- Release Date: 1994
- Genre: Racing
- Style: Formula-1/Indy Racing
Game Description
Virtua Racing has the distinction of being the first and only Genesis title to use the SVP chip, a graphics processor which renders shaded, 3D-polygon graphics. Adapted from the breakthrough arcade hit, the game contains three tracks -- beginner, medium and expert -- and four views of the action that can be changed during gameplay. Also available is a choice of automatic or 7-speed manual transmission.If your car needs repairs, steer into the pits for a quick fill-up and change of tires. After the race, you can take another look at the action with the instant replay feature. Two players can race head-to-head via a split-screen, and the game is compatible with the six-button Sega Arcade Pad.
Review: Overall
Although they said it couldn't be done, Virtua Racing was ported to theWhat made the arcade version of Virtua Racing so remarkable were the fast 3D graphics with a tight, flat-shaded look. The Genesis version comes with a special SVP chip that transforms your Genesis into a polygon-crunching beast.
Graphically, Virtua Racing has some polygon reduction here and there, and the tracks aren't quite as detailed as the arcade (or 32X version). However, the game moves at a solid 25fps, and the gameplay is challenging.
Even though you haven't got a steering wheel, Sega has made do with the D-pad, allowing breakneck cornering and quasi-powerslides to keep you ahead of the competition. Precision driving is a necessity, because tapping another driver with your car will result in a spinout, losing valuable time. Whatever you do, don't hit the walls, as you'll need to make a pit stop to get back in the action.
Other goodies include a split-screen racing mode where you can go head-to-head with a buddy, and a time attack where your only opponent is the clock. Of course, there's a hidden "Mirror Mode" where the tracks are reversed, adding immensely to the replay value.





