Jaguar XJ220 - SEGA CD / Mega-CD (1993) 'Longplay & Review' / Footage 3
1Even though the SEGA CD isn't distinctively identified for it's compelling list of racing titles, fans still favorably indulged in the brilliant (and probably somewhat ignored) 'Jaguar XJ220' back in the early ‘90‘s. At first glance, most gamers / car enthusiasts will presumably balk at the idea that an entire game was built around the Jaguar brand. After all, Jaguar isn’t necessarily the most popular (or sought after) car company by an means. However, they UNDENIABLY pulled-off an astonishing feat with the ineffable XJ220 - a super car boasting top speeds of 212 mph plus, and an ultra-sleek design that would have a Lamborghini Murcielago taking a much-needed second-glance.
With only a mere handful of these elusive beauties being produced (271 being the “official” number), this game was, and probably still remains the only opportunity most folks will ever get to hopping-in the cockpit to become acquainted with the invigorating rush from the 3.6 Liter Twin-Turbocharged V6 lurking beneath the hood. Whatever the case may be, Jaguar XJ220 is one of those games that benefited greatly from the SEGA CD’s enhanced hardware capabilities, even despite the game-play itself (the driving sections anyway) still looking somewhat reminiscent of a paltry 16-Bit Genesis cartridge.
From the outset, the game’s superior sound is a genuine diversion to behold - most notably, the terrific soundtrack and it‘s assorted selection of hoppin’ tunes. Whether you’re barreling down the track with reckless abandon in this sexy silver 6-banger, or admiring the tranquil loading screens that abound, the included in-game music is an unforgettable addition that truly compliments the overall gear-head / petrol-head experience. While the untouchable sound quality clearly steals-the-show in many regards, such favorable attributes would only hold so much merit if not for the impressive, thoroughly established game-play and its respective tailor-made options within the bread-and-butter of this jalopy.
As previously mentioned, the soundtrack itself can be modified with ease within the on-screen virtual music player before-and-after each race. Melodic tracks such as the glorious ‘Funky Fever’ will have you unquestionably yearning for a simpler time, when kids were still cuffing their blue jeans around their ankles or using giant safety-pins like proverbial douche-bags. Not to be outdone, an incorporated ‘Track Editor’ (which still remains fairly accessible to this day) allowed gamers to discharge their inner creativity and then have the pleasure of zipping around those user-made tracks. For the most part however, you’ll consume the majority of your precious time inside the Grand Prix and World Tour modes… both painstakingly outfitted with a deep and rewarding racing mechanic - in the same vein as ‘Outrun / Hang-On’ titles from years prior.
Thankfully the included race-tracks are well-varied, as you’ll be feverishly pitted against aggressive AI opponents scattered throughout the globe, with each consecutive race serving-up a qualifying event beforehand. In addition, little (but noticeable) features like a fully operational fuel gauge, car damage that needs repairing (in-between races), and inclement weather on certain maps are a nice touch to boot. All in all, I can’t scrutinize Jaguar XJ220 for much, although, the “collision detection” could’ve been properly addressed before this game’s release. Nonetheless, this was (and still is) a superlative racing title that positively delivers on all fronts. The game’s mainstay is extraordinarily fun with a cavernous depth, and the developer (Core Design) really packed-in a bushel of promising content that meticulously took advantage of the ingenuity behind the SEGA CD’s hardware.
Even after a few (life-draining) decades later, this retro-play still holds-up, and it’s an unswerving testament / reminder of why I ended-up dumping numerous hours into this title as a hormone-raging 15 year old adolescent. - snoogans460