Customer Reviews

Daytona USA NR

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've always been a racing game fan ever since Daytona USA first appeared at my local arcade about seven years ago. The graphics at the time were revolutionary and the unmatched gameplay set a new standard for all future arcade racers. When a home version of Daytona finally appeared on the Saturn, I was excited. Even though that version suffered from low frame-rate and horrible pop up, the incredible gameplay and sound (including the cheesy soundtrack) were perfectly intact. Finally, on the Dreamcast, we have a version of this classic racer that has surpassed the original arcade game in terms of graphics and depth. First, the graphics: the first thing you'll notice in playing Daytona USA NR is how smooth and high the frame rate is. Even with 40 cars on the track, there is absolutely no slowdown. In addition, pop up is completely eliminated. You can see Mt. Sonic on the 777 Speedway from clear across the track as you race! The cars themselves have been improved too. They now have a higher polygon count and sport environmental reflection and real light sourcing. You can even see the driver in the cockpit! The only drawback to the graphics are the that some of the texturing is bland and appears to be in lower resolution that it should be. Nevertheless, we finally have a home version of a Sega racer that is superior to the arcade. The second issue is sound: everything you loved or hated about the cheesy soundtrack is here in all its surround sound glory! The helpful comments from the pit crew announcer also adds to the Daytona feel. The engine sounds of the cars themselves is also an improvement over the arcade. I liked how the engine sounds different depending on the car you choose and the veiwpoint you select. Thirdly, on the gameplay: there's been alot of critism from other reviewers on the issue of the oversensitive analog control. I personally have absolutately no problem with this. Anyone used to the sensitive but accurate handling of the controls in Ferarri F355 will get used to Daytona's handling as well. Besides, you can always adjust the sensitivity. Finally on the network racing: this is probably my only gripe with the game. It's not that the graphics don't suffer or the framerate or lag. In fact, Daytona played online plays just as fast an smooth as it does offline. The two main problems I have with online racing is that 1) only 4 cars can be on the track on any given race. What about adding in some computer controlled opponents? And 2) there is a big problem with online races being frequently disconnected for some unknown reason. This happens about every 1 in 5 races I've attempted. This gets very annoying, especially if your in the lead. Despite these problems, I'd rather have a limited online Daytona than no online Daytona at all.

You really have to be a fan of this game to enjoy it. I used to play this game against my brother and my friends in the arcade, and I still do. But now that Daytona 2000 is on the DreamCast with online features you don't have to goto the arcade and play the old 32-bit version, because the DC Port is simply stunning!

The online Net Battle is so well done that even on my DreamCast's 33.3k modem there is virtually no lag at all! It's just like playing Daytona in the arcade again! One thing that lets it down is only 4 human players can be in a race at a time. But this is probably the reason why there is no lag in gameplay.

Overall, Sega has done a great job with porting an old classic to the DreamCast, I hope they will keep it up and port a few other arcade games.

It took long enough, but Daytona is finally available on the Dreamcast in arcade perfect form. I would have been happy with just the original Hornet car and the 3 tracks that were on the arcade version, but Network Edition offers much more. You start off with 4 different types of cars, and there are five additional tracks to go along with the old ones (two that were from the Circuit Edition that was released on Saturn, and three entirely new Dreamcast exclusive tracks). The frame rate moves along at a steady 60fps throughout the entire game, with very little noticable slowdown (even in the two player split screen mode!). The only thing that may turn some racing fans off is the lack of depth. You can't customize your vehicle as much as you can in Sony's Gran Turismo games, but Daytona was designed to be an arcade game anyway. My only complaint with Daytona is the weird control. The analog stick is the only way you can steer your car, and it feels very loose and shaky when trying to gently tap the wheel around those crucial corners to power slide/drift, ect. If you are serious about racing games, it goes without saying that you will want to invest in a steering wheel controller for this one. In any case, if you enjoyed the arcade version of Daytona as much as I did, you'll definetly want to add it to your Dreamcast collection.

People who enjoyed the arcade version of Daytona will enjoy this game equally. There is just something about the physics and the appearance of the arcade Daytona that I always liked. It doesn't have a million cars to choose from and the car reflections are not as impressive as Super GT... but the game is just fun. I think you'll find the dreamcast version of this game to be just like the arcade version, so you can base your judgement on that.

I have the arcade machine and honestly i'd rather play the Dreamcast version. More tracks, more cars(also they are customizable) better graphics, and the same exact gameplay from the arcade version. The only thing it's missing is the arcade machine to sit in and race tons of people. Too bad the Dreamcast no longer goes online with multiplayer anymore because i would no life this game to death!!!

Its a top 10 in arcade simulation cars!
Visual effects are incredible. 60 frames p/s, so much speed and very good background settings, it's really hard to race a game that looks so visually impressive. They have also added new effects, making the port of this game better than arcade perfect.

just need to calibrate the pad for steering or use a steering wheel!!

a must have for all the daytona lovers

[...]

I JUST NEED TO TEST THE LINK CABLE because it have a multyplayer option maybe for DREAMCAST VS DREAMCAST

Daytona U.S.A. is the best racing game on Sega Dreamcast. Daytona is better than Speed Devils. You need online to unlock all the cars. The online is great. Buy this game it great. This is a Sega Dreamcast classic. This game is kind of like burnout.

This game is probably the best arcade-style driving game ever ported to a home system. It has awesome graphics, addictive music track, and really fast, intense tracks. The control is kinda tough to figure out, but it's a very minor flaw. A sure MUST BUY title.

Be warned: the online mode NO LONGER WORKS. Sega already said it will NOT be back, ever. Not to worry, though: split screen mode works really well.

This game is alright if you like doing the same thing over and over like someone said earlier. The graphics are awesome and everything, but where's the fun? I'd recommend San Francisco Rush 2049 before I would this.. but that's just my opinion.

I can remember playing this game in the arcades in '97. Sega did a perfect port to dreamcast- the graphics are top notch. However, the sad part is they did so good a job they didn't bother changing any problems the game has. Compared to what else is on the DC, Daytona gets a two.

The steering feels artificial, especially during turns. The cars are prone to slip and slide a good deal and can be practically uncontrollable at times. The size of the car from the rear view looks just wrong. It's too thin and vibrates a little too much. Also, there are only about 6 tracks to choose from, and although they look great they get old fast.

The only redeeming feature I can think of is the option where you can race against other players with the same game over the internet. I never tried it because I don't have an internet connection to my dreamcast. I've heard the game runs smoothly playing over the internet, though. Anyway, if you wanna race and you got a dreamcast try either one of these games: Test Drive Le Mans, Re-volt, or SanFrancisco Rush 2049- all much more fun games than Daytona.