.gif)
Daytona USA (arcade game)
Encyclopedia
Daytona USA is a 1993 racing video game by Sega
. Considered one of the highest grossing arcade game
s of all time, Daytona USA was Sega's first title to debut on the Sega Model 2 arcade board, and at the time of its 1993 introduction, was considered the most visually detailed 3D
arcade racing game. Despite a lower polygon-count than its predecessor, Virtua Racing
, Daytona's 3D-world was fully texture-mapped
, giving it a more realistic appearance than the former. Daytona was one of the first video games to feature filtered
, texture-mapped polygons
, giving it the most detailed graphics yet seen in a video game up until that time. In single-player mode, Daytona maintained a consistent 60fps refresh rate, even with multiple opponents on screen, surpassing the motion smoothness of the only other racing game in a comparable graphical arena, Namco's Ridge Racer
.
A slightly updated version of Daytona USA was re-released in arcades in 2010 as Sega Racing Classic.
On October 12, 2011 Sega
announced that Daytona USA would becoming to Xbox Live
and PlayStation Network. This also marked the return of the original name. The game saw its release on October 25th for PlayStation Network, and October 26th for Xbox Live Arcade.
or manual transmission
. The player's objectives are to outrun the competing cars, and complete the race before time runs out.
Daytona USA offers multiplayer and introduced the possibility of linking four twin cabinets or eight deluxe cabinets to create an eight-player competition. Linked deluxe cabinets may also include a camera
pointing towards the drivers seat, linked to a closed-circuit television
to show the player on a separate screen. Even though the game was released years before the Daytona USA
Museum opened in Daytona Beach, the International Speedway Corporation
had already held the trademark
to the name "Daytona USA." Any future game would require a license to use the name Daytona USA.
In 1994, Sega released a revised version of the game which changed the difficulty of computer-controller racing opponents.
In 2010, Sega released Sega Racing Classic, essentially the same game running in 720p resolution, and the lyric "Daytona" in the intro & Advanced track (Dinosaur Canyon) removed (licensing issues).
to the Sega Saturn
as a Western launch title in 1995, and to Windows
in 1996. The conversion had a somewhat slow frame rate
(around twenty frames per second, compared to the arcade version's sixty), and used 'clipping' to render only the scenery nearest the player. As a consequence of the Sega Saturn's rushed launch date, Daytona USA's development was severely rushed as a result - had the launch gone to plan, it is likely that the Saturn port would be more faithful to the arcade original, as can be seen by the vastly improved clipping in the Championship Circuit Edition.
Daytona USA is compatible with the Arcade Racer steering wheel accessory. It is also compatible with the 3D analog control pad (when switched into analog mode) and the Saturn will detect it as the Arcade Racer steering wheel.
Another port of Daytona USA was planned for the Sega 32X
, but that idea was quickly scrapped.
An upgraded version was later released for Sega's Dreamcast console, with notable improvements. Firstly, the graphics had received a massive upgrade, surpassing those of the arcade original. 'Pop-up' had been entirely eliminated, the cars now featured transparent glass and a much higher polygon count, and the game moved at a consistent sixty frames per second. However, this version tends to be criticized for poor controls.
There were now a total of eight tracks, including the original three from the arcade machine, the two additional tracks from the Saturn's Championship Circuit Edition, and a further three that were original to this version. All tracks could also be raced in reversed, mirrored, or mirrored & reversed mode.
The game also features a two-player splitscreen option, with no real noticeable drop in graphic quality, and the ability to race online, though this feature was not included in the European release. The game received generally favorable reviews, with the only serious criticisms being directed at the overly sensitive controls which took some getting used to when played with a game pad. When played with a steering wheel, no such issue existed.
A port
that was faithful to the original Arcade
version was released on PlayStation Network on the 25th of October, 2011 and Xbox Live Arcade
on the 26th. This version features true widescreen display, high definition textures, 8-Player Multiplayer over Xbox Live/PlayStation Network, and additional content, such as 30 new challenges, Karaoke
mode, and a Arranged soundtrack. The game also sports support for the console's Steering Wheels, and also has Xbox Achievements/PlayStation Trophies for the player to obtain.
In the arcade and Sega Saturn versions of Daytona USA, the Hornet car is numbered 41. However, on linked arcade machines, players 1-8 will have cars numbered similarly in multi-player mode for easy identification mid-race.
and is as follows:
These names come from the Daytona USA B-Univ original soundtrack CD - in the Saturn port of Daytona USA, the Sound Test screen also displays names for the various themes.
