Question for Virtua Racing experts.

[Ryoandr]

I used to play Virtua Racing on a standup cabinet, I frigging loved how it got F1-like grip right, in the first track you could pedal-to-the-metal all circuit except the last hairpin, thanks to aerodynamics.

Then much later I played the Saturn version and they completely botched grip, they introduced drifting, which is complete heresy for this kind of cars.

I never played any other version, so anyone known if a version is close to arcade grip ? MD, 32X ?

[POLYGAMe]

The Saturn version was handled by Time Warner, not Sega so that probably explains it. Though I seem to remember all versions including the arcade had a certain amount of drifting... the SMD and 32X versions are both awesome and very faithful to the coin op. Just download Kega Fusion and the roms to see for yourself :)

[gamevet]

I like the Playstation 2 version in the Sega Classics Collection. It has improved graphics.

[EyeDeeNo76]

I have the Genesis Virtua Racing with the Sega Virtua Processor and yeah the graphics are not as visually appealing as some would like but it runs smooth and is very close to the arcade counterpart in content and feel, if only the Genesis had a steering wheel with pedals controller to use. I also have the Sega Classics Collection for the PlayStation 2 and that version you can use a steering wheel with pedals controller (Logitech Driving Force GT) but unfortunately it has a lot of center wheel dead space and the graphics I think look as good as if not better the arcade equivalent.

This is the best all in one video I have found showing the Arcade, Mega Drive/Genesis, Saturn, 32X and PlayStation 2 in comparison.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPNBxD7RMqc

Edit: There has been a number of times I contemplated getting the Time Warner Saturn version but I am after a faithful as the coin op as one can get.

[Blades]

The Saturn version is bizarrely unfaithful, but is a pretty fun game in its own right. The 32X is ok, and the Genesis version is impressive for what it runs on. The PS2 version in Sega Classics Collection is probably the one that's aged the best, but the most faithful version without comparison is MAME.

All the VRs drift though.

[doomguy]

I found it a bit tricky to even see the cars you're over taking on the MD the 32x version was really good and isn't as expensive as the Saturn one.

[Black_Tiger]

32X is my favorite because of the extra cars, on top of being a solid game.

[Barone]

I used to play Virtua Racing on a standup cabinet, I frigging loved how it got F1-like grip right, in the first track you could pedal-to-the-metal all circuit except the last hairpin, thanks to aerodynamics.

Then much later I played the Saturn version and they completely botched grip, they introduced drifting, which is complete heresy for this kind of cars.

I never played any other version, so anyone known if a version is close to arcade grip ? MD, 32X ?
Both the MD and 32X have drifting but it's well implemented and I honestly believe they didn't have many options given the fact that the digital input was pretty much the only way to go for 99,9999999% of the owners of those systems. Yeah, I wish they had preserved the original handling mechanics for an obscure XE-1AP controller exclusive mode but that's just a delusional dream from my side.

The Saturn version is a POS; handling mechanics is botched even when compared to the other ports, AI is completely botched, collision detection is very iffy, etc. Avoid it.

[Silanda]

Both the MD and 32X have drifting but it's well implemented and I honestly believe they didn't have many options given the fact that the digital input was pretty much the only way to go for 99,9999999% of the owners of those systems. Yeah, I wish they had preserved the original handling mechanics for an obscure XE-1AP controller exclusive mode but that's just a delusional dream from my side.

IIRC, they probably couldn't have retained the original handling in any case as, according to an interview from the time, they had to simplify the handling model to reduce processor load. They really did an excellent job though.

The PS2 version is a pretty good port, especially if it's played on an emulator at higher res. My only major fault with it is the engine sound, which doesn't seem to change properly in relation to your revs.

[Barone]

IIRC, they probably couldn't have retained the original handling in any case as, according to an interview from the time, they had to simplify the handling model to reduce processor load. They really did an excellent job though.
That makes sense. Thanks for the input.

[Bones Justice]

I have never played the arcade version. I have the Genesis, 32X, and Saturn versions.. The 32X version is by far my favorite. I only keep the Genesis version because it's portable, for example on the Nomad. The Genesis version controls just like the 32X version so it's real easy to switch between them. The Saturn version is completely different, not as fun to play because the handling is poor compared to the other two versions. The Saturn version does have some different tracks and stuff but it''s not good enough to spend money on.

[A Black Falcon]

The PS2 version looks nice, but they totally messed up the controls! Really, it's a near-unplayable disaster control-wise... it doesn't control anything like a V.R. game should. Bash the Saturn game all you want, but at least it plays like Virtua Racing for the most part.

Of course a lot of those 3d-remake PS2 Sega Ages titles in that one collection we got were awful, and V.R. is unfortunately one of them. Golden Axe might be the worst, but it's up there.

[gamevet]

The PS2 version looks nice, but they totally messed up the controls! Really, it's a near-unplayable disaster control-wise... it doesn't control anything like a V.R. game should. Bash the Saturn game all you want, but at least it plays like Virtua Racing for the most part.

Of course a lot of those 3d-remake PS2 Sega Ages titles in that one collection we got were awful, and V.R. is unfortunately one of them. Golden Axe might be the worst, but it's up there.

Bullshit!

V.R is an outstanding game on the PS2.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/r_segaclassics_ps2


The best one on here is Virtua Racing. PS2 is powerful enough to do the original game justice and it's not yet been featured on any other retro compilations so feels quite new. At least, as new as a 13-year-old game ever can.

Thankfully, Virtua Racing has been left alone. They haven't crudely pasted textures over everything to make it look more modern as they've done for OutRun and Golden Axe. Instead, VR is pretty much arcade perfect - pop-up, triangular trees, road-built-out-of-tarmac-squares and all. If you're after a decent, smooth version of Virtua Racing to play in your house, Sega Ages Collection might just be worth 20 quid.

[Barone]

Bash the Saturn game all you want, but at least it plays like Virtua Racing for the most part.
It plays like shit. It uses Virtua Racing tracks and car models but the game engine is completely different and very flawed.
The AI is such a joke compared to any other version of the game that it's mind boggling how could anyone say "it plays like Virtua Racing".

[gamevet]

Yeah!

Virtua Racing on the Saturn is a huge turd of disappointment.

[zetastrike]

Bullshit!

V.R is an outstanding game on the PS2.

It is? I looked into it when I had my PS2. I wanted to get that compilation specifically for VR, but when I watched videos of it, it looked really borked. I never played it, but it looked like all the car did was fishtail the moment the pushed the stick. It didn't look at all like how the 32X version plays, and it wasn't how I remembered the arcade version played in MAME.

[Thief]

^ I was gonna say, I can't believe he posted some casual only in it for the money mainstream gaming review as evidence. I was like "Ok, so were is the evidence?"

