The Final Word game review

High Velocity -- Atlus

High Velocity, racing for the Saturn is here. Choose from a number of cars to do your driving in, on actual roads located in Japan. With hairpins, steep hills and more, high speed racing takes on a whole new challenge in this exciting title from Atlus.

Ferrari Man
Although I would not call this game visually stunning, it was a lot of fun to play. I am an avid racing fan, and found this game to quiet my need for a new title. If you are not a racing fan already, this is not the title to change your persuasion. Clean play control, and great track designs are the high points in this title. Low resolution graphics, and only one opponent are the biggest drawbacks.

E.Phoenix
High Velocity is a very strong game. HV's challenging tracks are modeled after three actual roadways in Japan. What sets this game apart from the other Saturn drivers is the incredible amount of upgrades with which you can customize your car (two large turbochargers with an intercooler and a supercharger... yeah!). High Velocity also utilizes an excellent 3-D engine with very little pop-up. My only problems with this soft is the lack of challengers -- there is only one opponent... oh well, this is the price of slick 3-D on the Saturn.

R.I.P.
I found this game to be not only challenging, but down right fun. While the racing may not be as fast as Sega Rally, this title stands well for itself in the world of racing games on the Saturn. My only complaint was the fact that you could only race one other car in any of the modes. The cool thing about this game is that the tracks are actually designed off of real roads that exist (in Japan though). Another cool feature is the customization control in this game -- you can choose which way you want to drive on a course, you can totally tweek up your car, and you can change your car color or type of car! And last, kudos for a game where you really have to use that manual transmission for best speed and control on hills (and boy does this baby have hills!).

Salamander
While High Velocity does not compare to Sega Rally, this title is still worth mention. Gameplay and graphics are solid, but they are not spectacular. The selling point in this title are the course layouts. The raceways feature tight corners, embankments and inclines so steep downshifting is not a an option - it's a neccesity. My only real misgiving is the lack of competition. Races are one-on-one, so if you are not a fan of time trials you may want to steer clear. Otherwise, a very good game.

------ 84.0/100 ------		---F.M.--	--E.Phoenix-	---R.I.P.--	--Salamander-
Graphics		3.5	4.5	4.5	4.0
Sound		4.0	4.0	4.5	4.0
Gameplay/Control		4.0	4.0	4.5	4.5
Longevity/Playability		4.0	4.0	5.0	5.0
Overall		3.5	4.0	4.5	4.0
Total		19.0	20.5	23.0	21.5

(12/95)