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Over here in the UK, STTC has been given bad reviews in all Saturn-related magazines. As you will see in my review, I totally disagree with them.

Graphics: 9/10

Okay, they may be a tad grainy, and the frame rate may not be smooth, but the fact is that the overall speed seems to cancel out the jerky update whenever there is more than 1 car around. The actual visuals seem incredibly realistic and extremely detailed, with pop-up being minimal, and glitching barely noticeable, if truth be known. All the cars are also beautifully drawn and represent their real-life counterparts very well.

Sound Effects/Music: 10/10

The engine noises are throaty and loud, just as they ought to be, so full marks there. The music is amazing, with some banging tracks, unlike the dull rock music heard in Rally. Plus mixing the music with the engine noises works, and makes everything seem so exciting.

Playability: 10/10

When I first put on Touring Car I had my doubts. But then as soon as I started playing I was stunned. I mentioned about speed earlier, and let me tell you, it is definitely the fastest thing I've ever seen. The overall speed of the game makes everything seem so dangerous, as if you're going to crash any minute. Therefore it is essential that you get those turns absolutely right, or you may very well lose valuable seconds. I think that the context-sensitive steering makes things easier, as you will soon know when to start turning. The game is playable in that once you have mastered the turns, you know that you are going to win. Another nice touch is the fact that you can see your opponents out of the game by ramming into them. Justa little nudge as you are turning with them sees the opposing cars crash into the sides, leaving you to steel first place! Brilliant! Also all 5 tracks have variation and require different techniques to master them.

Longevity: 9/10

This has always been a problem in Saturn racers. Take a look at Rally, Daytona and Manx TT - all top conversions let down by a lack of courses and options. Touring Car has no problems with the latter. You have two ways to go - Arcade or Saturn. In Arcade there is only a Championship mode at the start. Complete this and you'll receive Grand Prix, in which you must compete with the other racers for 20 laps. It's not just about being ahead of them, but you must complete it - a tricky task as your vehicle will need to have new tires fitted, although you must be careful when to go into the pits, otherwise you could lose out. After you have completed one of these races you are given access to the Expert Mode, where the cars travel more faster and the handling is more difficult. On the Saturn side you have Championship, Time Attack, Versus and secrets!! Also, if you don't like the cars handling then you can tweak them to whatever suits you, a nice touch. Complete the Championship and you get a bonus Exhibition Round - the fifth track. Complete that and you get the SEGA Racing Proto. Lastability is increased with the Global Net Events (you need to enter certain dates in the Saturn internal clock) and the Rally Cars.

Unfortunately, there is still a problem with the number of tracks. 5 in total, plus 2 variations of the Boom Town Circuit (Exhibition Round) in the Net Events. Sure, there are enough options to keep you happy, but if you look at most Playstation racers you will see that there are at least 10 tracks, which makes 5 seem really pathetic.

Overall: 9.75/10

Another epoch making piece of software? In my opinion it is better than the mighty SEGA Rally, although it seems that only I think so. A bit more work on the framerate and glitching, some more tracks and every magazine would be raving about this. I am not saying that this game is a failure, more like it will never be as popular as Rally, or even Manx TT. A shame really, but superb game, nonetheless.