Sega Race TV Impressions from the Show Floor

Sega Race TV has been a bit of a surprise for me. After seeing the game pop up on Arcade Heroes a couple of weeks ago, I've been trying to keep an apprehensive eye on the title. Arcade racers, no matter how polished they may be, are quickly becoming a dime a dozen for most arcade operators. However, since they are also some of the top performing titles here in the United States, this is completely understandable since the developers are often sent to where the money is.

With that said, in a crowded marketplace, a game needs to be able to succeed on style or recognition in order to maintain a corner hold on an arcade goers attention. While GlobalVR and Bandai Namco have been able to do this with incredibly successful licensed properties, Sega on the other hand has primarily focused on resurrecting some of their classic older titles and bringing them out for the next generation of arcade gamers.

When it comes down to it then, a completely original IP being released into the wilds is a semi-risky manuever for a company who has been accused of not taking many chances as of late. Fortunately for Sega (and AM-Plus R&D - the developers of the game), Sega Race TV stylistically is an eye catcher, providing the right blend of arcade racing and customization that fans expect from a modern racer. If the AM show is any indication of the potential that the title holds, Sega Race TV may very well have brought back an old school sensibilty with a focus on nothing but the entertainment value for the dollar that is occasionally lost with some games.

The vital stats behind Sega Race TV are impressive. The game is set to take full advantage of the Lindbergh's capabilities, and graphically, it already has the jump on some of its nearest competition. The real time damage system for each of the cars is well done and the tracks are large and detailed. Overall, the game's design reminds me quite a bit of Sega's own Crazy Taxi in both attitude, vision, and scope of the project. But where-as Crazy Taxi redefined what a racing game could be in the arcades, Sega Race TV has taken the path of going back to its roots and delivering a pure break-neck racing experience.

There will initially be 5 courses to race in Sega Race TV, with the option of up to 4 cabinets being linked for head to head play. Each of the tracks are built for two simple concepts – speed and tricks – but despite the tracks simplicity, shortcuts, hazards, and detours will keep even the same track fresh when raced multiple times since you will never know what to expect.

For example, in the demo stage at the AM Show, when completing the second lap around the track a previously unmoving Statue of Liberty (that isn't quite the Statue of Liberty) bears down a wheel, which it holds in the place of a torch, on the track in an attempt to destroy your vehicle – over and over and over again. This sort of environmental destruction plays a main part in Sega Race TV. Being able to negotiate between keeping the pedal to the metal and letting up enough to avoid being turned into scrap is a major contributer to the challenge of the game.

Sega Race TV is pretty polished despite not scheduled for release until next year. Though the controls can use a bit tuning up, the basic atmosphere of the game has already set the stage for it to become both a great parody and an impressive icon of American culture. It is an interesting take from a Japanese developer on what they “see” as being an over-the-top America that has essentially turned into a giant theme park. The basic cabinet is set up in a pretty standard fashion – sit down unit, gear shift, and rumble steering wheel. However in addition to these basic controls the game also adds a boost button. When the meter is filled you can press the boost button to accelerate to a true death-defying speed. In a lot of ways, this mechanic reminds me of the console racer Burnout.

The TV aspect of the game's name comes from its over-all presentation. Using voice-overs and camera cuts, Sega Race TV gives off the impression of being a television program broadcasting the race. Though it is somewhat minimalist now, Sega has stated that they intend on amping up the effects so long as it doesn't overall deter from the current gameplay.

There are also some customization elements in Sega Race TV. A player can utilize a basic password system to continue where they had left off in order to open up a customization area where different vehicles, tune-ups, and color changes can be unlocked. The more rivals and rankings you clear, the more of the game you open up via password. The game has a standard set of 8 different licensed cars, each able to be uniquely redesigned with spoilers, paint, sponsors, and more.

Sega has stated that Sega Race TV is being planned for a worldwide release, but outside of the March 8th date for Japan I am unaware of any set release dates for other regions. Several new location tests are being scheduled in the coming months, so I'll continue to keep my eye on Sega Race TV. I've been in the mood for a pure arcade racer for a while now, and Sega Race TV may very well be the one to scratch that itch.