[gamevet]

It is? I looked into it when I had my PS2. I wanted to get that compilation specifically for VR, but when I watched videos of it, it looked really borked. I never played it, but it looked like all the car did was fishtail the moment the pushed the stick. It didn't look at all like how the 32X version plays, and it wasn't how I remembered the arcade version played in MAME.

The arcade game will fishtail as well.

Here's a video with the same guy playing the arcade game and the PS2 version. Notice how he is fishtailing in the arcade game as well.

TybO0PKZbgo


^ I was gonna say, I can't believe he posted some casual only in it for the money mainstream gaming review as evidence. I was like "Ok, so were is the evidence?"

What do you mean, where is the evidence?

He doesn't praise the rest of the collection for having added texture maps and enhanced graphics. He pretty much says that Virtua Racing is the best game on the compilation, because it stays true to the original arcade game. Just because the guy is getting paid for a review, it does not mean that he isn't expressing his true opinion of the game. Calling it money mainstream is a copout.

I've pretty much played every version of Virtua Racing, including MAME. The PS2 game is the closest version to the arcade game.

[EyeDeeNo76]

I don't know about you but I can't remember how long ago I last played Virtua Racing on a real arcade machine. All of the machines I ever played on was known as the Virtua Racing Twin and most of the time they were two twins linked together like in the video below. Also I almost always played in first person view and in that view you can't see the the back end of vehicle travailing sideways, fishtail or drifting. I know most of you like to use MAME as an example but they look like they are using a keyboard or analog stick the movement looks jerky and abrupt not smooth like what a wheel give you. In this video you can see their hands and the movement of the vehicle on screen. To me it looks like the camera view brakes away making the vehicle on screen look and adding to travailing sideways, fishtail or drifting visual but nonetheless it is clear Virtua Racing the arcade has a degree of drifting in it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoodeDCS2E8

Edit: I like Sega Classics Collection very much if not only because Virtua Racing Flat Out with it's analog control but also the remakes of Out Run, Monaco GP and Space Harrier too.

[gamevet]

I use a Logitech GT wheel to play V.R. on MAME and the PS2.

[Thief]

Calling it money mainstream is a copout.

All mainstream reviews are BS. In fact. Most reviews from anyone in general is BS. But especially mainstream ones.

[gamevet]

All mainstream reviews are BS. In fact. Most reviews from anyone in general is BS. But especially mainstream ones.

I guess everyone's opinion is a bunch of BS as well than.

I have no issues with Adam Sessler's reviews and I think that Game Critics do an outstanding job of not falling into the me-too review habits.

This was a $20 budget release for the PS2. I highly doubt that he had to ham it up for Sega, who very much was not lining anyone's pockets for favorable reviews.

[Thief]

I guess everyone's opinion is a bunch of BS as well than.

Yes. Pretty much.

[gamevet]

Yes. Pretty much.

Okay, well you're opinion is a big steaming pile of BS.

[Thief]

Okay, well you're opinion is a big steaming pile of BS.

The way it should be. Trust no one.

[A Black Falcon]

It is? I looked into it when I had my PS2. I wanted to get that compilation specifically for VR, but when I watched videos of it, it looked really borked. I never played it, but it looked like all the car did was fishtail the moment the pushed the stick. It didn't look at all like how the 32X version plays, and it wasn't how I remembered the arcade version played in MAME.
Yeah, it's kind of hard to go straight in the PS2 version. I just played all three versions, and the PS2 version controls quite differently, and not as well as, the Saturn and 32X versions. On the PS2 the analog stick rotates your car as if you're rotating a toothpick around its central axis, and you start skidding pretty much the moment you start turning. In the 32X or Saturn versions of the game this is not the case, and you have better, more precise controls. It is still a little skiddy, and the car rotates, sure, but it has a different feel to it. If you tap the pad or turn the wheel, your car's wheels turn a bit and you turn normally as you do in most racing games, instead of the overdone car rotation of the PS2 game. Much better! Control-wise, the 32X version is the best, Saturn version second (better with wheel), and PS2 last. I may have exaggerated a bit in my last post, but the PS2 version is off. Maybe it's better with a wheel? But with the gamepad... no. Not good.

Also, on the 32X, when you go off the track you usually spin out. On the Saturn you spin out or slow down, depending. On PS2 you seem to just slow down, not spin out. Weird, and not right.

So, playing the three versions just now, in my first try at the 32X version (track 1), I finished the race, best lap 40 seconds. Awesome game. On the Saturn I did finish, but most lap times were not as good as on the 32X and I didn't quite match my best 32X lap time. Control felt a bit slipperier than on 32X, though the wheel helps. And on the PS2? After three tries, I still hadn't finished a race, though once I ran out of time just short of the end. Best lap time, like, 45 seconds. The better the controls in each version, the better the times.


It plays like shit. It uses Virtua Racing tracks and car models but the game engine is completely different and very flawed.
The AI is such a joke compared to any other version of the game that it's mind boggling how could anyone say "it plays like Virtua Racing".
When comparing the Saturn and 32X versions, the Saturn version's controls are different from but not too far off of the 32X (and it controls pretty well with the Arcade Racer wheel for analog controls), the framerate is better (it's iffy at times in some parts of 32X V.R.), and the content is better with several times more tracks and a new, exclusive, and pretty good championship mode. Yes, the 32X version is better overall because it has better controls, but I'll continue to defend Saturn Virtua Racing. It's a good game. As for the arcade version, I have no memory of ever playing it, as I've said before; I'm comparing the home versions.

[gamevet]

Yeah, it's kind of hard to go straight in the PS2 version. I just played all three versions, and the PS2 version controls quite differently, and not as well as, the Saturn and 32X versions. On the PS2 the analog stick rotates your car as if you're rotating a toothpick around its central axis, and you start skidding pretty much the moment you start turning. In the 32X or Saturn versions of the game this is not the case, and you have better, more precise controls. It is still a little skiddy, and the car rotates, sure, but it has a different, better feel to it. Control-wise, the 32X version is the best, Saturn version second (better with wheel), and PS2 last. I may have exaggerated a bit in my last post, but the PS2 version is off. Maybe it's better with a wheel? But with the gamepad... no. Not good.

Also, on the 32X, when you go off the track you usually spin out. On the Saturn you spin out or slow down, depending. On PS2 you seem to just slow down, not spin out. Weird, and not right.

So, in my first try at the 32X version (track 1), I finished the race, best lap 40 seconds. On the Saturn I did finish, but most laps were not as good as on the 32X. And on the PS2? After three tries, I still hadn't finished a race, though once I ran out of time just short of the end. Best lap time, like, 45 seconds. The better the controls in each version, the better the times.


When comparing the Saturn and 32X versions, the Saturn version's controls are different from but not too far off of the 32X (and it controls pretty well with the Arcade Racer wheel for analog controls), the framerate is better (it's iffy at times in some parts of 32X V.R.), and the content is better with several times more tracks and a new, exclusive, and pretty good championship mode. Yes, the 32X version is better overall because it has better controls, but I'll continue to defend Saturn Virtua Racing. It's a good game. As for the arcade version, I have no memory of ever playing it, as I've said before; I'm comparing the home versions.

