Daytona USA Championship Circuit Edition

Review by: Mark Manongdo

Gentlemen, start your engines!

Finally, Sega does Daytona USA, the best (IMHO) arcade racer, justice at home. CCE is what the original Daytona should have been with higher res and more colorful graphics, significantly less pop-up, full screen, at least 30 fps, 2 player split screen, plus 8 cars to choose from and two more tracks. The additional tracks were designed with the Saturn in mind and thus there are hardly any pop-ups. However, these additional tracks do seem uninspired compared to the original three. The purists bemoan the loss of the B-universe music of Daytona USA and the difference in the control. It would have been nice if Sega had put the option of choosing between the original music and the remixed versions. I would have to disagree about the control which I found to be dead on with the arcade especially now that it is compatible with the new analog controller. How does it compare to Sega Rally? Let's just say the Celica edges out the Hornet in the finish line with the slimmest of margin. Overall, a great game and a must have for Daytona and racing fans alike. On a side note, I can't wait on how well AM Annex can translate their Sega Touring Car to the Saturn next year and AM2 with Scud Racer, with or without the add-on.

Rating 9.0/10 (with 10 being the arcade Daytona USA)

Mark Manongdo mmanongd@shrike.depaul.edu