Daytona USA

"See Blue, Blue skies on the road to Daytona!"

Originally one the first 3D Arcade racers that came after the classic Virtua Racing, Daytona USA was actually ported to the Saturn in time for its early launch in March of 1995. How does the fast-paced racer fare on Sega’s underrated planetary console?

Graphics – 7/10

It has to be complimented how fast the graphics run on this game. With the fast-paced very-Sega music pumping in the background, it is certainly very much a racing game. The cars are detailed, and even take damage on the way. Occasionally, the frame rate chops down, but not in a way that speed reduces, but in a way that you can tell, frames are missing. The tracks are very nice and filled to the brim with details, especially impressive for a system considered only a little bit more powerful than the Sega 32X.

Sound – 10/10

The Daytona USA soundtrack is well known to fans of Sega and racers alike. From Blue Blue Skies to Daytona, the vocalized upbeat tracks continue all through the races. The soundtrack is well put together and goes with the tracks. The other sound effects are very good, from the motors to the menu chimes. It should be noted that while the soundtrack is garners a ten rating from this reviewer, it is not as good as the excellent video game soundtrack of the Sonic racing game, Sonic R.

Gameplay – 9/10

Simply put, Daytona USA is one of the most enjoyable racers in gaming history. In this version, there are two modes. Arcade mode has you timed between checkpoints and in Saturn mode, you have timed laps ala Olympics. There are three tracks, one basic lap track and two advanced courses. Although the selection is thin, the control and the layout of the tracks combined with the graphics and music make it very enjoyable. Control is spot-on, unlike the Dreamcast version, and cars can speed back and forth. The only downside is that is single-player only.

Miscellaneous –

Ported from the arcade, versions of this game are not only available on Saturn, PC and Dreamcast. The game supports the lithium backup battery and the analog controller. It is one player only. It is rated KA for Kids to Adults that is the equivalent to E for Everyone.

Overall – 9/10
Yet another solid racing title for the Sega Saturn with great gameplay and pretty cool graphics combined with a smashing soundtrack. One of the most inexpensive titles on the Saturn, it can be found as low as two dollars.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/28/02, Updated 03/28/02