I've never liked playing the Saturn, 32X or Genesis versions of V.R. because they never felt like playing the arcade game. It was not fun until I had played the PS2 version. The PS2 version was so close to the arcade game, with a solid 60 fps and a feeling of speed that the other console versions lacked in comparison. It was like a revelation when I finally got to play V.R. on the PS2.

[A Black Falcon]

I've never liked playing the Saturn, 32X or Genesis versions of V.R. because they never felt like playing the arcade game. It was not fun until I had played the PS2 version. The PS2 version was so close to the arcade game, with a solid 60 fps and a feeling of speed that the other console versions lacked in comparison. It was like a revelation when I finally got to play V.R. on the PS2.

I want to actually turn the car, not constantly skid around everywhere as my car twists back and forth semi-uncontrollably!

[Thief]

I've never liked playing the Saturn, 32X or Genesis versions of V.R. because they never felt like playing the arcade game. It was not fun until I had played the PS2 version. The PS2 version was so close to the arcade game, with a solid 60 fps and a feeling of speed that the other console versions lacked in comparison. It was like a revelation when I finally got to play V.R. on the PS2.

Now you seem to be talking about 60fps feeling instead of how the cars control in comparison to Arcade.

And the speed sensation always seems higher at lower frame rate then higher. ie. Daytona USA VS Daytona USA CE VS Arcade.

[Barone]

One thing the PS2 version seems to lack in comparison to the arcade is the weight transferring which affects the suspension and the car handling in curves.

[gamevet]

Now you seem to be talking about 60fps feeling instead of how the cars control in comparison to Arcade.

And the speed sensation always seems higher at lower frame rate then higher. ie. Daytona USA VS Daytona USA CE VS Arcade.

You''re opinion is BS. Move along.

[Thief]

^ Sure, but if you do some research, you'll know it to be fact.

[gamevet]

^ Sure, but if you do some research, you'll know it to be fact.

I game on PC. 60fps is always greater than 30 fps, that's a fact. Analog controls for a racing game are greater than the Dpad, that's a fact as well.

Another BS review calling it the best home version.

http://worldofstuart.excellentcontent.com/review-virtua.htm

[Thief]

I game on PC. 60fps is always greater than 30 fps, that's a fact.

Wasn't talking about better. Because obviously 60fps is better then 30fps. I was talking about what you were talking about. "Speed sensation." The same game running at 30fps instead of 60 gives a greater sense of speed. Heck, isn't this something bugs bunny cartoons taught us too?

[Thief]

I game on PC. 60fps is always greater than 30 fps, that's a fact. Analog controls for a racing game are greater than the Dpad, that's a fact as well.

Another BS review calling it the best home version.

http://worldofstuart.excellentcontent.com/review-virtua.htm

Yes, that review is BS. I got more valuable information in this thread then in that review. That review also tried to fill my head with some BS. Along with some other nonsense killing his credibility in my eyes (lol at the most zoomed out view being "the View of Champions" and that Daytona USA & other racers not having it being a huge flaw *inset facepalm gif here*). I mean, honestly, buddy seemingly blabs on and on only about the graphics. I thought you brought this review up because he talks about the gameplay and compares them to other versions? Otherwise that review is a great example of why I'm no fan of most reviewers. Sorry if my expectations are higher.


And yes, analog is better then dpad. But if the gameplay/controls aren't good enough, then who cares.

[gamevet]

Wasn't talking about better. Because obviously 60fps is better then 30fps. I was talking about what you were talking about. "Speed sensation." The same game running at 30fps instead of 60 gives a greater sense of speed. Heck, isn't this something bugs bunny cartoons taught us too?

Chopping half of the frames out of the game just to make it play near 20 something fps is not a sensation of speed. It's a choppy sensation of speed and reaction times are reduced because of it. I played all of the home console versions of Virtua Racing this weekend. The Genesis and 32X versions cut areas that are 4 lanes in the arcade game, down to 2 lanes. Those version also tighten the controls to make up for the lack of track width. The Saturn version keeps the track width in place, but the cars are way too slippery around the corners. The Saturn version is, however, a rock solid 30fps, while the Genesis (mid teens) and 32X version struggle to get anywhere near 30fps. The Saturn version would be far superior, if not for the jacked up car physics. The 32X version also has some jacked up time for the tracks. I was able to finish the Big Forest track in 8th place and the Bay Bridge track in 11th place; that's not right.

This is what the arcade game is supposed to look like. I played it on MAME64 and it ran at a pretty solid 60fps, like the PS2 version does.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNyA0-wcv3Q

You can watch this video by pasting the link through Google. The video is 1080p60fps, while the embedded video below is only at 30fps.

GNyA0-wcv3Q

[Thief]

Chopping half of the frames out of the game just to make it play near 20 something fps is not a sensation of speed.

It is. Why do you think when you get drunk everything seems faster? Because your mind basically doesn't process everything you see. Giving a frame skipping feel.

Also in bugs bunny cartoons, Chuck Jones came up with the idea to skip animation frames (along with blur) to make it look like characters are moving faster. Why I've said it's an old visual trick.

Directors these days are also always edit cutting every freakin second, especially in fast action scenes to make them seem faster and flashier, which absolutely drives me crazy. I hate this stupid JJ Abrams style.

[gamevet]

I'm not playing drunk driving simulators. The idea is for the game to replicate what it feels like to drive a car on the track; the choppy frame rates are there, because the game is too demanding for the Genesis and 32x to handle smoothly.

Film and cartoons are not comparable to videogames. Film runs at a constant 24fps, with each frame being exactly the same length between them. You can have 30fps, but if every 5th frame has longer lag than the previous frames, it starts making the images appear choppy.

[Thief]

^ Well now the direction of the discussion has changed. So that's that.

[Blades]

FV-khiyRsPw

He has a point in the description.

[Thief]

^ lol. Now that's a review.

[gamevet]

Yeah, I saw and commented on that video. He suggest that you're better off playing the Genesis or Saturn version, which is pretty much a joke. Let's overlook the shitty controls of the Saturn game, or the really bad draw distance of the Genesis version, or the engines sounding like a two stroke engine on a formula one race car.

The only things that bother me about the PS2 version of the game are the excessive tire squel noises and the opponent AI sometimes going crazy. I have a much longer laundry list for the other versions, including Acropolis being near unplayable on the 32x, without using the Manaco GP view.

[Bones Justice]

It's sad that some gamers think any game less than 60fps is bad or even unplayable. I remember not liking 3D games as a kid because they were like 1fps or maybe even 2fps. Then when I started seeing stuff that was 20fps, it was really cool. Well, to each his own.

[Azathoth]

including Acropolis being near unplayable on the 32x, without using the Manaco GP view.

Care to elaborate on that?

