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Post by Ex on Jul 7, 2021 18:30:45 GMT -5
I think it does add a couple more tracks. You're correct, the 32X version has two new tracks (five total). The Saturn version has its own unique tracks (ten total). And the PS2 version also has unique tracks (six total). Seems one would need to play all three of those versions to see every track. However, this review made the PS2 version of the game sound very enjoyable. I plan to try it out later tonight (if the power doesn't go out due to Elsa doing a drive-by). Well we know the initial high cost was because of that expensive SVP chip, but why the game's value depreciated so soon, I would attribute to the rise of 3D gaming consoles in general. The PS1 and Saturn both released the same year Virtua Racing did on Genesis (1994). So the allure of a clunky 3D home racer soon lost its appeal, in light of more graphically impressive ones. That's my assumption anyway!
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Post by Sarge on Jul 7, 2021 19:39:05 GMT -5
If you're curious about everything Virtua Racing, DF Retro did a video on all the ports.
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Post by Xeogred on Jul 7, 2021 21:13:24 GMT -5
This one definitely holds up quite well. I love how easy it is to get going too. You just pick between four countries to "sponsor" you for your car, pick Automatic or Manual, and you're good to go. I beat the "First Heat" and "Second Heat", which were two pairs of two races. In the First Heat you only have to get third place to continue on, then second place for the Second Heat. So the final Grand Prix which is four races, all seem to require you to get in first. Luckily you can save your progress, I think. I got second on the first Grand Prix race but should be able to jump back in at that point.
You get an upgraded car after the First Heat. But then my mechanic said... too bad after the second one. I wonder if that's how it usually goes, or I should have first placed the Second Heat too for a better car? lol
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Post by Sarge on Jul 7, 2021 22:12:43 GMT -5
I like what I've played of R4. Might look at giving it some run. The PSX racer I put tons of time in was this puppy: I wasn't crazy enough to do all the endurance races, but my brother was. Good times, good times.
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Post by Xeogred on Jul 8, 2021 7:59:41 GMT -5
The Dark Souls of racing games right there...
I just wish R4 had an additional camera view and the ability to see in a rear view mirror. I assume the latter is pretty taxing on the hardware and would sacrifice other assets though, so maybe it's worth being cut since this looks really good (in Duckstation). Viewing wise you get the usual first person view and then directly behind the car. I usually like the camera pulled back further from the car though.
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Post by Ex on Jul 8, 2021 9:22:59 GMT -5
XeogredI'm glad to see R4 held up for you. I remember super enjoying it, and it's still my all time favorite Ridge Racer game. SargeI've played a few GT games, but they never stick for me. From a graphically technical perspective, the GT games are always really impressive in that regard. But from a gameplay perspective they've never excited me. I agree with Xeogred that GT is tough stuff to get good at. - I put some time into Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol. 8: Virtua Racing -FlatOut- last night. I finished two tracks in it, but the game didn't vibe with me personally. I absolutely understand why Virtua Racing was a big deal in its day though. Actually, playing the PS2 version reminded me I did indeed play Virtua Racing in the arcade at some point in my childhood. I remember it as a sit down (cockpit) cabinet. Regardless of being historically important, and a considerable technical accomplishment in its day, the actual gameplay of Virtua Racing didn't excite me as a kid. As a grown man it still doesn't do much for my tastes. So I didn't stick with this one. That is not to say Virtua Racing is a bad game, it's certainly a good game, if you're into its style of racing design. It's impressive how much SEGA got right with their first 3D racer. After that I started playing a PS1 kart racer. With this game, I've played through its Championship mode before, many many years ago, but I never touched its Story mode. So now I'm doing the Story mode to properly beat the game. I'll say what it is once I finish it.
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Post by Xeogred on Jul 8, 2021 12:00:58 GMT -5
Xeogred After that I started playing a PS1 kart racer. With this game, I've played through its Championship mode before, many many years ago, but I never touched its Story mode. So now I'm doing the Story mode to properly beat the game. I'll say what it is once I finish it. CTR?
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Post by Ex on Jul 8, 2021 12:21:31 GMT -5
Good guess, but it's not Crash Team Racing. Although CTR is the best kart racer on PS1, and recommended for sure.
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Post by Xeogred on Jul 8, 2021 12:29:54 GMT -5
Yeah, unless I was blind to it, I recall that being like the only really popular cart racer on the PSX. That genre seemed a lot bigger on the N64 back then.
I don't think I played much of CTR, I've been curious about the remake since those turned out so good for the main trilogy. Maybe I'll dip into the original for a bit first though.
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Post by Ex on Jul 8, 2021 23:53:40 GMT -5
Title: Chocobo RacingPlatform: PlayStation Region release played: USA Year of release: 1999 Developer: SquareSoft Publisher: Square EA Graphics: 3/5 Audio: 3/5 Challenge: 3/5 Fun factor: 2/5 Quick Thoughts: Chocobo Racing is SquareSoft's attempt at a Mario Kart clone. It's not as good as Mario Kart, but it's half-decent. There are some unique ideas, like the way the offensive item system works, secondary persistent powers, and an involved Story Mode. Overall there's five game modes to choose from, but the game is still lackluster in most every regard. I can certainly appreciate SquareSoft's attempt at making a kart racer, but this one seems like a rush job, and this genre definitely wasn't SquareSoft's forte. +Humorous Story Mode with charming pop-up book presentation. +The animated CGs are as good as you'd expect from '90s SquareSoft. +Unusual item system where you can compound item effectiveness. +Beating the Story Mode allows you to create a customer racer. +The ending credits are really well done (if not overblown).
-There's merely 9 tracks in total. -Track design ranges from overly simple to simply annoying. -Enemies stealing your dang power-ups all the time. -Sliding off the tracks because of crappy drift physics. -Gameplay graphics are a lot blander than expected from SquareSoft. Ex's time to beat: 1 hour 15 minutes (Story Mode only) Ex's rating: 6/10
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