Oh and don't forget that Virtua Fighter still had several more releases in the series. Great review of a classic Saturn game, great to see again in action.
Man I am obsessed with VR on my Nintendo Switch. I found that it is absolute Arcade perfection. I would love to see the Saturn Version receiving the same treatment as the original VR on the Switch! Doubt this will happen but one can dream. 9 years later I really enjoyed your vid man. Thank you.
I think virtua racing was more of a proof of concept. Daytona USA was where they were really aiming for. Now THAT series, we need more of! Its kind of funny how you prefer the Saturn version when most seem to think its the inferior version to the other ports because it handles differently (made by TWI and not SEGA).
Why is the Saturn version of Virtua Racing so reviled? How can this be the worst version when it has more cars, more game modes, more tracks and more detail than the 32X and especially than the Genesis version, and it runs smoother than both? I heard people bash it because "it doesn't look as good as the arcade". So? No 1990s version of Virtua Racing looks as good as the arcade, and the other two versions look even worse than this! The animations are smooth, the controls are responsive... so what is it that people don't like about this version? That it contains MORE stuff than the arcade version?
I remember hating this version, but I don't remember why. I might have to check it out again. I think sometimes when I game looks dated at the time it's released, it will get a lot of hate, but obviously many years later that doesn't matter at all.
It caught shit from the gaming media back then because of two reasons. It was not anything PlayStation and it didn't play like RidgeRacer. The media sorta had their heads up their ass back then. This version is so much smoother than the 32X version though,wow. I use to have it,I think I still do but its put away in storage. I need to get an old cart tv and my Saturn and its gems out again.
Markis5150 But the 32X version only came out 5 months and a half before the Saturn version, when Ridge Racer was already out for PS1! Why didn't the 32X version get bashed? Why do people believe it to be superior to the Saturn version?
DevilMaster You're timing is a off. Virtua Racing was a 32X launch title: November 1994. Ridge Racer was a PS1 launch title: September 1995. I don't know exactly when Virtua Racing Saturn came out but I know it wasn't at launch in May 1995 so some time after, most likely after Ridge Racer even. Anyway, when it came out, most people expected a Saturn game to look a lot better.
***** I looked up the dates. So Ridge Racer did, indeed, come out after Virtua Racing for 32X, but in Japan it came out in December 1994, just one month after Virtua Racing for 32X. Virtua Racing for Saturn, instead, came out on June 1, 1995. Still, it doesn't explain why people say that the 32X version is superior.
This version might be a real extensive revision of the arcade original and a real good one at that, but me being someone that absolutely loved the arcade original with its cosmetics intact I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed at seeing this run at 30 fps with a low resolution, when I swear the Saturn poses the horsepower to run it at the 60 fps that the arcade fluidly ran it at, for this reason my favorite home version of this has to be on the PS2 on a compilation SEGA disc ...where it's absolutely arcade perfect..., menus, music and all..its just perfect.
Virtua racing was an amazing game! the graphics truly mind blowing! (especially when the original arcade version came out and you could sit in the full size f1 mock up)
I wish Sega made an updated Virtua Racing release for modern consoles, with two selectable graphical modes: "Classic" (where the tracks look exactly like in the arcade version) and "Realistic" (where they are still the same tracks, but with many more polygons, photorealistic textures, normal mapping and dynamic lighting).
@ripperoo1 I had to look into this a little closer and it appears that Sega is indeed releasing hardware called "ringedge and ringwide" however this is not home game consoles its arcade boards for arcade cabinets! this is not the Dreamcast 2
I just bought Virtua Racing for the genesis the other week. It's by far the best 3d driving game I've got on the genesis. Even better than Hard Drivin'. (Which I got on your recommendation)
@ripperoo1 The Black belt was one of two prototype consoles that Sega was developing in the mid nineties it was going to be a 64 bit console and cartridge based, other than a few trade shows it never saw the light of day! the other prototype was disc based and that became what we now know as the Dreamcast.
I remember everyone who likes Virtua Racing said this Saturn version was crap back in the day... so I didn't buy it. They said the feel of the cars was wrong, the sound different, and it just wasn't as good. It does look ok in this video, though, so I'll check it out once and for all.