[gamevet]

Care to elaborate on that?

There's the nice arced bank corner in the arcade game, that is now flat and hard to view with the default view setting. Once you round the next corner (that is hard to see from the narrow straight away, the s-curves that you can sweep through and hit a straight line in the arcade and PS2 version, is now turned into more of a slalom. Throw it into Monaco GP view and I pretty much don't even have to hit the brakes.


It's sad that some gamers think any game less than 60fps is bad or even unplayable. I remember not liking 3D games as a kid because they were like 1fps or maybe even 2fps. Then when I started seeing stuff that was 20fps, it was really cool. Well, to each his own.

I'm more than happy with a game at 30 fps, as long as it isn't full of frame-lag. I used to play a lot of 3D Amiga games that were barely pushing 20 fps. But, I can't say that I get a lot of enjoyment out of some of those Amiga 3D games, like I did when the experience was new.

I can still play all of the versions of Virtua Racing and get some joy out of playing each, but I don't look at the Saturn, 32X or Genesis versions as a way to have the experience of playing the arcade game at home. I just view them as racing games that just happen to share the same name.

[Thief]

Yeah, I saw and commented on that video.

Oh yeah, the comments. I forgot to check them. Here's some interesting ones I found;


Shifting in manual in this version is stupid broken :(

You accelerate the fastest in 7th gear regardless of your current speed.


Ah, Virtua Racing. When I first laid eyes on it in the arcade, my loins tingled. I heart VR. I don't heart this version at all. The power of the PS2 should have produced a bang on port of the arcade. Instead we got a shiny turd. Atrocious gameplay keeps this version out of the conversation. All you can say is the graphics are great and nothing else. I will cling tightly to my 32X version as the definitive home version, still. Another shamble in this wreck of a compilation disk. That's right. Remember to heart the Arcade version of VR with tingling loins. :p



It took 10 years to make console port look as good as arcade original.

[gamevet]

Ah, Virtua Racing. When I first laid eyes on it in the arcade, my loins tingled. I heart VR. I don't heart this version at all. The power of the PS2 should have produced a bang on port of the arcade. Instead we got a shiny turd. Atrocious gameplay keeps this version out of the conversation. All you can say is the graphics are great and nothing else. I will cling tightly to my 32X version as the definitive home version, still. Another shamble in this wreck of a compilation disk.

Fanboy alert!



Yeah, lets look at the comments from the presenter of this video.


One will notice that when I turn, the whole car goes into an instant fish tail. No matter how little you turn, the whole car just aims in that direction. The lack of precision steering causes you run into other vehicles simply while trying to pass them on even a slight turn. Because of this you must take your turns wider to prevent from hitting the other car in this situation.

Obviously, this guy is playing the game with the PS2 controller. A lot of what he is complaining about is reduced with the GT steering wheel. I see him over-steering in corners, which would not happen if he actually used a wheel.



So if you can look past all that, then there is the terrible sound. The car's engine sound is extracted straight from the arcade. The tire screeching sounds are not! The tire screeching. THE HORRIBLE TIRE SCREECHING!!!!!! I HATE IT! I had to play the rest of the game with the sound down so low I could barely hear the game because the tire screeching sound is CONSTANT!!!!

He doesn't even bother to mention that there is an option to turn down the sound effects and crank up the music in the options menu.


The Saturn version has some horrible sound effects, but atleast the tire screeching doesn't give you a headache and the gameplay is actually quite good.

Right!

He has some big rose colored sunglasses to say that the gameplay is quite good in the Saturn version. It's a train wreck!

The Saturn is one of my favorite consoles of all-time, but there's no way I would even sniff at the idea of the Saturn version even being good.


Here's an idea Thief. How about you actually try the PS2 game, instead of taking the words of a few select others? You know, since you were calling out the positive reviews as BS, yet praising the negative ones.

[Thief]

I thought you loved reviews and quoting the internet... but yeah, way ahead of you. Just need to dl the ISO for the PS2 and maybe Saturn version too. Then once I'm out of my movie watching binge mood I'm currently in, I'm going to compare them myself.

[gamevet]

I thought you loved reviews and quoting the internet... but yeah, way ahead of you. Just need to dl the ISO for the PS2 and maybe Saturn version too. Then once I'm out of my movie watching binge mood I'm currently in, I'm going to compare them myself.

You were calling them BS, yet didn't do that with some random dude's video on Youtube. You can't have it both ways.

I own all of the versions, except the 32x, which I had to play using Kfusion. I do own a 32X though.

I played every one of them over the weekend, on Monday and today. I hope you at least have a racing wheel for your PC, to give the PS2 version a fair shake.

[Thief]

^ I just liked that he compared the gameplay.

I do have an X-Box 360 wheel, but I don't have the setup for it yet. So you saying even analog stick won't work?

[gamevet]

^ I just liked that he compared the gameplay.

He really didn't compare the gameplay all that much. He lost all credit when he went about calling the Saturn version the best of the bunch.


I do have an X-Box 360 wheel, but I don't have the setup for it yet. So you saying even analog stick won't work?

I doubt the Xbox 360 wheel will work. I can't get the Xbox 360 arcade sticks to work with MAME, or any other emulators.

No, the experience with an analog stick is nothing like playing the game with a racing wheel. The PS2 game doesn't control anywhere near as well with an analog controller, as it does using the Logitech racing wheel. That's why I'd said that it was pretty obvious that the guy in that video was using an analog stick.

[Thief]

^ I can get my Street Fighter 360 Arcade Stick and X-Box controller to work with MAME and anything else on PC, so I don't see why the Wheel should work either. You try downloading the X-Box 360 gamepad drivers yourself? Sometimes I need to download them myself.

[gamevet]

^ I can get my Street Fighter 360 Arcade Stick and X-Box controller to work with MAME and anything else on PC, so I don't see why the Wheel should work either. You try downloading the X-Box 360 gamepad drivers yourself? Sometimes I need to download them myself.

I use an Xbox 360 wireless pad with both of my gaming PCs. They are a bitch to use with emulators though, but the PS2 controllers (usb to PS2 converter) are pretty much plug and play.

[A Black Falcon]

Yeah, I saw and commented on that video. He suggest that you're better off playing the Genesis or Saturn version, which is pretty much a joke. Let's overlook the shitty controls of the Saturn game,
The Saturn controls are at least better than the PS2 controls, though. As slippery as the cars are on the Saturn, it's far, FAR worse on the PS2! It's ridiculous how hard it is to stay on the track on the PS2, that version has far worse controls than any other version. The arcade-version video(s) linked in this thread make that version look like it controls more like the 32X version than the PS2, too. And that would be good, given how great the 32X controls are.

Oh, and you can't expect people to all have PS2 racing wheels. That's a pretty seriously niche thing. I don't have one, and nor do most anyone else. This is another mark for the 32X over the Saturn, too -- while the Saturn version controls better with the wheel than it does with a pad (though still slipperier than the 32X), the 32X controls far better with a gamepad than either other version with a pad.

