cars and other features, this game is a win. In a case like this, it’s not about the graphics so much as it is about the game play. You will find yourself coming back for more with each race.

Join me next time as I switch gears and will be reviewing the NES.

As a side note, I will also be using a 5-star rating system for all game reviews in a similar fashion to gaming magazines.

Until next time, Game Over.