Virtua Racing is probably the only "Virtua" game with no real sequel. Even the Sega Ages/Classic Collection version is just a remake with a few more tracks and features. Some reckon that it was just the second incarnation of Sega's arcade racing games, where the first was Outrun, then the third was Daytona USA, then Sega Rally, although interestingly, Sega Rally has had the most and recent sequels and ports, so who knows. It definitely would be a good idea to bring it back, with all these cars.
This game was NOT ground breaking back in the day Mark. Daytona USA launched with the Saturn with texture mapped polygons. The game looks like this because the arcade looked like this. This game was actually looked quite down upon back in the day because of it's many flaws separating it from the arcade. Given a chance though this is a fantastic racing game despite it's flaws. The extra tracks and cars really make the game worth while. Too bad we couldn't see past it's flaws back in the day.
I love this version. The framerate is super smooth, and all of the bonus content is really cool...but those atrocious loading times always make me turn it off and play the Genesis version instead =(
@KesMonkey I had that impression as well. Haven't played the original since the mid 90's so I can't remember wether it was really difficult or if I was just rubbish at it.
I miss untextured polygon graphics. I wish more modern racing games would have a VIRTUA RACING graphics mode like the Psygnosis Formula 1 games on the original Playstation had. Also, getting Saturn-perfect VIRTUA RACING was the main reason I bought the SEGA CLASSICS COLLECTION on the PS2.
Say what you want about the graphics, I like how the game tries to achieve OVER 30 fps, even if it drops below it many times. I can't say that for a lot of modern racers, arcade or not.
@ripperoo1 Yes, I don't think they will ever make a console of any kind ever again! I used that extreme example to illustrate the point, like saying theres more chance of a sequel to ET on the 2600 or another oceon liner called Titanic.
for some reason I remembered this looking better on my Saturn... but then I remembered how Daytona looked originally too. I think I get stuff confused between my Saturn and Dreamcast
Sega needs to make a new home console just for this game! and to make sure the checkpoint music is thye same! also, mabey 4th gear for the formular one cars! ;D
they should bring back Virtua Racing, as well as creating Virtua Hockey. i would buy both if released on the right video game system. c`mon. hockey doesn`t get enough love. someone should make Virtua Hockey.
i like the graphics!, they remind me of the graphics in Sonic 1 but in 3d, that kind of abstract style. i love plain-filled polygons in anything mind you....
@SteveBrandon yeh man,..it's about 5 quid on ebay buy it now but i might try a cheeky low bid on a few or maybe look next time i'm out and about in the 3d realm ;) I just have a real hankering for some virtua racing and never realised this had it included..outrun doesnt seem all that bad either after watching this although who knows what they were thinking with the super monaco gp version and unfortunately i'll miss out on alien syndrome re-hash due to being in britland :/
I think I might pick this up ;) Yeah, I would definitely get Virtua Racing if it came out for a new console =) I would also like it if a new Daytona came out =D
OMG look at the poligons!!!, they dont make games like ths anymore. thank you for the review. im checking right now and there is some copies on ebay :D
@StephensStuff no saturn was designed for 3d more then 2d, you are thinking of the genesis(or megadrive if ur euro) saturn just happened to do 2d better then 3d
@dannyofthededd It's not SUPER MONACO GP, it's an adaptation of the original MONACO GP arcade game from 1979 that I found virtually unplayable. The OUT RUN is alright, but pales in comparison to OUT RUN 2006 COAST 2 COAST on the PS2, but the collection's worth it for a fine version of COLUMNS (with the original also included) and FANTASY ZONE alone.
@MikePitcher As far as im concerned SEGA are the masters of the arcade era. and the dream cast managed to get that arcade edge even into longer winded games like shenmue. Namco could learn a few things from them. ^^
I still can't believe that this game's official, full name is "Time Warner Interactive's VR Virtua Racing™".
It certainly wasn't Sega's.
As Mark said. The first thing I noticed is extreme quality of the music. It sounds really good produced.
there really needs to be games like this nowadays, who's with me?
You can always just set your normal modern racing game to 180p @ 5fps
The soundtrack sounds like something you'd hear on a CGR bumper.
Oh yes. Picked this up at CGE many years ago. One of the best Saturn racers. Love hearing the classic music redone on redbook.
Love seeing that Casiopea music influence going SO strong in this game.