I can't really recommend the Genesis version myself given that the 32X version is similar but way better, but I certainly agree that the PS2 version has the worst gameplay!

[Thief]

^ But, but... it's on Sega Genesis. So I totally recommend it as a time travelling device alone.

[gamevet]

The Saturn controls are at least better than the PS2 controls, though. As slippery as the cars are on the Saturn, it's far, FAR worse on the PS2! It's ridiculous how hard it is to stay on the track on the PS2, that version has far worse controls than any other version. The arcade-version video(s) linked in this thread make that version look like it controls more like the 32X version than the PS2, too. And that would be good, given how great the 32X controls are.

Oh, and you can't expect people to all have PS2 racing wheels. That's a pretty seriously niche thing. I don't have one, and nor do most anyone else. This is another mark for the 32X over the Saturn, too -- while the Saturn version controls better with the wheel than it does with a pad (though still slipperier than the 32X), the 32X controls far better with a gamepad than either other version with a pad.

I can't really reconnend the Genesis version myself given that the 32X version is similar but way better, but I certainly agree that the PS2 version has the worst gameplay!

I can nail my front wheel on the corner in the game on the PS2 with a wheel; It's much harder to do with the PS2 controller. The PS2's racing games were meant to be played with a racing wheel, while the analog controller stick is a pretty piss-poor substitute.

The Genesis and 32X versions controls were dumbed down big time, to make up for the poor control offered with a dpad. That's why I can pretty much run through the races on the 32x version, without ever tapping the brakes. You rarely need to do any kind of power sliding, which has pretty much been a staple of Sega arcade racers for a really long time. The track widths have also been substantially reduced, which also makes the use of power sliding a very limited option.

The Saturn version requires you to slam on the brakes for many of the sharp corners. It's also pretty sad that the game doesn't even offer the use of the analog stick provided by the 3D controller. The game has a long list of negative reviews that support the many shortcomings of the controls in the Saturn version.

[Thief]

I can nail my front wheel on the corner in the game on the PS2 with a wheel; It's much harder to do with the PS2 controller. The PS2's racing games were meant to be played with a racing wheel, while the analog controller stick is a pretty piss-poor substitute.


But analog should still technically work just as good, right? (Though I find PS1-3 Analog sticks much inferior then 360 & PS4 ones. So I'll be spared that horror)


The Saturn version requires you to slam on the brakes for many of the sharp corners. It's also pretty sad that the game doesn't even offer the use of the analog stick provided by the 3D controller. The game has a long list of negative reviews that support the many shortcomings of the controls in the Saturn version.

My guess is it should still work with the Wheel (first Daytona USA only worked with wheel and no analog sticks, if I remember correctly?). Remember. Wheel or no deal. That's what you said. ;)

[A Black Falcon]

I can nail my front wheel on the corner in the game on the PS2 with a wheel; It's much harder to do with the PS2 controller. The PS2's racing games were meant to be played with a racing wheel, while the analog controller stick is a pretty piss-poor substitute.
I'm sure that PS2 racing games were designed around the assumption that the player was using a controller, not a wheel. It wasn't the PS1, a system which initially didn't have analog sticks; the PS2 has them, and only an extremely small minority ever bought a wheel for the thing. PS1 wheels are much more common than PS2 wheels for a reason. Analog controllers kind of killed off the wheel, joystick, mouse, and light-gun accessories for consoles. There are other causes for the deaths of those accessories, but I do think that analog gamepads being standard is a big part of it. Even if they aren't quite as good as those dedicated controllers for certain games, they are good enough for most people to not want to spend the extra money.


The Genesis and 32X versions controls were dumbed down big time, to make up for the poor control offered with a dpad. That's why I can pretty much run through the races on the 32x version, without ever tapping the brakes. You rarely need to do any kind of power sliding, which has pretty much been a staple of Sega arcade racers for a really long time. The track widths have also been substantially reduced, which also makes the use of power sliding a very limited option.
Improving the controls and making them better for the controller at hand is not a bad thing...

(Ohm, speaking of powersliding, some Sega games had it, others didn't. And the amount increased over time -- I mean, the original Outrun is not a slide-heavy game like its much later followup Outrun 2 is! Sure, in Outrun you turn, but it's nothing like the constant powersliding of Outrun 2/2006.


The Saturn version requires you to slam on the brakes for many of the sharp corners. It's also pretty sad that the game doesn't even offer the use of the analog stick provided by the 3D controller. The game has a long list of negative reviews that support the many shortcomings of the controls in the Saturn version.
Talking about braking, the PS2 game needs to most braking if I want to not go off the side, and even then I still go off the side much more than in the Saturn or 32X. The way that car spins weightlessly is bizarre and makes no sense from a logical or gameplay perspective. It's sort of like the racing game equivalent of the Breakout controls with the Mission Stick in the Saturn version of Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits Vol. 1, where the paddle maps to the stick's horizontal axis, so it's on the left end of the screen when you push the stick all the way to the left, in the center if you let go or let it center, and such. Playing Breakout that way is really weird, and V.R. for PS2 reminds me of that, in a way. Not a good way.

[gamevet]

I'm sure that PS2 racing games were designed around the assumption that the player was using a controller, not a wheel. It wasn't the PS1, a system which initially didn't have analog sticks; the PS2 has them, and only an extremely small minority ever bought a wheel for the thing. PS1 wheels are much more common than PS2 wheels for a reason. Analog controllers kind of killed off the wheel, joystick, mouse, and light-gun accessories for consoles. There are other causes for the deaths of those accessories, but I do think that analog gamepads being standard is a big part of it. Even if they aren't quite as good as those dedicated controllers for certain games, they are good enough for most people to not want to spend the extra money.

The PS1 most definitely did not have more racing wheels than the PS2. The PS2 had racing wheels that were compatible with the PC, and to this day, just about every PS2 wheel and controller is plug and play on the PC. You can't say the same about Microsoft's controllers.

The most successful home console racing series is Gran Turismo. Sony had 2 different Logitech GT racing wheels made just for those games on the PS2. That racing wheel is/was one of the most popular wheels on the market amongst not only the PS2 users, but also with PC gamers. The Driving Force GT wheel is also compatible with PS3 racing games. http://support.logitech.com/en_us/article/22524?product=a0qi00000069v2KAAQ



Improving the controls and making them better for the controller at hand is not a bad thing...

I'm not saying it's a bad thing. The VR games on the 32X and Genesis are still decent fun to play, but they are not close to being a substitute for playing the arcade game.



(Ohm, speaking of powersliding, some Sega games had it, others didn't. And the amount increased over time -- I mean, the original Outrun is not a slide-heavy game like its much later followup Outrun 2 is! Sure, in Outrun you turn, but it's nothing like the constant powersliding of Outrun 2/2006.

