Gaming Age


Sega GT

Author: Brian Peterson
Publisher: Sega
Machine: Dreamcast (US Version)

Sega GT

The Sega Dreamcast has been available to the public for about a year now. Surprisingly, a good portion of its games have been racing titles. From Sega Rally to Speed Devils, racing fans have had a good dose to curb their need for speed. (No pun intended) Unfortunately there hasn't been a game with the depth and/or replay-ability to match the likes of Gran Turismo, at least not till now. Enter Sega GT, or as I like to call it, Sega Gran Turismo, a game that provides depth, cars, and replay value with beautiful graphics to boot! Does it beat out the PSX game that inspired it, or is it just another clone? The answer... it's a clone in every shape and from, but if the formula isn't broke, don't fix it, right?

Sega GT, jaggy edges and all, is still wonderful eye-candy to behold. With over one hundred cars and more than 25 tracks, the scenery never gets dull. Sega GT moves at 30fps, but seems like more as the game never shows any sign of pop up or slowdown, even on the night city courses. Just as visually impressive, are the replays, which give you more than 20 cameras to view your past race. Weather effects and damage would have been welcome features, but doesn't hurt the game with their absence. All in all, Sega GT looks slick, and adds a much welcomed addition to your Dreamcast's graphical library.

The audio department does the job quite splendidly. Each of the car's various engines have a different sound to them.; It's nice to be able to distinguish a Viper from a Civic, and Sega GT's engine noise does this well. Accompanying the ambient sounds is a nice rock/techno soundtrack, which I'm glad wasn't changed from the Japanese version, as it's rather catchy. Overall, nothing new to shout about, and like most sim racers it still lacks commentary. Though maybe one day...just maybe, it will make it into a racing title.

Sega GT

Controlling your vehicle is as difficult as you make it. While slightly touchy, I found that the controls have vastly improved over the import version, especially with the high-powered rear wheel drive cars. You do have the option to increase or decrease your sensitivity, but I found the default settings very playable. One major complaint I have is when you collide with another vehicle; you'll slow down as the CPU cars speed up. This was something I was hoping would've changed, but alas it didn't. While it doesn't ruin the game play, it's still gives the A.I. a bigger advantage then they should. Also, when you hit a wall, you barely slow down and bounce right off, sometimes out of control. This takes some getting use to, but after getting the learning curve down, it'll become second nature. The controls aren't bad mind you, but they're not perfect either. A little more tweaking would've been nice to see, but I still have little trouble taming my high-powered beasts. On the plus side, what totally ruined the import for me, has re-kindled my interest as this is much more playable, and a joy to play at that.

Options, options, options... Could any racing game be sweeter without all these options? If you are familiar with Gran Turismo, then you know what you're looking forward to with Sega GT. From gaining your license for each class, to doing ungodly endurance races, Sega GT provides enough modes; cars, tracks, and game play options to satisfy even the most fickle of diehard racing fans. Honestly, if anyone thinks this game lacks anywhere, they need to get their head examined. I really can't think of one option they left out. You even have the option to build a car from the ground up in the Carrozzeria mode. Finally, if you think you've mastered all you can in the game, go online and upload scores and lap times with people all over to see who's the real deal.

Sega GT can be summed up in one word, addictive. I've had this game in my possession for a little over a week now, and have logged over 30+ hours into it. If you don't have a PlayStation, and always wanted a Gran Turismo equivalent on your Dreamcast, then Sega GT is for you. Arcade fans may shy away, and this is a sim with a decent learning curve and many, many hours of game play. A must buy for racing fans.

Brian Peterson

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