Sega, bring back Virtua Racing!!!!!
They did, on the switch.
Thanks. Totally glad they did, the must have listened to my 7 year old comment!
@@UltimateCamaroFan They actually had it planned ever since for the 3DS
Its amazing how I didn't buy this game because it had such average reviews, now I wish I got it. I loved the 32x version.
Oh and don't forget that Virtua Fighter still had several more releases in the series. Great review of a classic Saturn game, great to see again in action.
Just ordered a new (yes, unopened factory sealed) copy for only $23.99. Freakin' sweet!
Man I am obsessed with VR on my Nintendo Switch. I found that it is absolute Arcade perfection. I would love to see the Saturn Version receiving the same treatment as the original VR on the Switch! Doubt this will happen but one can dream. 9 years later I really enjoyed your vid man. Thank you.
I think virtua racing was more of a proof of concept. Daytona USA was where they were really aiming for. Now THAT series, we need more of! Its kind of funny how you prefer the Saturn version when most seem to think its the inferior version to the other ports because it handles differently (made by TWI and not SEGA).
I love the music Sega use in the games just like sega rally. daytona, virtua racing etc.
This game has a cockpit view and yet there's no cocktail view? Madness.
The square colorful shapes with awesome catchy music was an excellent combination, it always put me in good mood. ... God... This is so A W E S O M E!
I've always liked the look of old 3D games like this.
Maybe its just me.......
oh the good old memories playing this game on my sega Saturn
Why is the Saturn version of Virtua Racing so reviled? How can this be the worst version when it has more cars, more game modes, more tracks and more detail than the 32X and especially than the Genesis version, and it runs smoother than both?
I heard people bash it because "it doesn't look as good as the arcade". So? No 1990s version of Virtua Racing looks as good as the arcade, and the other two versions look even worse than this! The animations are smooth, the controls are responsive... so what is it that people don't like about this version? That it contains MORE stuff than the arcade version?
I remember hating this version, but I don't remember why. I might have to check it out again. I think sometimes when I game looks dated at the time it's released, it will get a lot of hate, but obviously many years later that doesn't matter at all.
It caught shit from the gaming media back then because of two reasons. It was not anything PlayStation and it didn't play like RidgeRacer. The media sorta had their heads up their ass back then. This version is so much smoother than the 32X version though,wow. I use to have it,I think I still do but its put away in storage. I need to get an old cart tv and my Saturn and its gems out again.
Markis5150
But the 32X version only came out 5 months and a half before the Saturn version, when Ridge Racer was already out for PS1! Why didn't the 32X version get bashed? Why do people believe it to be superior to the Saturn version?
DevilMaster
You're timing is a off.
Virtua Racing was a 32X launch title: November 1994.
Ridge Racer was a PS1 launch title: September 1995.
I don't know exactly when Virtua Racing Saturn came out but I know it wasn't at launch in May 1995 so some time after, most likely after Ridge Racer even. Anyway, when it came out, most people expected a Saturn game to look a lot better.
***** I looked up the dates. So Ridge Racer did, indeed, come out after Virtua Racing for 32X, but in Japan it came out in December 1994, just one month after Virtua Racing for 32X. Virtua Racing for Saturn, instead, came out on June 1, 1995.
Still, it doesn't explain why people say that the 32X version is superior.
i love the Virtua series. the music they use is always great.
the fluidity of this game looks amazing
TIME BONUH!
TIME BONER!!!
THAT is one awesome port! I have to get a Saturn one of these days.
This version might be a real extensive revision of the arcade original and a real good one at that, but me being someone that absolutely loved the arcade original with its cosmetics intact I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed at seeing this run at 30 fps with a low resolution, when I swear the Saturn poses the horsepower to run it at the 60 fps that the arcade fluidly ran it at, for this reason my favorite home version of this has to be on the PS2 on a compilation SEGA disc ...where it's absolutely arcade perfect..., menus, music and all..its just perfect.
It's not just racing. It's VIRTUA RACING!!!
I used to play the hell out of Virtua Racing Deluxe on my 32X. Yes I had one and I loved it.
I remember playing this game on the 32X, it was a lot of fun.