Power Drift, Outrunners, Sega Rally, Virtua Racing, Daytona, Daytona 2, Sega GT, Sega Touring Car....



Talking about braking, the PS2 game needs to most braking if I want to not go off the side, and even then I still go off the side much more than in the Saturn or 32X. The way that car spins weightlessly is bizarre and makes no sense from a logical or gameplay perspective. It's sort of like the racing game equivalent of the Breakout controls with the Mission Stick in the Saturn version of Midway Presents Arcade's Greatest Hits Vol. 1, where the paddle maps to the stick's horizontal axis, so it's on the left end of the screen when you push the stick all the way to the left, in the center if you let go or let it center, and such. Playing Breakout that way is really weird, and V.R. for PS2 reminds me of that, in a way. Not a good way.

I gently tap the brake to put the car in a drift around the corner. You don't need to mash the brakes to make that happen.

The F1 racer in the Saturn game feels like you're controlling a big heavy Buick, and not just in the corners. The car feels front heavy, even though the F1 has a rear mounted engine.


But analog should still technically work just as good, right? (Though I find PS1-3 Analog sticks much inferior then 360 & PS4 ones. So I'll be spared that horror)

No, not at all. A movement of a quarter of an inch on an analog stick, is about 2-3 inches of turn on a racing wheel.




My guess is it should still work with the Wheel (first Daytona USA only worked with wheel and no analog sticks, if I remember correctly?). Remember. Wheel or no deal. That's what you said. ;)

Totally different game. The weight shift and heavy feel of the cars in the Saturn game won't see a huge improvement in the corner using an analog stick, especially when jamming the dpad as hard as you can in a corner does not remedy the car inertia issues plaguing the Saturn game.

[Thief]

No, not at all. A movement of a quarter of an inch on an analog stick, is about 2-3 inches of turn on a racing wheel.

Yeah, you basically perfectly described PS1-3 analog sticks as I see them. Why I said PS4 and 360 analog sticks are superior.

But don't worry. When I get to finally playing these games, I'll toss the wheel in too if I have to.

[Blades]

The Saturn version requires you to slam on the brakes for many of the sharp corners. It's also pretty sad that the game doesn't even offer the use of the analog stick provided by the 3D controller. The game has a long list of negative reviews that support the many shortcomings of the controls in the Saturn version.

To be fair, VR Saturn was released before the 3D controller existed. The box also claims it supports the Saturn wheel.

[gamevet]

To be fair, VR Saturn was released before the 3D controller existed. The box also claims it supports the Saturn wheel.

Hang-On GP 95 supports the 3D controller, even though the controller did not come out until 1996.

[A Black Falcon]

To be fair, VR Saturn was released before the 3D controller existed. The box also claims it supports the Saturn wheel.
Yeah, you can't criticize this game and Hang-On GP for not supporting a controller which did not exist when they were programmed. That is not the games' fault, they just somehow weren't quite compatible with how the 3D Controller's analog stick works.


The PS1 most definitely did not have more racing wheels than the PS2. The PS2 had racing wheels that were compatible with the PC, and to this day, just about every PS2 wheel and controller is plug and play on the PC. You can't say the same about Microsoft's controllers.
I don't know or care which system has more different models of wheels, the point is about which system's wheels sold better. I've always thought that PS1 wheels are much easier to find, that Mad Catz wheel in particular.


The most successful home console racing series is Gran Turismo. Sony had 2 different Logitech GT racing wheels made just for those games on the PS2. That racing wheel is/was one of the most popular wheels on the market amongst not only the PS2 users, but also with PC gamers. The Driving Force GT wheel is also compatible with PS3 racing games. http://support.logitech.com/en_us/article/22524?product=a0qi00000069v2KAAQ
I've never liked Logitech peripherals myself, but sure, if you say so, for consoles. I doubt PC gamers were running to some PS2/PC hybrid wheel for PC gaming though, does it even have force feedback or a way to screw it onto your desk, as PC-focused wheels often have (but console wheels don't)?


I'm not saying it's a bad thing. The VR games on the 32X and Genesis are still decent fun to play, but they are not close to being a substitute for playing the arcade game.
I've mostly played the 32X version, so for me that is what Virtua Racing should be.


Power Drift, Outrunners, Sega Rally, Virtua Racing, Daytona, Daytona 2, Sega GT, Sega Touring Car....
I could list just as many that aren't drifting-focused, of course -- OutRun, Turbo Outrun, Virtua Racing 32X/Genesis, Outrun 2019, Sonic R, F1 Challenge, Hang-On GP, Manx TT, etc... those probably aren't drift-focused, if I'm remembering right. Sure, Sega had, and has, lots of drift-heavy racers. But they never made only that style.


I gently tap the brake to put the car in a drift around the corner. You don't need to mash the brakes to make that happen.

The F1 racer in the Saturn game feels like you're controlling a big heavy Buick, and not just in the corners. The car feels front heavy, even though the F1 has a rear mounted engine.
At least on the Saturn it feels like a videogame car, something not the case on PS2.

- Analog sticks are not wheels. The gamepad controls should not control as if you're holding a wheel, 1:1 stick placement to wheel angle controls are TERRIBLE on a gamepad! V.R. for PS2 is a great example of this.

- Actual cars have weight, something PS2 V.R. has none of. The car feels kind of like a toothpick with an engine on the back. It spins far too easily for effective control. I'll need to try it, but I suspect that the arcade game is not as bad as this in this regard.

For an example of how to do PS2 car controls in a somewhat similar game, play Outrun 2006 for PS2. Awesome game, it's one of my favorites for the system. For an example of how NOT to do it, Virtua Racing is a great pick.


No, not at all. A movement of a quarter of an inch on an analog stick, is about 2-3 inches of turn on a racing wheel.
Yeah, games with good controls need to adjust the controls to match each different controller type the game supports.


It's probably mostly unrelated, but Barone pointed this out earlier:

One thing the PS2 version seems to lack in comparison to the arcade is the weight transferring which affects the suspension and the car handling in curves.

[gamevet]

Yeah, you can't criticize this game and Hang-On GP for not supporting a controller which did not exist when they were programmed. That is not the games' fault, they just somehow weren't quite compatible with how the 3D Controller's analog stick works.

Congratulations for not knowing that Hang-On GP does support the 3D controller.


I don't know or care which system has more different models of wheels, the point is about which system's wheels sold better. I've always thought that PS1 wheels are much easier to find, that Mad Catz wheel in particular.

You're just pulling shit out of your ass. The PS2 outsold the PS1 by a landslide and also had a hell of a lot more racing wheels than the PS1 ever had. The Mad Catz wheels are complete trash.



I've never liked Logitech peripherals myself, but sure, if you say so, for consoles. I doubt PC gamers were running to some PS2/PC hybrid wheel for PC gaming though, does it even have force feedback or a way to screw it onto your desk, as PC-focused wheels often have (but console wheels don't)?

