subdirectory_arrow_right V.R. Virtua Racing (Game)
▲
1
▼
The Saturn port of Virtua Racing was outsourced by Sega to the publisher Time Warner Interactive. However, Sega did not provide the developers with the source code for the game or initially a Saturn development kit, instead only giving a single arcade cabinet and some model data. The developers were thus forced to reverse engineer Virtua Racing to the best of their abilities. As a result, the game handles significantly differently from any other version of the game.
Despite a troubled development, Time Warner added a significant amount of extra content to the game, including a Grand Prix mode and increasing the 1 vehicle and 3 tracks to 5 vehicles and 10 tracks. As of 2024, this makes the Saturn version to most content-rich version of Virtua Racing.
Despite a troubled development, Time Warner added a significant amount of extra content to the game, including a Grand Prix mode and increasing the 1 vehicle and 3 tracks to 5 vehicles and 10 tracks. As of 2024, this makes the Saturn version to most content-rich version of Virtua Racing.
PandaMonium Reviews video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjhDXStrFdc
10:27 - Development info regarding Time Warner
11:16 - "Not a Port"
13:11 - Dev Kit situation
20:15 - Direct comparison between versions
27:38 - New Content
53:30 - Contemporary reception
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjhDXStrFdc
10:27 - Development info regarding Time Warner
11:16 - "Not a Port"
13:11 - Dev Kit situation
20:15 - Direct comparison between versions
27:38 - New Content
53:30 - Contemporary reception
▲
2
▼
The Genesis version of Virtua Racing is the only licensed game for the system to use the Sega Virtua Processor. Similar to the SNES's Super FX chip used in games such as Star Fox, the SVP greatly improved the Genesis's ability to render large numbers of polygons. Due to the extra hardware, Virtua Racing cost $99.95 at launch, making it the most expensive mass-produced domestic Genesis cartridge.
Sega-16 article:
https://www.sega-16.com/2006/03/segas-svp-chip-the-road-not-taken/
GamePro magazine Issue #57 (page 174 in the magazine):
https://retrocdn.net/images/2/28/GamePro_US_057.pdf
https://www.sega-16.com/2006/03/segas-svp-chip-the-road-not-taken/
GamePro magazine Issue #57 (page 174 in the magazine):
https://retrocdn.net/images/2/28/GamePro_US_057.pdf
Related Games
V.R. Virtua Racing
F1 2002
EA Sports F1 2001
Super Monaco GP
F1 Racing Championship
EA Sports F1 2001
Maimai DX Universe
Forgotten Worlds
Animaniacs
OutRun
Strider
Sonic Gems Collection
Sonic Advance 2
Eternal Champions
Quake
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Phantasy Star Universe
Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut
The Punisher
Football Manager 2005
Sonic & Knuckles
Ballz 3D
Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed
Persona 4 Golden
Yakuza Kiwami 2
Sega Ages Alex Kidd in Miracle World
The Amazing Spider-Man: Web of Fire
Ecco: The Tides of Time
Football Manager 2013
Seaman
Virtua Fighter 5: Final Showdown
Sonic the Hedgehog
Street Fighter II: Champion Edition
Sonic Lost World
Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow
Yakuza 5
Company of Heroes 2
Marko
Phantasy Star Online Ver. 2
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Crossroads of Time
Yakuza: Like a Dragon
Sonic Superstars
Sonic Labyrinth
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Yakuza 2
QuackShot Starring Donald Duck
Sonic CD
Castle of Illusion Starring Mickey Mouse
Ghouls 'n Ghosts
Streets of Rage 2