If you remain on the track beyond the length of the CD soundtrack (for the Saturn port) - for example, while in Endurance mode - the next track on the CD plays.
You have the option to play your own music on the PSN & Xbox live versions of this game.
For the arcade version, Sega synthesized the songs with a Yamaha sound chip, including the drums and Mitsuyoshi's voice. For the Saturn version, they replayed the songs with the real instruments and re-sung all the songs.
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
. Considered one of the highest grossing arcade game
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
s of all time, Daytona USA was Sega's first title to debut on the Sega Model 2 arcade board, and at the time of its 1993 introduction, was considered the most visually detailed 3D
3D computer graphics
3D computer graphics are graphics that use a three-dimensional representation of geometric data that is stored in the computer for the purposes of performing calculations and rendering 2D images...
arcade racing game. Despite a lower polygon-count than its predecessor, Virtua Racing
Virtua Racing
Virtua Racing or V.R. for short, is a Formula One racing arcade game, developed by Sega-AM2 and released in October 1992. Virtua Racing was initially a proof-of-concept application for exercising a new 3D-graphics platform under development, the "Model 1". The results were so encouraging, that...
, Daytona's 3D-world was fully texture-mapped
Texture mapping
Texture mapping is a method for adding detail, surface texture , or color to a computer-generated graphic or 3D model. Its application to 3D graphics was pioneered by Dr Edwin Catmull in his Ph.D. thesis of 1974.-Texture mapping:...
, giving it a more realistic appearance than the former. Daytona was one of the first video games to feature filtered
Texture filtering
In computer graphics, texture filtering or texture smoothing is the method used to determine the texture color for a texture mapped pixel, using the colors of nearby texels . Mathematically, texture filtering is a type of anti-aliasing, but it filters out high frequencies from the texture fill...
, texture-mapped polygons
Polygon (computer graphics)
Polygons are used in computer graphics to compose images that are three-dimensional in appearance. Usually triangular, polygons arise when an object's surface is modeled, vertices are selected, and the object is rendered in a wire frame model. This is quicker to display than a shaded model; thus...
, giving it the most detailed graphics yet seen in a video game up until that time. In single-player mode, Daytona maintained a consistent 60fps refresh rate, even with multiple opponents on screen, surpassing the motion smoothness of the only other racing game in a comparable graphical arena, Namco's Ridge Racer
Ridge Racer (series)
Ridge Racer is a series of arcade racing games developed and published by Namco for both the arcade and various gaming systems. In each of the games, players race on courses set in and around the fictional Ridge City while utilizing the concepts of drift racing to quickly traverse...
.
A slightly updated version of Daytona USA was re-released in arcades in 2010 as Sega Racing Classic.
On October 12, 2011 Sega
Sega
, usually styled as SEGA, is a multinational video game software developer and an arcade software and hardware development company headquartered in Ōta, Tokyo, Japan, with various offices around the world...
announced that Daytona USA would becoming to Xbox Live
Xbox Live
Xbox Live is an online multiplayer gaming and digital media delivery service created and operated by Microsoft Corporation. It is currently the only online gaming service on consoles that charges users a fee to play multiplayer gaming. It was first made available to the Xbox system in 2002...
and PlayStation Network. This also marked the return of the original name. The game saw its release on October 25th for PlayStation Network, and October 26th for Xbox Live Arcade.
Gameplay
The player is put behind the wheel of a stock car (known as the Hornet), with the choice of three tracks as well as an automaticAutomatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
or manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
. The player's objectives are to outrun the competing cars, and complete the race before time runs out.
Daytona USA offers multiplayer and introduced the possibility of linking four twin cabinets or eight deluxe cabinets to create an eight-player competition. Linked deluxe cabinets may also include a camera
Video camera
A video camera is a camera used for electronic motion picture acquisition, initially developed by the television industry but now common in other applications as well. The earliest video cameras were those of John Logie Baird, based on the electromechanical Nipkow disk and used by the BBC in...
pointing towards the drivers seat, linked to a closed-circuit television
Closed-circuit television
Closed-circuit television is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors....
to show the player on a separate screen. Even though the game was released years before the Daytona USA
Daytona USA (museum)
The Daytona 500 Experience, formerly known as Daytona USA, was an interactive motorsports attraction located at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. International Speedway Corporation announced on November 6, 2010 that the attraction would no longer be open to the public but...
