Virtua Racing

The godfather of modern Sega 3D racing titles was Virtua Racing. For the time of its 1992 release, the polygons and flat shading looks none too impressive in today's era of gaming. Virtua Racing did bring amazing and fast racing to gaming. Even though this blog post is about Virtua Racing, I also must make mention to another Virtua Racing that offered a better experience than the first title. What you're getting from this blog post is a look at the Virtua Racing titles that would lead to future amazing 3D Sega racing titles.

As I would usually do on "John's Blog Space," any blog post I did on a SEGA racing game would be dedicated to my blogging friend Eric. So if you like racing games- especially SEGA racing games, be sure to say hello to Eric over at Musings of a Sega Racing Fan.

About the Label: "SEGA"

Since there are many different SEGA racing titles I want to blog about, I will include them all under the "SEGA" label. This obviously means only Sega racing games will be featured under this label. The label may also pertain to anything related to Sega racing games.

--- Virtua Racing ---

Sega's AM2 division has been responsible for creating some of the most amazing 3D titles in the company's history. One of their biggest hits was Virtua Racing. Virtua Racing was an arcade game all about high-speed racing in formula racing cars. The player can choose only one car with options for Automatic or Manual/Standard transmission. At the player's disposal, however, one can choose between three different tracks. The goal of Virtua Racing is to complete a five-lap race around the course while trying to finish as high in the rankings as possible.

As a trademark of SEGA racing games, arcade units can be linked together for an unforgettable experience. Up to eight players can compete at once once all units are linked. Either eight single units or four twin units can come together to make this happen. Another trademark of 3D SEGA racing games are the spectacular end-over-end crashes. Wreck hard here in this game, and you'll experience those signature crashes that will so ruin your day. Virtua Racing featured another trademark of 3D SEGA racing games are four unique views. There is a Bumper view, an interior view, a low Chase view, and a high Chase view. There is also a very high camera view.

Tracks.

Three tracks will test the driving mettle of gamers who play "Virtua Racing." Here is a look at the three courses:

• The Beginner course is called Big Forest, and it is the only course that starts you from the pits. The corners are mostly easy and simple. You are not going to need to do any seriously technical cornering to complete laps around this course.

• Bay Bridge is the Intermediate difficulty course. As its name implies, the highlight of this course is its big bridge, which is somewhat reminiscent of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

• The longest and most difficult course is the Expert course- known as Acropolis. Tricky corners and a vicious hairpin at the geographical center of this course help define its immense challenge. Completing a race here can be very difficult.

Video Preview.

Click on the link to view on YouTube or simply view the embedded video here:


^ [ARCADE] Virtua Racing 1992 SEGA (Widescreen Mode) FullHD 1080p


Use the best of your abilities to race each course and try to win each race.

--- Virtua Racing Deluxe ---

Those bestowed with a SEGA 32X would have the ability to play Virtua Racing Deluxe. Virtua Racing Deluxe featured a more enhanced experience from the original game. Among the highlights are two other kinds of cars and two new tracks. You can even compete in two-player racing in VR Deluxe.

Cars.

Here are the cars you can choose from:

• The Formula car is the most balanced race car you can use. It is fast while also being nimble.

• The Stock car is the slowest of the three available cars, but you can enjoy powersliding and drifting with this car. Handling is not this car's forte.

• The fastest and most powerful machine is the Prototype. Be wary that this car doesn't handle as well as the other two cars.

Each car handles and behaves differently. Try utilizing each car to the best of their ability to try to win.

Tracks.

The three tracks from the first Virtua Racing all return for VR Deluxe. However, there are two new courses to take on. This is a basic look at the tracks of Virtua Racing Deluxe:

• Big Forest is the only course that starts you from the pits. Most of the corners are fairly easy and simple. It shouldn't be too difficult to complete a 5-lap race around here.

• Bay Bridge has a combination of tough corners and elevation changes. Be careful navigating these streets and roads.

• Acropolis is the longest and most difficult course in the game- even in VR Deluxe. Make as few mistakes as possible to complete this course, let alone win here.

• A mix of city streets and country roads make up the Highland course. Forks in the road and a series of tricky corners will rack your brain on this course.

• Set in the desert, Sand Park has a mix of high speed and some smooth corners. Take care not to take this course too lightly.

