Review by: Joe Boerner

Summary:
High Velocity was programmed, and distributed by Atlus Software, Inc. This game is the answer to the PlayStation's Ridge Racer. You can tune-up your car ranging from: turbo chargers, mufflers, suspension, tires, brakes, intercoolers, and etc. items (Such as luck, lift, and more!). The tracks are based from Japan, there's three different one's to choose from. In the options mode, you can select from horizontal, or vertical views in the two-player mode. Also, in the options screen, the game has the ability to merge screens for the two-player mode, if you are both using the behind the car view. When you start to race against the computer, it's only you, and it. On Heats 5 & 6, things get very challenging, or should I say frusterating. Unless, if you have the Arcade Racer accessory, you'll make the cpu eat your dust, literally!

Graphics, 8.3/10:
There's hardly any, if no pop-up at all, since the game only displays two cars. The graphics are excellent at best. There not in high-res, but more colorful than F1 Challenge. The game randomly changes the time of day to: dusk, noon, dawn, and night. In the first track, you'll see animated hot air balloons, second track-there's a people mover, and the third track-people are watching by a restrurant, and it has a ferris wheel (non-animated) further down the road. Watch out for the nasty 90 degree turn on the third track! Unlike other racing games, you can change the color of your car. The taillights don't come when you hit the brakes. Also, the headlights on the cars, don't flip up, or are turned on at night time. There minor detail's, but I wish Atlus put these in.

Sound, 5.0/10:
When you beat a best time, there's a voice that says, "Yahoo!!!!". Otherwise, there's just your typical hit the wall, or bang against the other car sound. The sound of your car changes, when you put on different mufflers, it's a nice feature, but, nothing special though. Finally, plain skid sounds, when you drift around the corner. The tunnel sounds are good!

Music, 8.7/10:
The music has a few tracks of rock tunes, one pop, and one jazz/funk. I rate it above Daytona USA CCE music. Still, I prefer the music in Sega Rally, Wipeout, and Need For Speed.

Control, 8.0/10:
The control is excellent, it's just not as forgiving as the Arcade Racer is. It's different from playing other racing games, you need to drift through turns. At first, you will be frusterated, or challenged while learning to drift. Once you do, this game becomes fun! The tune-ups to your car will affect the performance of your car.

Arcade Racer compatibility, 9.5/10:
Maybe I should've given it a 10? Hmmm. Anyway, this game is made for the Arcade Racer. As opposed to the control pad, with the AR, you can go 120+mph to 130+mph through the turns, while drifting! Plus, you will be able to beat the computer on Heats 5, Heats 6, and get the Porsche.

Enjoyability against the cpu, 6.5/10:
Enjoyability with the two-player mode, 8.5/10:
The cpu on Heats 5, and 6 will definetly be difficult. If you try to push the cpu car into the side of the track, it won't budge! A different thing happens when you get in the way of the computer, it will make your car spin out, or hit the side of the track. Talk about cheap! That's why I recommend the Arcade Racer to play against the cpu. Just play the cpu on Heats 1 through 4 with the control pad, if you don't own the Arcade Racer.

Overall with the control pad, 6.0/10:
Overall with the Arcade Racer, 8.5/10:
The game has a Time Trial, Heats mode, and two-player split-screen mode. There is a selection of cars, and you can tune them up (By the way, you can't tune-up your can in Heats mode, only until you beat the computer in all the Heats.), that's a excellent feature. I recommend it to all who have the Arcade Racer. I say rent first if you have the control pad. The two-player mode is really fun against a friend!