Museum opened in Daytona Beach, the International Speedway Corporation
International Speedway Corporation
International Speedway Corporation is a corporation whose primary business is the ownership and management of NASCAR race tracks. ISC was founded by NASCAR founder Bill France, Sr. in 1953 for the construction of Daytona International Speedway and in 1999 they merged with Penske Motorsports to...
had already held the trademark
Trademark
A trademark, trade mark, or trade-mark is a distinctive sign or indicator used by an individual, business organization, or other legal entity to identify that the products or services to consumers with which the trademark appears originate from a unique source, and to distinguish its products or...
to the name "Daytona USA." Any future game would require a license to use the name Daytona USA.
In 1994, Sega released a revised version of the game which changed the difficulty of computer-controller racing opponents.
In 2010, Sega released Sega Racing Classic, essentially the same game running in 720p resolution, and the lyric "Daytona" in the intro & Advanced track (Dinosaur Canyon) removed (licensing issues).
Home console versions
Daytona USA was portedPorting
In computer science, porting is the process of adapting software so that an executable program can be created for a computing environment that is different from the one for which it was originally designed...
to the Sega Saturn
Sega Saturn
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console that was first released by Sega on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America, and July 8, 1995 in Europe...
as a Western launch title in 1995, and to Windows
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft.Microsoft introduced an operating environment named Windows on November 20, 1985 as an add-on to MS-DOS in response to the growing interest in graphical user interfaces . Microsoft Windows came to dominate the world's personal...
in 1996. The conversion had a somewhat slow frame rate
Frame rate
Frame rate is the frequency at which an imaging device produces unique consecutive images called frames. The term applies equally well to computer graphics, video cameras, film cameras, and motion capture systems...
(around twenty frames per second, compared to the arcade version's sixty), and used 'clipping' to render only the scenery nearest the player. As a consequence of the Sega Saturn's rushed launch date, Daytona USA's development was severely rushed as a result - had the launch gone to plan, it is likely that the Saturn port would be more faithful to the arcade original, as can be seen by the vastly improved clipping in the Championship Circuit Edition.
Daytona USA is compatible with the Arcade Racer steering wheel accessory. It is also compatible with the 3D analog control pad (when switched into analog mode) and the Saturn will detect it as the Arcade Racer steering wheel.
Another port of Daytona USA was planned for the Sega 32X
Sega 32X
The Sega 32X, codenamed Project Mars, is an add-on for the Mega Drive/Genesis video game console by Sega. Its aim was to increase the lifespan of the aging Mega Drive/Genesis system, which was facing stiff competition from the SNES...
, but that idea was quickly scrapped.
An upgraded version was later released for Sega's Dreamcast console, with notable improvements. Firstly, the graphics had received a massive upgrade, surpassing those of the arcade original. 'Pop-up' had been entirely eliminated, the cars now featured transparent glass and a much higher polygon count, and the game moved at a consistent sixty frames per second. However, this version tends to be criticized for poor controls.
There were now a total of eight tracks, including the original three from the arcade machine, the two additional tracks from the Saturn's Championship Circuit Edition, and a further three that were original to this version. All tracks could also be raced in reversed, mirrored, or mirrored & reversed mode.
The game also features a two-player splitscreen option, with no real noticeable drop in graphic quality, and the ability to race online, though this feature was not included in the European release. The game received generally favorable reviews, with the only serious criticisms being directed at the overly sensitive controls which took some getting used to when played with a game pad. When played with a steering wheel, no such issue existed.
A port
Port
A port is a location on a coast or shore containing one or more harbors where ships can dock and transfer people or cargo to or from land....
that was faithful to the original Arcade
Arcade game
An arcade game is a coin-operated entertainment machine, usually installed in public businesses such as restaurants, bars, and amusement arcades. Most arcade games are video games, pinball machines, electro-mechanical games, redemption games, and merchandisers...
version was released on PlayStation Network on the 25th of October, 2011 and Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade
Xbox Live Arcade is a type of video game download distribution available primarily in a section of the Xbox Live Marketplace, Microsoft's digital distribution network for the Xbox 360, that focuses on smaller downloadable games from both major publishers and independent game developers...
on the 26th. This version features true widescreen display, high definition textures, 8-Player Multiplayer over Xbox Live/PlayStation Network, and additional content, such as 30 new challenges, Karaoke
Karaoke
is a form of interactive entertainment or video game in which amateur singers sing along with recorded music using a microphone and public address system. The music is typically a well-known pop song minus the lead vocal. Lyrics are usually displayed on a video screen, along with a moving symbol,...
mode, and a Arranged soundtrack. The game also sports support for the console's Steering Wheels, and also has Xbox Achievements/PlayStation Trophies for the player to obtain.