Virtua racing was an amazing game! the graphics truly mind blowing! (especially when the original arcade version came out and you could sit in the full size f1 mock up)
I wish Sega made an updated Virtua Racing release for modern consoles, with two selectable graphical modes: "Classic" (where the tracks look exactly like in the arcade version) and "Realistic" (where they are still the same tracks, but with many more polygons, photorealistic textures, normal mapping and dynamic lighting).
90's game music ftw
virtua racing, whiplash, and screamer, the three greatest racing series of the 90s
The Virtua world sure looks like a fun one... if a bit chunky.
Classic Sega.
@ripperoo1 I had to look into this a little closer and it appears that Sega is indeed releasing hardware called "ringedge and ringwide" however this is not home game consoles its arcade boards for arcade cabinets! this is not the Dreamcast 2
I dont know why, but the loading screen comment made me laugh extremely hard. I LOVE CGR!
This game was revolutionary in arcade back in the day, but at the time of this release there was already the PlayStation with Ridge Racer.
I just bought Virtua Racing for the genesis the other week. It's by far the best 3d driving game I've got on the genesis. Even better than Hard Drivin'. (Which I got on your recommendation)
I have this game so cheesy and gr8
@ripperoo1 The Black belt was one of two prototype consoles that Sega was developing in the mid nineties it was going to be a 64 bit console and cartridge based, other than a few trade shows it never saw the light of day! the other prototype was disc based and that became what we now know as the Dreamcast.
ahhh virtua racing i played it on my sega megadrive long ago. what a cool game...
Welcome to the Virtua Zone!! Get ready!
Virtua rocks!
I own this game. And have it sitting next to me right now. The US version that is. This video makes me want to go into storage and find my Saturn.
I'm not sure if its mentiioned or not but the Sega saturn version was actually farmed out to Time Warner Intereactive for development.
I remember everyone who likes Virtua Racing said this Saturn version was crap back in the day... so I didn't buy it. They said the feel of the cars was wrong, the sound different, and it just wasn't as good. It does look ok in this video, though, so I'll check it out once and for all.
I spent a large part of my teens playing this game :D
Virtua Racing is probably the only "Virtua" game with no real sequel. Even the Sega Ages/Classic Collection version is just a remake with a few more tracks and features. Some reckon that it was just the second incarnation of Sega's arcade racing games, where the first was Outrun, then the third was Daytona USA, then Sega Rally, although interestingly, Sega Rally has had the most and recent sequels and ports, so who knows. It definitely would be a good idea to bring it back, with all these cars.
This game was NOT ground breaking back in the day Mark. Daytona USA launched with the Saturn with texture mapped polygons. The game looks like this because the arcade looked like this. This game was actually looked quite down upon back in the day because of it's many flaws separating it from the arcade. Given a chance though this is a fantastic racing game despite it's flaws. The extra tracks and cars really make the game worth while. Too bad we couldn't see past it's flaws back in the day.
Exactly, this was seen as a bad conversion back in the day
I love this version. The framerate is super smooth, and all of the bonus content is really cool...but those atrocious loading times always make me turn it off and play the Genesis version instead =(
@KesMonkey I had that impression as well. Haven't played the original since the mid 90's so I can't remember wether it was really difficult or if I was just rubbish at it.
the virtua racing cartridge for the genesis had a huge heatsink
I miss untextured polygon graphics. I wish more modern racing games would have a VIRTUA RACING graphics mode like the Psygnosis Formula 1 games on the original Playstation had. Also, getting Saturn-perfect VIRTUA RACING was the main reason I bought the SEGA CLASSICS COLLECTION on the PS2.
I think I remember the 32x version being the best overall (between the Gen, 32x, Sat). Less pop up and controlled a little better.
I love the music in this game. It makes it feels really mid-90's-ish, if that is even a way of expressing it.
Hey Mark, you should review Midway Arcade Treasures 3, it has a bunch of old racing games including my personal favorite; Hydro Thunder.
This game reminds me of my favorite 90's arcade racing game, DAYTONAAAAAAAAAAAA! USA.
That's because Virtua Racing was the precursor to Daytona USA. Without VR, it's a fair bet there probably would've been no Daytona.
2:24 sounds a little bit like Headmaster Ritual by The Smiths especially if ya keep listening
The look of the original Virtua Racing still looks a like a cartoon to me, But I see your point.
