Released in 1994

Available in

Genre: Racing

Another 32X launch game, Virtua Racing Deluxe is an updated version of Virtua Racing -which was originally an arcade game, but had also seen a Genesis port. The 32X version features everything from the Genesis version, but with vastly upgraded graphics and sound, along with two new circuits and two new cars. This game is widely regarded as being the best game for the 32X, due to the excellent circuit designs and the new cars helping to spice up the gameplay. The only drawback is the graphics -whilst superior to the Genesis version, they are quite obviously still not up to par with the original arcade game. Aside from that, Virtua Racing Deluxe is a game no 32X owner should be without.

Virtua Racing Deluxe is a racing game. The Virtua Racing mode lets you compete against 15 CPU controlled cars, with the aim being to come in on first place on each track. Each circuit has five laps. If you want to practice on a circuit, then try out the time attack mode, which lets you choose any track and race on it without any opposition to face. You can also select more laps in this mode if you want more than five. The records mode lets you view your best times for each circuit. As with the Genesis version, a 2 player mode is also available.

One of the main features of the game is that you can select from four different views at any time. On a three button controller there is a button for cycling through each view point, but a six button controller lets you choose the view you want, when you want. As mentioned above, the 32X version adds two brand new tracks. Highland features a lot of sharp turns, whilst Sand Park has some tunnels and features different routes to take.

There are also two new cars. In addition to the formula (the car from the original game) there is also the stock car, which drifts around corners easily, and the prototype, an extremely fast car which is difficult to control.

Unlock mirror mode
Place 1st on each circuit on normal difficulty or above. Each time you do this, a trophy will appear on the circuit's icon. When you've cleared them all, mirror mode will be available, which lets you race around each track in reverse.

Best ending
Place 1st on any circuit using any car on the hard difficulty setting. After the race is over, you'll get to view a credits sequence.

There are currently three prototypes available for this game, read about them here.

-The Genesis version of Virtua Racing will not worked when plugged into a 32X. I'm not sure about the exact reason for this, but the Genesis version had a special chip inside it (called the SVP) which no other Genesis game had featured before. That chip may have something to do with it.

-Fans for the game find the 32X version to be the best one released for a SEGA system. Whilst a SEGA Saturn port was released later, which featured even more circuits and cars, it isn't as playable due to the poor car control and inconsistent framerate. It was developed by Time Warner Interactive.

-The Japanese version of the game was released last, and features several differences when compared to the other versions -mainly the fact that is has battery back-up! This lets you save lap times, and also lets you permanently unlock mirror mode if you beat all the circuits in 1st place. Read more about the differences here.