Genre: Racing
Console: Genesis
Developer: Sega-AM2
Now, I'm actually not a big fan of racing games. I like some of the older racing games for consoles but I've always liked a good arcade style racer. Something about Rush:2049 and Daytona USA that just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. So that is why today I am reviewing one of the forefathers of modern racing games, Virtua Racing!
Unfortunately none of my Genesis emulators seem to like Virtua Racing so for screenshot purposes I will be using the 32X version.
Story: You race. I like to pretend that I am a bounty hunter, and the man I am after is sponsoring the race, the only way I can bring him to justice is to win the Virtua Race. An international event where the only rule....is that there are no rules!
You try and think of a better story then!!
Gameplay: The gameplay is identical to the arcade version, there is an accelerate button, a brake button and multiple camera views, which is really cool. There is a 2 player mode, free runs, time trials, etc. There are only 3 tracks in the arcade/Genesis version, with the beginner, intermediate and expert skill levels. The tracks, while simplistic in appearance still offer plenty of challenge and variety. This game is similar to say, Outrun or other arcade racers where you have to hit a checkpoint marker to gain more time. The gameplay is really basic, no realistic physics or anything of that nature but it has that classic feel and the contols are really solid so I'm not complaining.
Graphics: Now this is where the game really shines. Using the EPIC POWER of the SVP chip (similar to the SuperFX chip for the SNES) it brings 3D gameplay to the Genesis and it looks fan-fucking-tastic. I was blown away when I popped it in, expecting it to look like junk and barely squeezing out an acceptable framerate. I was wrong. It is amazing what AM2 did with the hardware, given their reputation with cranking out every bit of power out of a system. The game is fast and has some amazing sights. Such as tire marks that stay on the track, driving on a bridge and seeing the metal framework above your head, making a pit stop and a crew comes out to replace your tires. When you drive away one guy falls on his ass which I thought was cute. Did you know that because of this chip the game cost over $100 when it was first released? I only paid $3 for my copy, so overall, time has not been kind to Virtua Racing. The graphics look like horrible awful shit by todays standards but I still think it looks amazing. A+
Sound: Now this is a problem that was also in the arcade and 32X versions, the lack of music! When you pass a checkpoint or start a new lap you get a catchy jingle that only lasts a few seconds and then all you hear is the BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRBRBRBRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR sound the cars make. I played some 2 player races with my brother, since there are no checkpoints except the starting point we would be forced to listen to that ungodly car noise more minutes at a time. It sucks. The music that you do hear for a little bit is still nice though, and some voice samples don't hurt either. C
Overall: Unless you are interested in classic racing games or want to appreciate how far the genre has come then give this one a shot, if not then you will probably live without playing it. The graphics are beautiful and the SVP chip was a real innovation, its a shame that it was the only game to use it. The lack of music will probably get on your nerves as easily as it did with me.
Overall I give this game 7.5 butthurt pitcrew members out of 10.