Again, you're pulling shit out of your ass without really knowing anything about the subject. Both of the Logitech GT racing wheels have force-feedback.



I've mostly played the 32X version, so for me that is what Virtua Racing should be.

Great for you. I played the arcade version 1st and did not see the experience to be anything like the arcade game when playing the game on the Genesis.



I could list just as many that aren't drifting-focused, of course -- OutRun, Turbo Outrun, Virtua Racing 32X/Genesis, Outrun 2019, Sonic R, F1 Challenge, Hang-On GP, Manx TT, etc... those probably aren't drift-focused, if I'm remembering right. Sure, Sega had, and has, lots of drift-heavy racers. But they never made only that style.

A lot of that has nothing to do with Sega's arcade racing heritage. Motorcycle games don't even belong on that list, since you would pretty much get killed trying to do power slides on a motorcycle.



At least on the Saturn it feels like a videogame car, something not the case on PS2.

Yeah right! It feels like a completely botched job at trying to emulate the arcade game.


- Analog sticks are not wheels. The gamepad controls should not control as if you're holding a wheel, 1:1 stick placement to wheel angle controls are TERRIBLE on a gamepad! V.R. for PS2 is a great example of this.

News flash. The arcade game used a racing wheel.


- Actual cars have weight, something PS2 V.R. has none of. The car feels kind of like a toothpick with an engine on the back. It spins far too easily for effective control. I'll need to try it, but I suspect that the arcade game is not as bad as this in this regard.

F1 race cars do not have their weight pushed to the front of the vehicle. The Saturn version just totally fails to emulate the feeling of a rear engine vehicle in motion.


For an example of how to do PS2 car controls in a somewhat similar game, play Outrun 2006 for PS2. Awesome game, it's one of my favorites for the system. For an example of how NOT to do it, Virtua Racing is a great pick.

Outrun 2006 has nothing to do with a game that is trying to duplicate the feeling of playing its arcade counterpart.

[zetastrike]

Hang-On GP 95 supports the 3D controller, even though the controller did not come out until 1996.

Actually, it really doesn't. It kind of functions, but it's so sensitive it's far from ideal. Most analog games released before the 3D pad are like that. The wheel allows you to finely lean into your turns. It's the only way I can play the game.

[gamevet]

Actually, it really doesn't. It kind of functions, but it's so sensitive it's far from ideal. Most analog games released before the 3D pad are like that. The wheel allows you to finely lean into your turns. It's the only way I can play the game.

Yeah, the game doesn't "officially" support it, but the option to use it is there. It's too sensitive, but still a better option than the dpad.

[Silanda]

F1 race cars do not have their weight pushed to the front of the vehicle. The Saturn version just totally fails to emulate the feeling of a rear engine vehicle in motion.

Not too relevant but I'm just going to go super pedant here: the car handling model in VR was not based on an F1 car, it was based on the handling of a Bugatti (don't know which model but the contemporary would have been the EB 110). Source: Official Sega Magazine translations of comments by Yu Suzuki.

[Blades]

^Source magazine?

[Thief]

^ UK OSSM. Really great magazine. I have all the scans from Out of Print. Not sure what issue that would be in.

[Blades]

That would be really interesting to read. Silanda should get back to us and give us an issue number.

[A Black Falcon]

I was talking about how common wheels are in sales, not in number of models. Since it came first (in the US) that Mad Catz PS1 wheel sold quite well, even though it's not very good. Looking on ebay I think Logitech wheels didn't match it in sales, and that's certainly what my personal experience says, that those PS1 wheels are something I've seen much more often than PS2 wheels. But as I said, this makes a lot of sense considering that when you have an analog gamepad people are less likely to buy a wheel on top of that, versus only a digital controller.


Actually, it really doesn't. It kind of functions, but it's so sensitive it's far from ideal. Most analog games released before the 3D pad are like that. The wheel allows you to finely lean into your turns. It's the only way I can play the game.
Hang-On GP is worse than most. Some of the wheel or mission stick games control okay with the 3d controller, but not that one, it's pretty bad. Getting any kind of gradient turning requires the most minute movement of the 3d controller's stick; without a wheel that game controls badly. Panzer Dragoon is another example of a game messed up in that transition, since the game expects the mission stick's square well but the 3d controller has a smaller circular one so you cannot shoot into the corners of the screen (since it uses a 'where the stick is is where you shoot' system, instead of a normal cursor you move around, for those who forget).

[Thief]

^ Thanks for explaining that in second paragraph.

[gamevet]

I was talking about how common wheels are in sales, not in number of models. Since it came first (in the US) that Mad Catz PS1 wheel sold quite well, even though it's not very good. Looking on ebay I think Logitech wheels didn't match it in sales, and that's certainly what my personal experience says, that those PS1 wheels are something I've seen much more often than PS2 wheels. But as I said, this makes a lot of sense considering that when you have an analog gamepad people are less likely to buy a wheel on top of that, versus only a digital controller.

Those Logitech Wheels are very common. The GT Wheel was sold as a PS2 and PC racing wheel. You're talking about a cheap, no frills Mad Catz wheel that was sold for around $60 to an audience of around 102 million. The PS2 had about 30% more users and cross-over users from PC that wanted to play Gran Turismo 3. The Logitech GT wheel could be used between both platforms and sold very well because of it. The product line was so successful that it's now on it's 5th version that includes support for the PS3, PS4 and PC. Gran Turismo 3 A-Spec is the best selling game in the series at over 14 million units sold; it most certainly had a large audience of auto racing enthusiasts that bought the GT wheel along with the game. There was also a plethora of lesser racing wheels (http://www.cnet.com/products/thrustmaster-enzo-ferrari-2-in-1-pc-ps2/) available for the console, that provided another option for PS2 gamers that wanted a racing wheel, but could not afford those provided by Logitech.

RcGUFhZxkFg



Hang-On GP is worse than most. Some of the wheel or mission stick games control okay with the 3d controller, but not that one, it's pretty bad. Getting any kind of gradient turning requires the most minute movement of the 3d controller's stick; without a wheel that game controls badly. Panzer Dragoon is another example of a game messed up in that transition, since the game expects the mission stick's square well but the 3d controller has a smaller circular one so you cannot shoot into the corners of the screen (since it uses a 'where the stick is is where you shoot' system, instead of a normal cursor you move around, for those who forget).

It controls even worse with a dpad. The game is really hard to play without some sort of analog control. Yeah, using the 3D pad isn't a good option compared to using the wheel, but at least the option is there for someone that doesn't own the one wheel (that I know of) available for the Saturn.

I'd also like to bring up a couple of bad moments I had, while playing VR on the Saturn today. I was playing on the 3rd track, when the game appeared to have crashed. The screen froze for about 2 seconds and then it started rolling again. I was playing another round on the same track, and the engine was stuck at the idle sound throughout the whole race; the sound continued on to the high score screen.

