Virtua Racing The Definitive Analysis | 32X Genesis Arcade Saturn PSX Nintendo Switch Comparison

[@captainnintendo]

I sincerely hope that there will at some point be a physical Sega Classic collection with all of M2's great ports so they won't be lost to time some day

[@sdmayday]

I finally got my copy of VR Deluxe. The game is definately a lot of fun to play and a must have for the 32X.

[@Jenovi]

It's held up amazingly well.

[@rustymixer2886]

@@Jenovi its 30fps like all 32x games right

[@bpcgos]

Always love your content about obscure topics not many youtubers talk about, dudes. Keep it up...

[@Jenovi]

Thanks amigo. Appreciate it.

[@Gorilla_Jones]

As an original Arcade Virtua Racing veteran pumping hundreds of dollars into the 4 player sit down with my buddies every Saturday for two years I love what M2 has done. 😁 Your hat game is strong in this one master Jenovi. Oh yeah Switch version >>> 32X version.

[@Jenovi]

Without a doubt when comparing only the arcade mode, the Switch it the best. I'm still playing it. However, as a package it's a mess and M2 shouldn't be praised for selling something that contains content that's broken.

[@Gorilla_Jones]

@@Jenovi Yeah package wise it's a little light. But it's 8 bucks and 32X was $50. That's what I'm thinking. Keep up the great work, and hat game.

[@4504595]

@@Gorilla_Jones 100% agree with Gorilla Jones. Also, how can you put the 32x game above the Switch version when it also doesn't contain the feature you claim is broken in the Switch version. Doesn't make much sense.

[@Sinn0100]

How dare you! The 32X is the best thing since sliced bread. I'm hoping since Microsoft and Sega have joined efforts for the Series X we will see another 32X add-on. The Microsoft Series X Sega Super 32X Xtreme! It just rolls off your tongue so easily. ;) In all seriousnes I loved the 32X version of Virtua Racing. I remember when the Genesis version hit as it blew my mind (Star Fox did as well). When I saw the 32X running Virtua Racing in my local Micro Play (remember those?), I basically did a Fry- "Shut up and take my money!" I also picked up Doom and Star Wars Arcade that day (great but very stupid of me). I was working a PC help desk job (family business) and I was saving up to buy both the Playstation and Saturn when they dropped. Had I just held on I could have had a Saturn early. I remember stupidly convincing myself that the Saturn would match the arcade version of Virtua Racing....I mean, 8 freaking processors how could it not? I was wrong and the arcade version stood as the best version of Virtua Racing for a very long time. The Switch rendition looks better to me and I guess it was time but why did it have to be on a Nintendo console....:( Addendum- I'm joking of course as we play everything at our house (fiancee and I). We love all gaming from its humble beginnings on 2K ROM carts to the most cutting edge 4K games being played on the Xbox One X, PSPRO, and PC. Yes, we love our Nintendo Switches as well!

[@RewindMike]

Now it's time for you to cover Hard Drivin'!!!

[@diegoldsnake]

Or stunts for pc! Awesome game!

[@Jenovi]

Oh shoot..... I was up visiting Historic Nerd in Idaho and the arcade by his home has 1 and 2. Classic games.

[@MarquisDeSang]

I had the Race Drivin full arcade cabinet at home for a couple of years.

[@adesignersperspective]

@@Jenovi apparently hard driving and race drivin were both the basis of what would eventually become the engine powering the san francisco rush series as well - i wish both of those series would get more youtube love.

[@Mike-nf6nf]

@@MarquisDeSang dat loop de loop tho

[@eriksojka9209]

I do think they did a good job on the Genesis , for the limitations

[@Jenovi]

Agreed.

[@rustymixer2886]

I love it, then I play 32x version...once you master genesis draw distance and hit detection system the better 32x becomes a breeze

[@NASIRUB1]

I can't wait until they port over the Daytona USA series to the Switch.

[@oscarzxn4067]

Play both the Switch version for the best arcade experience enhanced and 32X version for the extra content.

[@NintendoComplete]

Iirc, wasn't the SVP not able to address anything larger than 16 megabits? I think the SuperFX had the same limitation.

[@Jenovi]

Maybe. I've read over the SVP tech documents and don't really see a restriction, but it's clear it was done with16mb in mind.

[@Larry]

I believe the extra tracks on the PS2 version come from Virtua Racing's arcade sequel, Virtua Formula. But I may be wrong there. But there was a Gameboy Advance port in development, but it was cancelled. There's footage of it on KZbin.

[@Jenovi]

Virtua Formula is essentially the 8 play co-op deluxe machine experience which is also included with the Switch release. I missed the news about the GBA port. Was that recently found? I bet the audio is trash.

[@Larry]

@@Jenovi It was uploaded in 2012, but no sites really picked up on it for years. Nintendo Life only did when I mentioned it to them on twitter.

[@SmashJT]

Fantastic video as always, dude! Congrats on being names the July 2019 SMASHER Of The Month!!! Keep up the incredible work, Jenovi!

[@Jenovi]

Thanks Amigo. Appreciate you showing love and support for what I'm doing.

[@townlinetim876]

Great video. You really bring your subject matter to life. I have always loved Virtua Racing. It’s awesome to see that there are so many different versions to experience.

[@buckroger6456]

Fantastic video! I also got the 32x version when it first came out and played the heck out of the game to the point of having it mastered. The 32x version was pretty mind blowing for its time and really helped to show what the 32x could bring us but sadly Sega quickly pulled the plug on the 32x. Also loved the part where your playing the switch on the riding lawnmower lol so great.

[@Jenovi]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@SameNameDifferentGame]

Great rundown, dude!

[@TheGunmanChannel]

Awesome vid as always Jenovi 🤘

[@Jenovi]

Thanks Gunman. Always appreciate you stopping by.

