Virtua Racing

Virtua Racing : System Requirements

Virtua Racing

Virtua Racing

4.6 /5
Aug 1, 1992

Genres

Racing

Platforms

SEGA 32X Genesis SEGA Saturn Nintendo Switch

System Requirements

Windows

minimum Specs

  • CPU: Pentium 100MHz
  • RAM: 16 MB RAM
  • GPU: DirectX 5.0 compatible SVGA graphics card with 1MB VRAM
  • Storage: 100 MB available space
  • OS: Windows 95 / 98
  • DirectX: DirectX 5.0

recommended Specs

  • CPU: Pentium 166MHz or equivalent
  • RAM: 32 MB RAM
  • GPU: DirectX 5.0 compatible SVGA graphics card with 2MB VRAM
  • Storage: 100 MB available space
  • OS: Windows 98
  • DirectX: DirectX 5.0 or highe

About This Game

Virtua Racing or V.R. for short, is a Formula One racing arcade game, developed by Sega AM2 and released in 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 Virtua Racing was fully developed into a standalone arcade title. Though its use of 3D polygonal graphics was predated by arcade rivals Namco (Winning Run in 1988) and Atari (Hard Drivin' in 1989), Virtua Racing had vastly improved visuals in terms of polygon count, frame rate, and overall scene complexity, and displayed multiple camera angles and 3D human non-player characters, which all contributed to a greater sense of immersion. Virtua Racing is regarded as one of the most influential video games of all time, for laying the foundations for subsequent 3D racing games and for popularizing 3D polygonal graphics among a wider audience. The original arcade game has three levels, designated into difficulties. Beginner is "Big Forest", intermediate is "Bay Bridge" and expert is "Acropolis". Each level has its own special feature, for example the amusement park in "Big Forest", or the "Bay Bridge" itself, or the tight hairpin of "Acropolis". When selecting a car, the player can choose different transmission types. VR introduced the "V.R. View System" by allowing the player to choose one of four views to play the game. This feature was then used in most other Sega arcade racing games (and is mentioned as a feature in the attract mode of games such as Daytona USA). It was later ported to home consoles, starting with the Mega Drive/Genesis in 1994.

Screenshots

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User Reviews (5)

Write Your Review

NitroNerd Dec 21, 2022
4.8
This game was way ahead of its time! So fast and fun. A true arcade classic! 💯
ArcadeKing Aug 4, 2014
4.6
Pure arcade adrenaline! So simple, yet so addictive. Still play it regularly. 🎮
PixelPusher Apr 13, 2008
4.2
Controls took a bit to get used to, but once you do, it's a blast! Great racing.
RetroRacerX Jun 5, 1999
3.5
Good for its era, but kinda barebones today. Still, classic arcade feel.
SpeedDemon77 Jun 2, 1995
5.0
Still holds up! The polygonal graphics are iconic. Endless fun. Must play for racers. 👍

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Virtua Racing?

Virtua Racing is a classic arcade racing game developed by Sega AM2 and released by Sega in 1992. It is renowned for being one of the first 3D polygon-based racing games, pioneering the use of flat-shaded polygons in a racing context.

What platforms was Virtua Racing released on?

Virtua Racing was originally released in arcades. It was later ported to several home consoles, including the Sega Genesis (Mega Drive with the SVP chip), Sega Saturn, PlayStation 2 (as part of Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 8), and Nintendo Switch (as part of Sega Ages).

What made Virtua Racing innovative for its time?

Virtua Racing was a technological marvel, being one of the first games to use 3D polygonal graphics, powered by Sega's Model 1 arcade system board. It introduced a 'VR' (Virtua Racing) button for changing camera angles, a common feature in racing games today, and offered a smooth, high-frame-rate 3D racing experience that set a new standard for the genre.

How many tracks and cars are available in Virtua Racing?

The original arcade version of Virtua Racing features three tracks: Big Forest (beginner), Bay Bridge (intermediate), and Highland (expert). Players can choose from one car model (the 'Formula VR') with a few color variations.

Is Virtua Racing difficult to play today?

While the graphics might seem dated compared to modern games, Virtua Racing's core gameplay remains accessible and enjoyable. Its simple controls and focus on pure racing skill make it easy to pick up, though mastering the tracks and achieving top times still presents a challenge. The various home ports offer slightly different experiences, with the Nintendo Switch version being a modern, well-regarded port.