[Silanda]

That would be really interesting to read. Silanda should get back to us and give us an issue number.

I'm not sure as I don't have the magazine, but probably issue 4 of Sega Magazine (which was the precursor to Sega Saturn Mag). What I have is a review guide that includes the review. It looks like the quotes originally came from Beep! Megadrive and Famitsu Express, but I wouldn't have a clue which issues.

This is the relevant part:

Virtua Racing was conceived by Sega Amusements R&D director, Mr Suzuki. "When I was at university, I brought a car and used to go to the mountains every week - there were tight corners. At speeds of 40 to 50 kmph I went into four-wheel power drift. I could continue this for one or two hours, and enjoyed driving the car around. And I came to think that I could get this feeling into a game..." Formula One racing cars traditionally make their way into arcade road racers and the speed of these vehicles was perfect for Sega's new arcade Virtua technology. However, the car's characteristics are not specifically based on these cars. Says Mr Suzuki: "The game was originally built around a Bugatti sports car. It's a light-weight car with narrow wheels which you can really enjoy driving... So, the movements are a Bugatti's - the shape was just changed to fit a Formula One car."

If this does sound a little like cheating, Mr Suzuki is unrepentant. "The main thing is to have fun," he says, "After all it's just a game - we haven't made a simulator."

[Thief]

^ Well done. But I'm not allowed to rep you again. Here's a pretend rep.

[zetastrike]

On the Saturn wheel: I wanted one as long as I've had a Saturn. I randomly walked into a game store in Albany one day and they happened to have one for $12, so I jumped on it. After using it quite a bit, I'm not crazy about it. Construction wise, it doesn't feel great. Mine wiggles more than I'd prefer, but that could just be my unit. The big thing that hurts it is the lack of analog acceleration and braking. I get it if Sega didn't want it to have wired pedals hanging off of it, but they could've come up with some solution. Just slap some triggers on the back or front of the grips. It's great in that it lets me play Hang On GP 95 and others with better steering, but without analog accel and brake I feel ripped off.

It's my go to controller when playing Hang On, VR, OG Daytona, and Touge King 1, but any racer that supports the 3D pad is better with it.

[Blades]

Silanda is the MVP of this thread.

Now I want to play Saturn VR.

Don't get me wrong, it's a bad game but most people hate it for the wrong reasons. It's not a port of VR, it's a re-imagining. It may be bad, but I'd still rather play it than the arcade/PS2/32x/whatever because it's the only VR that has more depth than Britney Spears.

[Wools]

I'm not sure if anyone around here has played it but the Switch port is stunning; Arcade perfect and has a multi split screen mode which is so impressive!

This port reminds me of Soul Calibur on DC. Arcade perfect but then, so much more!


https://youtu.be/0XzmkFt_ieg

[Ecco]

^Looks great but for me the 32x will always be my favorite. The Rocky Mountain stage looks like a real town (relatively speaking) and it really takes a miracle of expert handling, to get into the top 5 on that track... You gotta slam the gas and drift around 45-degree corners as fast as possible for the whole thing, it's practically impossible lol.

[vintagegamecrazy]

That Switch port looks really good. I wish I had a Switch to play it on. I'm OK though because I am one of the few who owns an actual stand up Arcade machine. It's so much fun to play and other home ports aren't much fun after playing the real thing. I haven't played the PS2 or version and actually just picked up a copy of the Saturn version and have to try it out. I haven't played the 32X version in forever and just recently played the Genesis port and needless to say it was hard to stomach next to the arcade machine. One of my favorite games for sure but I admit that I need to spend some more time with the home ports for comparison.

[Wools]

That Switch port looks really good. I wish I had a Switch to play it on. I'm OK though because I am one of the few who owns an actual stand up Arcade machine. It's so much fun to play and other home ports aren't much fun after playing the real thing. I haven't played the PS2 or version and actually just picked up a copy of the Saturn version and have to try it out. I haven't played the 32X version in forever and just recently played the Genesis port and needless to say it was hard to stomach next to the arcade machine. One of my favorite games for sure but I admit that I need to spend some more time with the home ports for comparison.

I had the Mega Drive port back when I was a kid a few years after release and although it scratched the itch, it was nowhere near the same feel as the original Arcade game.

I've spent more time this week playing the M2 Switch port and it really shines. Fantastic faithfullness to the original feel but they've improved the draw distance and refined so much, it's quite hard to take in! Considering the care in which M2 have handled the port, it'll be great to see them given the keys to Sega Rally, Daytona USA and a few other classics which have never really been ported with the care they deserve to widescreen, modern systems. Although the 360 port of Daytona was pretty good.

Very cool you have the upright cabinet of Virtua Racing! When did you get it and have any pictures?

[vintagegamecrazy]

I got it about a year ago for $500 in trade (I repair game systems and my friend owns a game store and needed to restock and he had this machine which wasn't selling) It's in decent shape with some cabinet damage and needs new feet but otherwise in nice shape, it works perfectly though. It's an awesome game. I can try and get some pictures soon.

[Barone]

That Switch port looks really good. I wish I had a Switch to play it on. I'm OK though because I am one of the few who owns an actual stand up Arcade machine. It's so much fun to play and other home ports aren't much fun after playing the real thing. I haven't played the PS2 or version and actually just picked up a copy of the Saturn version and have to try it out. I haven't played the 32X version in forever and just recently played the Genesis port and needless to say it was hard to stomach next to the arcade machine. One of my favorite games for sure but I admit that I need to spend some more time with the home ports for comparison.
Saturn version is a travesty.

Of the old ports, the 32X version is by far the best. It's a really great racer on its own.

The arcade game has this unique simulation with arcade elements mix (similar to what Daytona USA is to stock car racing) but the ports of the time simply couldn't replicate that due to lack of full analog steering wheel with pedals and not enough processing power to port the physics engine.
The 32X version is therefore an straight up arcade game.

[Wools]

I got it about a year ago for $500 in trade (I repair game systems and my friend owns a game store and needed to restock and he had this machine which wasn't selling) It's in decent shape with some cabinet damage and needs new feet but otherwise in nice shape, it works perfectly though. It's an awesome game. I can try and get some pictures soon.

Very cool! Looking forward to seeing some pics. :)

[Centrale]

Saturn version is a travesty.

Of the old ports, the 32X version is by far the best. It's a really great racer on its own.

The arcade game has this unique simulation with arcade elements mix (similar to what Daytona USA is to stock car racing) but the ports of the time simply couldn't replicate that due to lack of full analog steering wheel with pedals and not enough processing power to port the physics engine.
The 32X version is therefore an straight up arcade game.

What's wrong with the Saturn version? I got it a few years ago without having heard anything bad about it on the internet, and thought it was a cool port that has a lot of expanded content. It also was pretty ballsy in 1996 to put out a version faithful to the original flat-shaded polygon style of the arcade game. I was playing it with a racing wheel so maybe it's hard to control with a regular controller?