Games Database
Dreamcast
Racing: Car
| Also for: | PC | ||
| Viewed: | 3D First-person / Third-person | Genre: | Racing: Car |
| Arcade origin: | No | ||
| Developer: | Broadsword Interactive | Soft. Co.: | Acclaim |
| Publishers: | Acclaim
(GB) |
Released: | 21 Jul 2000
(GB) |
| Ratings: | 3+ | ||
| Accessories: | Visual Memory Card, Arcade Stick, VGA Compatible, Steering Wheel, Vibration Pack | ||
Summary
A more modest companion to Mille Miglia on the PlayStation, Spirit of Speed is Sega’s offer to experience some good old fashioned speed in the most exciting race cars of the 1930’s. Nostalgia freaks and history buffs will quite rightly tell you that back in the thirties, this pastime swept the world and saw the rise of some of today’s most prestigious car manufacturers, such as Mercedes and Alfa Romeo. Spirit Of Speed transports you to those golden years, the birthplace of modern day Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The processing power of the Dreamcast means that Spirit Of Speed, despite the austerity of the period it’s set in, looks very nice indeed. From the title screen onwards, the in-depth period detail is evident, and especially in the landscapes that surround the nine historic race tracks. No shiny, bright constructs to be found here, just the occasional mill or farmhouse. The in-game music too is a throwback to the days of leather helmets and thick goggles, with a break out of Charleston-type flapping about always threatening.
The game-play isn’t much like your typical console racer. These cars obviously don’t handle as well as modern motors, so driving them is more demanding than you may be used to. Try to play Spirit Of Speed the same way you play 99% of other racers and you’ll get nowhere, but not necessarily fast.
Spirit Of Speed is a novel little game, and something of a refreshing change to the usual Dreamcast fare of rushed-out adventure titles and sub-standard beat ‘em ups. Maybe it won’t break any sales records, but it’s a pleasant enough diversion.
The processing power of the Dreamcast means that Spirit Of Speed, despite the austerity of the period it’s set in, looks very nice indeed. From the title screen onwards, the in-depth period detail is evident, and especially in the landscapes that surround the nine historic race tracks. No shiny, bright constructs to be found here, just the occasional mill or farmhouse. The in-game music too is a throwback to the days of leather helmets and thick goggles, with a break out of Charleston-type flapping about always threatening.
The game-play isn’t much like your typical console racer. These cars obviously don’t handle as well as modern motors, so driving them is more demanding than you may be used to. Try to play Spirit Of Speed the same way you play 99% of other racers and you’ll get nowhere, but not necessarily fast.
Spirit Of Speed is a novel little game, and something of a refreshing change to the usual Dreamcast fare of rushed-out adventure titles and sub-standard beat ‘em ups. Maybe it won’t break any sales records, but it’s a pleasant enough diversion.