Remember that all three courses from the original Virtua Racing make up the courses in VR Deluxe along with two new courses.

Video Preview.

A video preview of this game has to include some content that you can't find in the first Virtua Racing. So through my YouTube viewing, I picked this video as my best way to showcase Virtua Racing Deluxe. So... enjoy! By the way... I think this version is the Japanese version:


^ Virtua Racing DX megadrive 32X


Perhaps the biggest shame was that you could only play this game on the failed SEGA 32X. It was never an arcade title or anything.

--- Virtua Racing and Its Impact ---

Future 3D SEGA racing games would benefit from what Virtua Racing brought to racing games. In fact, much bigger titles would result from what Virtua Racing started. A future SEGA racing game like Daytona USA would only expand upon and enhance upon Virtua Racing. No matter what, Virtua Racing is a title to help push SEGA Racing games further into the future. A lot of SEGA's future 3D racing games wouldn't have been possible had it not been for Virtua Racing. So the creation of Virtua Racing did a whole lot to boost the appeal of SEGA, at least on the front of racing games. SEGA's AM2 department would churn out many more great games as well as non-racing titles like various other Virtua games (Virtua Cop, Virtua Fighter, etc.).

Virtua Racing would be resurrected again with the SEGA Ages Collection game. This SEGA Ages Collection version of Virtua Racing features some exclusive content along with a nicely-rendered look to everything.

Take note- there are more SEGA Racing Games I will highlight on in this blog. So stay tuned!





I hope with my posts on older racing games that I am helping you appreciate older racing games. I am doing all I can to try to broaden the appeal of topics for this blog. Thank you for reading!

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Hang-On Series

In 1985, SEGA released Hang-On. The Hang-On series is all about full-speed motorcycle racing. Just like OutRun, Hang-On is purely an arcade racer. Because of this, one needs not worry about this game being overly realistic in any such way. Just twist the grip, ride hard, and hang on! This blog post takes a look at this classic franchise. If you enjoyed OutRun, Hang-On might be among your loves of Sega racing games.

--- Hang-On Series at a Glance ---

One of the most popular motorcycle racing games or motorcycle racing game series is SEGA's Hang-On. This game series has been one of the finest motorcycle racing games in history. The pure (and dangerous) appeal of going full-speed on two wheels makes for an intense racing experience. Before the MotoGP games, Tourist Trophy, Moto Racer, or any other game or series took flight, it was SEGA's Hang-On series that set the standard for motorcycle racing fun. That is, unless you're a Nintendo fan who enjoyed what Excitebike brought to the table. The Hang-On Series consisted of four games:

• Hang-On
• Hang-On Jr.
• Super Hang-On
• Hang-On GP '95

Hang-On garnered two (actually, three) arcade variations. The games even found their way to home consoles. The original Hang-On didn't have much in the way of interesting graphics. You could tell you were going to the next stage when you don't see anything in the horizon. Super Hang-On had some elevation changes that made things interesting when going full speed. Usually, you know you were heading to another stage in Super Hang-On when you went uphill and then went downhill to see the background of the next stage. Hang-On GP '95 is completely different. Rather than open-road racing, the racing took place on closed circuits.

No matter what, Hang-On epitomized motorcycle racing and the thrills of racing on two wheels.

--- Hang-On Series: Game-by-Game ---

The classic Hang-On games are all about stage-by-stage motorcycle racing. You must go from the starting point of the very first stage to the goal of the final stage. Successfully clearing an individual stage gives you extended time to complete the rest of the course. Running into other motorbikes on the road will cause you to slow down. If you go off-course and hit something, you will fly off your bike, and your bike will explode. If you are going to crash, allow yourself one major crash. Try to otherwise avoid losing too much time trying to clear the course.

Hang-On (1985).

The original Hang-On features one race with five individual stages. To reach the next stage, you must first clear the current stage. Completing one of the stages gives you extended time so you can clear the next stage. Your goal is to clear all five stages taking you through five different environments. One major crash could really complicate your quest to clear all five stages. Enjoy full-speed motorbike racing at speeds of up to 278 kph (about 172 mph)!

This game found its way onto the Sega Master System in its 8-bit form. If you have a Dreamcast, you could play Hang-On as a minigame in "Shenmue." Here is a video sample of Hang-On:

Hang-On video sample (6 minutes, 09 seconds long)

Hang-On Jr. (1985).

