Road & Track Presents The Need for Speed (Saturn) Playthrough
3Playthrough of Electronic Arts' 1996 racing game for the Sega Saturn, Road & Track Presents The Need for Speed.
Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed for the Sega Saturn, released in 1996, is a high-speed racing game that introduced players to the world of street racing and exotic cars, marking the beginning of what would become one of the most iconic racing franchises in gaming history. The game features a variety of real-world licensed cars, including high-performance vehicles from manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini, as well as a range of tracks set in both urban and rural environments. With a focus on realism and excitement, The Need for Speed set itself apart from other racing games of the time by emphasizing both speed and strategy, offering players a unique blend of arcade action and simulation.
Gameplay in Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed allows players to choose from a selection of cars, each with its own handling characteristics and performance capabilities. The game offers several modes, including single-race, tournament, and knockout modes, which provide different types of challenges. One of the standout features of the game is the inclusion of police pursuits, where players must race against the clock while avoiding law enforcement officers who are trying to stop them. The high-speed chases add an extra layer of tension and excitement to the gameplay, as players navigate through tight corners and traffic while trying to escape from the pursuing cops.
The visuals in Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed were impressive for the Sega Saturn, with detailed car models and environments that captured the feeling of racing through both city streets and open highways. The game’s use of 3D graphics was one of the most advanced of its time, with smooth car animations and well-rendered tracks. However, despite its impressive visuals, the game’s frame rate could be inconsistent at times, and some players experienced occasional slowdowns, especially during high-speed chases or when there was a lot of on-screen action.
The game’s controls were responsive and relatively easy to pick up, offering players a good balance between accessibility and challenge. While it didn't offer the deep simulation of later racing games, the arcade-style handling made it enjoyable for casual players, while still providing enough depth for those looking to refine their driving skills. The inclusion of the "Need for Speed" brand also helped the game stand out, as it was marketed in collaboration with Road & Track, a well-known automotive magazine, which gave it a sense of authenticity and connection to real-world cars.
The soundtrack of Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed added to the overall experience, featuring an energetic mix of rock, techno, and electronic music that matched the high-speed action of the game. The sound effects, including the roar of the engines and the screeching of tires, further enhanced the feeling of being behind the wheel of a powerful car racing through city streets.
In summary, Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed for the Sega Saturn was an exciting and visually impressive racing game that combined high-speed action with real-world cars and environments. While it lacked the deep simulation elements found in later racing games, it offered an accessible and enjoyable experience for players looking for fast-paced arcade racing. The game’s police pursuits, licensed vehicles, and varied tracks set the foundation for the Need for Speed franchise, which would go on to become one of the most successful and enduring racing game series of all time.
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