The Final Word game review

Daytona USA -- Sega

A new level of arcade racing comes home with Daytona USA for the Sega Saturn. Texture-mapped 3-D stock car racing with three unique tracks, four different camera views, and multiple skill levels combine for high-speed, high-tension competition. Play the arcade mode, or experience the enhanced "Saturn" mode with additional cars and play options.

Ferrari Man
I have a very mixed look at this title. Although it fell very short of the arcade in graphics, the game was far better than any other racing game currently available in the USA. The gameplay was great, and the multiple cars of the Saturn mode are a welcome addition. Although there were several tracks, the game lent itself to becoming repetitive. The graphics were better than the current systems, but really showed a gap between other next-gen systems. Overall a solid title, that will help to sell machines. However, Sega should not rest on their laurels for this one, and had better step up the games to be real competition in the future.

E.Phoenix
What a surprise! After spending literally hours on end racing the three tracks I can honestly say that underneath the lackluster graphics, annoying music, and somewhat sloppy control there is a truly fun game hiding. Fun it is, Ridge Racer it isn't. Don't bank on this one to sell systems as first impressions may send this one to the cut-out bin.

R.I.P.
I had a number of things I liked and disliked about this title... I thought the graphics and sound were excellent, although that music absoulutely has to go. I would say though, that in all ways, except graphics, this game is just like the arcade. On the subject of play-control... well, I don't like the feeling that I'm driving on an oil slick the whole time I'm racing, which is about what it's like in this game, and something I didn't like about the coin-op version as well. In order to make time on the course you have to slide the rear end of your car all over the track. Me I like a little more realism in my driving sims. If you can get beyond this though, I think you will really enjoy this title, but in the long-run I don't see it having alot of staying power. This game should entertain you for the next couple of months in any event.

Salamander
It may not be the arcade, but Daytona USA is more than worth a spin. The graphics aren't quite as good as I had hoped, and the lyrics/voices were somewhat unintelligible, but the gameplay rocks. Now the big question... is Daytona on the Saturn better than Ridge Racer on the PlayStation? Ohhh! Tough call! If this were the arcade, there would be no question that Daytona blows Ridge Racer out of the water; at home, Ridge Racer is the more exact translation, and appears technically superior. Which is more fun? Daytona USA. Daytona has more gameplay, more tracks, and more action. A definite winner.

------ 80.0/100 ------		---F.M.--	--E.Phx--	--R.I.P.-	--Salamander-
Graphics		3.5	3.5	4.5	4.5
Sound		4.0	3.5	4.5	3.0
Gameplay/Control		4.5	4.5	3.0	5.0
Longevity/Playability		3.0	4.0	3.5	4.5
Overall		4.0	4.0	4.5	4.5
Total		19.0	19.5	20.0	21.5

(06/95)