Not much is known about "Hang-On Jr." When I did my research online and on YouTube, Hang-On Jr. is somewhat an 8-bit version of the original Hang-On. One thing I did notice was that Hang-On Jr. had water puddles. A water puddle would obviously slow you down if you ran over it. You may look at this video on YouTube if you want a sample of "Hang-On Jr.":

Hang-On Jr. video sample (3 minutes, 32 seconds long)

Super Hang-On (1987).

Super Hang-On offered an experience to really explode the appeal of the Hang-On series. You can choose between four routes and four different songs. You can also really turn up the speed with some extra full-speed power when at top speed. There are four different tours you can take part in. The Novice Course takes you on a six-race journey around Africa. The Junior Course takes you through a 10-race tour of Asia. A 14-race tour of America comprises the Senior Course. And if you're seeking the ultimate challenge, race the intense roads of Europe in the 18-stage Expert Course. You advanced to a new setting after each second stage. So when you clear an even-number stage, the next stage of a course will be a different environment. You could have raced in a city stage, and the next one would be in a mountainous setting. As with the first Hang-On, you want to keep your mistakes to a minimum. You may still have a chance to complete the course if you take a major crash. If you crash in Super Hang-On, you will simply fly off your bike if you take a major crash, unlike your motorcycle in Hang-On.

Super Hang-On was in arcades as well as for systems such as the Sega Genesis/Megadrive and the Commodore 64. The Genesis version had a separate game mode that allowed you to compete in a series of races where you earn money towards upgrading your bike. I decided to feature this embedded video to showcase "Super Hang-On" to all of you (click on the link to this video to view on YouTube):


Super Hang-On video sample (3 minutes, 35 secongs in length)

Hang-On GP '95 (1995).

For the Sega Saturn, there was a game that was a big diversion from the traditional Hang-On games. Hang-On GP '95 is more about circuit racing than any open-road motorcycle racing. Any purist of Hang-On would have been disappointed about what what this game offered as opposed to what the original Hang-On games provided. On the other hand, Hang-On GP '95 allowed you to do something you could never do in any of the original Hang-On games: choose between multiple bikes. Each bike you used had varying levels of performance. Also unlike the past Hang-On games, this game is in full 3D. You could even do pit stops around the game's courses.

You have a certain amount of time to complete a certain number of laps around each course. Clear the checkpoints to gain more time in your attempt to complete the race. You must pass every other bike to try to win the race. Have you what it takes to win the race? This game will be a unique and different challenge apart from any traditional Hang-On. If you want to see this game in action, here is a sample video you can view on YouTube:

Hang-On GP '95 sample video (5 minutes, 12 minutes long)


And that covers the four Hang-On games.

--- Hang-On Series: Final Thoughts ---

There isn't really any motorcycle racing game series all about pure speed. So therefore, enjoy Hang-On as much as you can. It has the open-road thrills of OutRun while also providing intense motorbike racing action. Maybe OutRun has lasted longer, but there is no denying what Hang-On brought to the table with its incredible racing action. Hang-On, you might say, was the Tourist Trophy of the '80s.

Hang-On Resurrection?

Could it be possible that Hang-On will be resurrected with a sequel? I don't think so, unfortunately. It would be great if there was a (hypothetical name) "Hang-On 2" much like there was an "OutRun 2." I'm sure Sega would not disappoint in providing an authentic and complete experience even if with fancified 3D graphics, HD gameplay, and more. Dream on for any sort of resurrection of this franchise...

I did one post in my main blog (John's Blog Space) regarding a resurrection of "Hang-On." Maybe in the future, I will update my thoughts on a resurrected Hang-On for here in this blog.





So I go from one Sega racer to another. I hope you enjoyed my blog post. Well, that's all from me. Thank you for reading!

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OutRun Series

Since 1986, Sega's longest-running and most successful racing franchise is OutRun. The series is all about the thrill of speed and enjoying open-road fun. I'd say this is one of the last great classic racing game series today. Where many other racing games mostly tried to compete with the likes of Gran Turismo and Need for Speed, OutRun mostly remained classic and true throughout the entirety of its existence.

This blog post is my own look at the OutRun series. Welcome to my blog!

