Summary

• Release Year: 1994
• Genres: Racing, Sport
• Platforms: Arcade, N-Gage, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 2, Sega Saturn
• Developers: AM3, AM5, United Game Artists
• Publishers: Sega

Sega Rally Championship (1994)

Sega Rally Championship is a 1994 arcade racing game developed by AM5 on the Sega Model 2 board. The game was ported to the Sega Saturn in 1995 and to Microsoft Windows in 1997.

Sega Rally Championship is notable for being one of the first racing games to incorporate different surfaces (including asphalt, gravel and mud), with different friction properties, with the car’s handling changing accordingly. This feature added a new level of realism to the game and helped to set it apart from other racing games of the time.

The game features four different rally tracks, each with its own unique challenges. The tracks are set in different parts of the world, including Indonesia, Finland, Kenya, and Australia.

Players can choose from a variety of different cars, each with its own unique handling characteristics. The cars are divided into three classes: A, B, and C. Class A cars are the fastest and most powerful, while Class C cars are the slowest and least powerful.

Sega Rally Championship was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and addictive multiplayer mode. The game has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, and it remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Gameplay

Sega Rally Championship is a fast-paced arcade racing game. The player controls a rally car and must race through a variety of different tracks, avoiding obstacles and other cars. The game features four different rally tracks, each with its own unique challenges. The tracks are set in different parts of the world, including Indonesia, Finland, Kenya, and Australia.

The game’s unique selling point is its innovative handling system. The car’s handling changes depending on the surface it is driving on. For example, the car will handle differently on asphalt than it does on gravel or mud. This adds a new level of realism to the game and makes it more challenging than other racing games of the time.

Players can choose from a variety of different cars, each with its own unique handling characteristics. The cars are divided into three classes: A, B, and C. Class A cars are the fastest and most powerful, while Class C cars are the slowest and least powerful.

The game features a variety of different game modes, including a single-player mode, a multiplayer mode, and a time trial mode. In the single-player mode, the player races against computer-controlled opponents. In the multiplayer mode, the player can race against up to three other players. In the time trial mode, the player races against the clock.

Graphics

Sega Rally Championship features stunning graphics for its time. The tracks are detailed and realistic, and the cars are well-modeled. The game also features a variety of weather effects, such as rain and snow.

Sound

The music for Sega Rally Championship was composed by Takenobu Mitsuyoshi. The soundtrack is fast-paced and energetic, and it helps to create a sense of excitement and urgency. The game also features a variety of sound effects, such as the sound of the cars’ engines and the sound of the tires screeching on the pavement.

Reception

Sega Rally Championship was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and addictive multiplayer mode. The game was also a financial success, selling over one million copies worldwide.

Sega Rally Championship has been ported to a variety of platforms over the years, including the Sega Saturn, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox 360. The game remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

Legacy

Sega Rally Championship is considered to be one of the most influential racing games of all time. It was one of the first games to incorporate different surfaces, with different friction properties, with the car’s handling changing accordingly. This feature added a new level of realism to the game and helped to set it apart from other racing games of the time.

Sega Rally Championship also helped to popularize the rally racing genre. The game’s success led to the development of a number of other rally racing games, including Colin McRae Rally and Gran Turismo Rally.

Sega Rally Championship remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts. The game’s innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and addictive multiplayer mode make it a must-play for any fan of racing games.

Review Score

9/10

Art

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