"Greatest arcade game ever made..."

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines! One of the most well known arcade games around is at Stages and it is still as good as it was when it was released over five years ago. While the graphics are slightly dated in comparison to other games out in the arcades now, players cannot deny the awesome adrenaline pumping experience that is Daytona USA.

At Stages there are four Daytona machines and they all link up for some fairly insane multiplayer action. Even seasoned pro’s will find a challenge in racing those somewhat new to the game as it features a handicap system that makes the race a much closer affair and gives a more exciting race for all those involved. While the first challenge in Daytona is to beat your opponents, finishing the race is a very demanding task and those that do are driving very well.

Daytona USA is pure fun and it has three unique tracks to choose from. The simplistic beginner course, a simple loop circuit with a hard left bend leading into the final straight, is certainly the place to start for those new to the game. As players skill level increases its time to attack the advanced course which features more crazy bends and high speed straights. Players can reach break neck speeds in a matter of seconds with the brand new turbo feature. Once players have mastered the art of Daytona USA, they can take on the Expert course. This certainly provides the highest driving challenge in the game with plenty sharp corners and deadly 180 turns.

While the game may seem limited with only three tracks they are very well designed and players will keep coming back for more of the crazy thrills and spills. With plenty of cars on the track players must not only negotiate the difficult turns but also the slower traffic. On the screen there is radar in which players can see all the cars within close proximity to their car. Tactics come into play as players try to block cars coming up from behind or using them as shields as they slide into hard corners, shunting them into walls and other obstacles.

Daytona is certainly a great arcade game and with twenty laps on the beginner’s course it is certainly value for money. It is definitely one of my favourite games of all time and I still play it even today, half a decade after it’s original release.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 10/16/02, Updated 10/16/02