--- OutRun Series at a Glance ---

Imagine driving a Ferrari with the top down as you enjoy the thrill of speed. You're a dashing young fellow wanting to give a girl the ride of her life by going on an epic driving tour. Welcome to OutRun. SEGA doesn't care if OutRun isn't some in-your-face crashfest or some highly technical racing sim. OutRun's roots are based on going full-speed in a fast car while listening to iconic songs such as Magical Sound Shower (my personal favorite) and Passing Breeze. You are simply playing this game for one reason- go fast and enjoy the ride. Just watch out for the objects on the outsides of the road as well as the commuter traffic.

Traditional OutRun Elements.

Here is how a normal game of OutRun works. The goal is to clear a bunch of stages (usually 5) en route to one of multiple endings. Your goal in each stage is to race from the start of each stage to the finish point of that stage. When you reach the end of each stage, you have to negotiate a fork in the road that takes you to one of two different stages. An easier stage is usually the left road while a harder stage is to your right. Regardless of which route you choose, you must clear all stages and reach the final goal to complete the game. You can basically make your run as easy or as difficult as you want by simply choosing whichever route you wish to choose. You must also dodge traffic while also avoiding scenery on the outside of the track. Can you complete these epic routes?


Now that you have a basic idea of OutRun, it is time to delve further into the realm of the OutRun series.

--- (Some Of) OutRun Games ---

This will NOT be a complete history of OutRun. Instead, I will only focus on a few games in the series. You can see sample videos by clicking on the links to each featured game. This will work better than embedding as many possible videos as possible. It also helps if certain videos can't be embedded.

OutRun (1986).

While the car is fictional, you pretty much can say you're racing a Ferrari Testarossa convertible. OutRun was a revolutionary game for its time with its graphics and for choosing routes. While it wasn't the first game to introduce the concept of choosing a route with a fork in the road (a game called "Tatsumi TX-1" in 1983 was the first (or one of the first)), OutRun surely made the open road feel like the open road. Since there are five goals based on whatever route you take, there are five different endings. This game was available on a number of platforms including the Genesis/Megadrive, arcades, and elsewhere.

Want a look at how it all began? Here is a sample of the first OutRun, just as you may remember from the arcades:


^ "OutRun - Complete Run & Best Ending Sega Arcade Version"

Want to see the other endings and other goals? Play the game for yourself and reach the other four goals! How would the OutRun series evolve? Find out with some of these other titles to be mentioned!

Turbo OutRun (1989).

Get ready for a turbocharged OutRun adventure. Your car is basically a Ferrari F40 equipped with turbo boost (I think the Ferrari F40 is a turbo car to begin with). This is the first OutRun to feature real-world locations, as you will be racing across the United States. Unlike the first OutRun, you don't have a choice of what route to take next. Your whole journey is one long and predetermined route. Your goal is to race from New York City to Los Angeles while also touching up on various other cities around America. As the name of the game suggests, you can use turbo boosts. Turbos give you a bit of an edge to try to make your American journey a bit easier. Just make sure not to overheat your turbos. Reaching a major checkpoint allows you to equip your car with one of three different upgrades- tire upgrades, an engine upgrade, and a turbo upgrade. One last thing about Turbo OutRun... you race in various parts of the United States in this game. However, not all locations are incredibly accurate. For example, when was the last time you recall snow-capped mountains in Atlanta? Regardless, the highway is yours to rule at crazy high speeds. It was featured on a number of platforms including arcade, Commodore 64, Amiga, FM Towns Marty, and more.

A video sample of "Turbo Outrun" can be seen here: Turbo OutRun sample video (14 minutes, 14 seconds in length)

OutRun Europa (1991).

There was an OutRun title called "OutRun Europa." It was NOT made by SEGA. It was instead made by U.S. Gold and Probe. There were no Ferraris, high-speed thrills, or anything really classic of OutRun games. This game was more like a story-driven racing adventure across Europe that involved racing on land and on water. It was simply point-to-point racing nowhere near the fun Sega's usual OutRun games provide.

Here is a long video featuring the Amiga version of this game: OutRun Europa video sample (24 minutes, 28 seconds in length)

OutRunners (1992).