Available cars
The racing team featured in the Daytona USA arcade game and Saturn port is called Team Hornet. Although the team is never explicitly mentioned in the games, their car features an easily-recognizable hornet logo stamped on the front of the car.In the arcade and Sega Saturn versions of Daytona USA, the Hornet car is numbered 41. However, on linked arcade machines, players 1-8 will have cars numbered similarly in multi-player mode for easy identification mid-race.
- The colours of Team Hornet's two selectable cars — automatic or manual transmission — consist of red and blue (automatic), or yellow, red, and black (manual). The cars with manual transmission have a slightly higher top speed than the cars with automatic transmission, a difference of over 10 km/h (315 km/h compared to the manual's 325 km/h). The depiction of the Hornet car in the original game resembles both a Chevrolet BerettaChevrolet BerettaThe Chevrolet Beretta is a front wheel drive coupé produced by the Chevrolet division of General Motors for the 1987–1996 model years. The Beretta was designed in the same design studio as the Camaro and the Corvette, Chevrolet Exterior Studio 3, and was built at the Wilmington, Delaware and...
and a first generation Chevrolet LuminaChevrolet LuminaThe North American Chevrolet Lumina sedan , coupe and minivan were first introduced in 1989 for the 1990 model year as a new range of vehicles from the Chevrolet brand of General Motors to replace the Chevrolet Camaro, Chevrolet Celebrity sedan, and the Monte Carlo coupe. The Lumina was an answer...
, although the former was never entered in NASCARNASCARThe National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
.
- In the Sega Saturn version of Daytona USA, available cars include the AT and MT original Hornet, but also the first two multiplayer color schemes (Red and Blue, on arcades respectively numbered 1 and 2). As unlockables are the 6 other cars, who were on the arcade machine car numbers from 3 to 8 respectively: Yellow, Green, Black, Pink, Cyan and Orange. These can be accessed either by placing in first place on both 777 Speedway and Dinosaur Canyon on Normal difficulty, or pressing Down-Right on the D-pad, left trigger (L), right trigger (R), C, and Y buttons on the Saturn gamepad at the title screen. The cars are colored differently according to their abilities:
- Sky Blue (automatic) and Grey (manual) cars have a 4/5 grip rating, a 2/5 acceleration rating and a 3/5 top speed, making this the ideal car for ransom.
- Red (automatic) and Light Blue Green (manual) cars have a 3/5 grip rating, a 5/5 acceleration rating and a 4/5 top speed rating.
- Light Red (automatic) and Blue Green (manual) cars have a low top speed (191 mph) but have good grip.
- There are also two unlockable horses, the UMAs (each either manual or automatic) to race as. The first horse can be obtained by placing first on all three courses on Normal difficulty; the second is unlocked by placing first on 777 Speedway on Normal difficulty in Endurance mode (i.e. 80 laps as opposed to the standard 8).
Soundtrack
Daytona USA's soundtrack was composed by Takenobu MitsuyoshiTakenobu Mitsuyoshi
is a Japanese composer of video game music. He has composed music for various games produced by Sega, including Virtua Fighter 2 and Shenmue. He was also the voice actor of Bill in Sega-AM2's 1993 fighting arcade game, Burning Rival.-Biography:...
and is as follows:
- Let's Go Away (Attract/Advertise mode; a shortened version of the Dinosaur Canyon course theme)
- The King Of Speed (Three Seven Speedway; alternatively known as 'The King of Speed (ROLLING START), or simply 'ROLLING START')
- Pounding Pavement (Three Seven Speedway; accessed in the arcade version by holding the VR4 button during the 'GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES', and accessed in the Saturn port by pressing the 'z' button during 'GENTLEMEN START YOUR ENGINES')
- Let's Go Away (Attract Mode Music, Dinosaur Canyon)
- Sky High (Seaside Street Galaxy; also known as 'Blue, Blue Skies')
These names come from the Daytona USA B-Univ original soundtrack CD - in the Saturn port of Daytona USA, the Sound Test screen also displays names for the various themes.
If you remain on the track beyond the length of the CD soundtrack (for the Saturn port) - for example, while in Endurance mode - the next track on the CD plays.
You have the option to play your own music on the PSN & Xbox live versions of this game.
For the arcade version, Sega synthesized the songs with a Yamaha sound chip, including the drums and Mitsuyoshi's voice. For the Saturn version, they replayed the songs with the real instruments and re-sung all the songs.