More Sega Saturn reviews please!
No, the Saturn's Ridge Racer was Daytona USA.
Say what you want about the graphics, I like how the game tries to achieve OVER 30 fps, even if it drops below it many times. I can't say that for a lot of modern racers, arcade or not.
I enjoyed the 32x release of this game. The physics were a bit funny though.
yah, the most important thing about this game is GOOD GAMEPLAY - even if the focus was on the graphics... it was a very popular arcade machine on town
@ripperoo1 Yes, I don't think they will ever make a console of any kind ever again! I used that extreme example to illustrate the point, like saying theres more chance of a sequel to ET on the 2600 or another oceon liner called Titanic.
A modern remake of this would be beautiful and beat any modern racer anyday
I miss the oldschool 90's Sega games music!
Great game! I agree, needs a return!
The replay feature in this game is better than the one in GT5: You can rewind and fast forward!!!
Damn I miss this channel so much
V.R. has the best jingles of any game. Period.
God i wanted this game so bad as a kid for the 32x
one of the sexiest racing games of all time
whats up with Time Warner Interactive publishing a Sega game on a Sega system?
for some reason I remembered this looking better on my Saturn... but then I remembered how Daytona looked originally too. I think I get stuff confused between my Saturn and Dreamcast
32x
2:00 sounds like an electric chair
Funny shadow colors.
Virtua Racing on the 3DS could be pretty awesome!
Sega needs to make a new home console just for this game! and to make sure the checkpoint music is thye same! also, mabey 4th gear for the formular one cars! ;D
I don't actually have a problem with the Megadrive version. But each to their own.
I like the Graphics of Virtua Racing, They are so Cartoon Like.
Please please please review Virtua Racing for the Sega Genesis (not the 32x of course)
they should bring back Virtua Racing, as well as creating Virtua Hockey. i would buy both if released on the right video game system.
c`mon. hockey doesn`t get enough love. someone should make Virtua Hockey.
Yeah, Virtua Racing and Virtua Cop should be remade for the current gen consoles i reckon...
Wow this game has stuff in it that took polyphony over a decade to implement in the gran turismo series.
menu screen is badass
Wow... great graphics for 1995
i like the graphics!, they remind me of the graphics in Sonic 1 but in 3d, that kind of abstract style. i love plain-filled polygons in anything mind you....
@rochestertroll Sega competed pretty well against Tomb Raider considering that game actually launched on the Saturn...
@SteveBrandon yeh man,..it's about 5 quid on ebay buy it now but i might try a cheeky low bid on a few or maybe look next time i'm out and about in the 3d realm ;)
I just have a real hankering for some virtua racing and never realised this had it included..outrun doesnt seem all that bad either after watching this although who knows what they were thinking with the super monaco gp version and unfortunately i'll miss out on alien syndrome re-hash due to being in britland :/
I think I might pick this up ;) Yeah, I would definitely get Virtua Racing if it came out for a new console =) I would also like it if a new Daytona came out =D
l had the Megadrive version back then, l remember it being really challenging due to its control but other than that l actually enjoyed the game.
OMG look at the poligons!!!, they dont make games like ths anymore.
thank you for the review. im checking right now and there is some copies on ebay :D
Those Go-Karts look sooo small on that big track!
@StephensStuff no saturn was designed for 3d more then 2d, you are thinking of the genesis(or megadrive if ur euro) saturn just happened to do 2d better then 3d
I loved my 32x version.
@dannyofthededd It's not SUPER MONACO GP, it's an adaptation of the original MONACO GP arcade game from 1979 that I found virtually unplayable. The OUT RUN is alright, but pales in comparison to OUT RUN 2006 COAST 2 COAST on the PS2, but the collection's worth it for a fine version of COLUMNS (with the original also included) and FANTASY ZONE alone.
Amazing review.
@MikePitcher As far as im concerned SEGA are the masters of the arcade era. and the dream cast managed to get that arcade edge even into longer winded games like shenmue. Namco could learn a few things from them. ^^
How does the North American version and the Japanese version differ?
2:43 this game looks dated next to WipEout, which was released the same year
@yanksrule5502 yeah, but they are all fan games or indie developers
Virtua Cop, Racing, Fighter are awesome.