Virtua Racing Deluxe: Information from Answers.com

Release Date: 1994
Genre: Racing
Style: Formula-1/Indy Racing
Similar Games: Ayrton Senna's Super Monaco GP II (Sega Genesis), Mario Andretti Racing (Sega Genesis), Super Monaco GP (Sega Genesis), Virtua Racing (Sega Genesis), Super Monaco GP (Arcade), Virtua Racing (Arcade), Nigel Mansell's World Championship Racing (Sega Genesis), Newman Haas IndyCar Featuring Nigel Mansell (Sega Genesis), Super Monaco GP (Sega Game Gear), Ayrton Senna's Super Monaco GP II (Sega Game Gear), Ayrton Senna's Super Monaco GP II (Sega Game Gear), Super Monaco GP (Sega Master System), Newman Haas IndyCar Featuring Nigel Mansell (Super Nintendo Entertainment System)

Roots & Influences

The success of Virtua Racing, first in the Arcade and then on the Genesis, prompted the release of this 32X version.

~ Christopher Michael Baker, All Game Guide

Review: Overall

After rocking the Arcades in the early '90s, it seemed that the highly successful Virtua Racing was destined to come home in some way or another. Though a Genesis version was attempted (and utilized a special polygon chip on an over-sized cartridge), Sega's "next-generation" 32X machine seemed better-suited to pull off a perfect port.

Virtua Racing started off in the Arcades as a Formula One racer but has been expanded on the 32X to include a variety of vehicles. You're also able to race stock cars and an "experimental" prototype. You've been given the three original arcade tracks plus two original, 32X-exclusive circuits to race on.

What made Virtua Racing so special in the Arcade was its seamless, flat-shaded polygon graphics and addictive gameplay. This has all been ported over to the 32X without a hitch -- the visuals are fast, detailed and ripe with effects like smoke and tire tracks. The steering wheel has been replaced with a control pad making handling a bit tricky, but liberal application of the brake will ensure victory. The sensation of speed is outstanding, especially from the cockpit view (where you can even see your driver's hands on the steering wheel). Aside from Arcade and Time Attack modes, you can also race against a buddy split-screen style. Despite reduced polygon counts on the environments, this mode is still quite playable.

While Virtua Racing is a solid arcade port, we would have appreciated a few more cars, the ability to modify transmissions and tire settings, and maybe a hidden track or two. But as it stands, Virtua Racing is a must-buy for 32X owners and even manages to eclipse Time Warner Interactive's Saturn port of the game.