One of the most beautiful '90s racing games is "OutRunners." This arcade title featured some of the most beautiful graphics for a 2D racing game. Even more so is how smoothly the game runs with these graphics. Like Turbo OutRun, you race across a variety of real-world locations. This OutRun, however, was MUCH different. For the first time ever, you could run one of TWO different routes- an East Route or a West route. Also new to OutRun was your choice of vehicles. You could choose from any number of cars driven by certain characters. Unique endings are provided based on the car you select in addition to any of the different goal sections. OutRunners did find its way onto the Genesis/Megadrive, but the home version was met with lukewarm reception as it lacked the beautiful graphics and outstanding gameplay of the arcade version.

Here is a sample video of "OutRunners." This is the arcade version: OutRunners sample (5 minutes long)

OutRun 2019 (1993).

The Sega Genesis/Megadrive was where you could enjoy OutRun 2019 from Sims Co. LTD. Your car is a futuristic machine racing across four different stages. Each route features a combination of certain single stages and some locations where you must choose a route. With enough power, you can let your car's turbo sing to go even faster through the futuristic landscape of OutRun 2019. One of the biggest graphical features is that of being able to go on certain elevated highways. There are even points where there are no guardrails to keep you on the road... you could overshoot either side and end up falling off into the water or off the road! It is a most unique experience, even for OutRun types.

A sample of OutRun 2019 can be seen here: OutRun 2019 sample video (4 minutes, 3 seconds long)

OutRun 2 (2003).

OutRun 2 was created for one reason- to bring the thrill of 20th Century OutRun into the new millenium and into the 21st Century. It has done so with beautiful 3D graphics and licensed Ferrari models. So no more faceless Ferraris trying to be real Ferraris... you're racing the real things! You are also listening to arranged and remixed versions of past OutRun songs. I personally love the Euro Remix of "Passing Breeze" among the remixed songs. In addition, OutRun 2 could be played at the arcades or even at home on the XBOX.

There are some other modes you can play in this game. One is "Heart Attack." Performing tasks ordered by your girlfriend earns you hearts. Screwing up given orders takes away hearts. Your main goal is to keep your girl happy for as long as possible.

If you want to view a sample of OutRun 2, you are free to watch this video: OutRun 2 sample video (6 minutes, 31 seconds)

OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (2006).

In what could be defined as the final hurrah for the OutRun series, "OutRun 2: Coast 2 Coast" was basically a game honoring two decades of this legendary franchise. It featured all of the original OutRun 2 tracks while also offering 15 extra tracks. It also features upgraded versions of each car. And with the exclusion of the PS2/PSP versions, you can unlock the classic OutRun and even play two extra courses- one based on "Daytona USA 2: Battle on the Edge" and one based on "SEGA Super GT" (or "SEGA S.C.U.D. Race", SCUD standing for "Super Car Ultimate Drive"). You can even enjoy some extra songs for the game including classic OutRun songs as well as remixes.

Don't even bother playing the PS2 version unless you have a PSP and the PSP version of "OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast" because some of the unlockable material have to be unlocked in the PSP version of the game. And sadly, you can't play the classic OutRun or the two bonus courses mentioned previously.

"OutRun 2" and "OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast" are essentially the same game. This is a video of "OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast" here: "OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast" video sample


These were some of many OutRun titles.

--- OutRun Series: What to Take Away ---

If you have never played any OutRun title, you really need to play one. They provide a sense of speed and a sense of fun not many racing games could provide. Even as most other racing games matured and even as a lot of racing games became more about hanging on in the post-Gran Turismo times, OutRun remained a classic thrill ride very few could hold a candle to. Will there ever be another OutRun game? Maybe not judging on "OutRun 2: Coast 2 Coast" and how Sega is doing at present. But as with any franchise past or present, honor the timeless classics; and OutRun IS a timeless classic. It is one of the few racing franchises that simply involves the thrill of going full speed with little to hold you back. Today's realm of racing games is mostly about intense realism and the consequences of being too aggressive. OutRun kept it real through the entirety of the franchise. You can still enjoy simply racing full speed while not having to worry too much about trying to set your car up, how to properly attack a series of corners, or anything sim racers would likely spend loads of time figuring out.

OutRun is one of gaming's finest racing franchises for a reason. Why not pick up a classic OutRun title and play for yourself to see why? It is a series you should play if you consider yourself any real unconditional racing game fan.





That concludes this blog post in this new direction and evolution of this blog. I hope you enjoyed this post, as I hope you have with many of my other posts. Thank you for reading!

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