[@MobileDecay]

I think you're blind or something. 🤔 The Switch version is the arcade version. They used the original source code and enhanced it.

[@afistfulofpimples1745]

No. They messed up the color. And they cut a lot of corners including wrong frame rate and stretched widescreen. So you're wrong turkey brain.

[@johnpoling2484]

Agreed. Switch IS the arcade version.

[@MobileDecay]

Stephen Brook Dude the original supported widescreen. It's not stretched. Also 60fps is better and the draw distance is perfect. The color is off though.

[@MobileDecay]

Chrystal Poling Exactly. It's the arcade anywhere you want.

[@Jenovi]

Blind on what?

[@JomasterTheSecond]

I find it interesting how none of the American boxes for Virtua Racing have a picture of the actual Virtua race car, but instead have real pictures of real vehicles (or a painting in the case of the MD version). Where I live (Australia, which is a PAL territory), every version has a picture of the polygonal Virtua racecar (in fact, even the Virtua Stock and Virtua Prototype for the Deluxe version on the 32X!), not to mention the addition of the polygon race queens on the boxes of the first two Japanese releases.

[@AverageDrafter]

The Mega Drive version of this game was such a minor miracle that it was used for the basis of a port to PICO-8. The PICO-8 version of Virtual Racing is a miracle on top of a miracle.

[@altrogeruvah]

I really appreciate the high production review and the points / research made for this video! Great stuff man, big fan of the old school Virtua Racing.

[@Jenovi]

Thank you.

[@crimsonshadow1140]

the engine sound used for the standard F1 car in the saturn port isn’t a bad sound effect, it just doesn’t fit with that type of vehicle, it sounds like it would rather suit a kart instead

[@knkn5049]

do you tap too when steer? very strange mechanic when car rotates more if you release button

[@MrThunderwing]

Nice comparison! Really enjoyed watching this.

[@AGwolf2097]

I still haven't gotten to play the original arcade VR, but I rented the Genesis version from blockbuster a bunch of times back in the day... I even spent a ton of time in the 2-player mode with a friend and we had always had a lot of fun, even with the super jank framerate. I still enjoy it, warts and all. When I finally got my hands on a 32x and VR deluxe, I was blown away; literally everything was better, and I even spent a good amount of time in the 2 player mode with the same friend. We loved it, and I must have traversed every square inch of every track in the game... I remember trying to see where I could get out of bounds, find new paths (my friend and I used to play chicken in the big open concrete area in bay bridge), etc. Deluxe set some high expectations for the Saturn version, and I was admittedly disappointed when I finally got my hands on it years later... I didn't play Time Warner's version until I had already gotten experience with 32bit road rash, wipeout, destruction derby, sega rally, Top Gear Rally, Cruisin USA, Gran TUrismo etc... so I had already been spoiled by bigger racing experiences, but I was hoping for it to at least be as polished at VR Deluxe and Sega Rally. I tried to like it but I was just frustrated by the collision, the handling, the inconsistent framerate all the time, etc. If I can divorce myself from expecting it to feel like Virtua Racing, it's just fine, acceptable. The PS2 release was a big disappointment for all of the thing you listed... controls, soundeffects, graphics... which is a bummer because I kinda liked the new tracks, just like the saturn and 32x versions. I loved the original Virtua Racing format and concept, I just wanted More Stuff. But the PS2 version played so bad... I'm in the US so I got it on the Ages compilation release, so at least we got that absolute fire techno remix of Space Harrier's main theme lol Haven't tried the switch version (refuse to buy another Nintendo console until we get a proper new F-Zero, or until Nintendo gives the IP to Sega), but from all the video I've seen, it just looks weird. The high frame rate combined with the very flat speed aspect ratio (ie, items in the distance move toward the camera at very linear rate instead of the "stretched" distance perspective of the Genesis and 32x versions) makes it just look too slow. It looks like it "feels" sluggish, and it makes the whole game seem less dynamic. There's really something to be said for the sense of speed in racing games, and some titles get it while others just look like a flat boring mess. (It's a hard thing to describe; if you play either Top Gear Rally 2 on N64, or Quantum Redshift on the OG xbox, both games have some cheat codes that let you mess with the depth aspect ratio... it's not specifically a useful option, but it hilights how much of an influence a game's sense of depth changes its sense of speed.) Over the years I think I've decided that the Genesis version "feels" just a little bit better than the fantastic 32x version, at least for the F1 car (LOOOOOVE the stock car in Deluxe). The collision is still unforgiving in the Genesis version, but I think of it as the difference between Daytona USA and CCE on the Saturn... The first game is incredibly rough around the edges but plays really well; CCE feels much different, and is fantastic in its own right once you learn its mechanics, and it has a ton of extra content.

[@johnpoling2484]

Great analysis, I love the side by side comparisons.

[@Jenovi]

Thank you.

[@dezm101]

great video! I am also a huge fan of the series - I own all except the switch version. You are one of the few reviewers to mention the sound issues in the PS2 version, its so bad I have to keep it on mute. 32x version is excellent but damn its hard, sometimes I put the Saturn version in so I can easily get on the podium haha. The added extra tracks on the 32x just dont feel right to me, but I think its definitely the most polished and true to the original.

[@Jenovi]

At one time, I could get 1st on every track in the 32X release and unlock mirror mode on the first try. Back in the good old days before responsibilities took control of my life.

[@Lightblue2222]

I think it's physically impossible to beat the 32x version on hard. But only because the programmers accidentally left out the slipstream mechanic to gain the speed needed to catch up. I can beat it on Normal but no way on Hard. Yet the Genesis version I can beat on hard since I can ride the draft behind the other cars the whole way there. It's not easy, the extra speed is necessary for me. I do however really like the added tracks on the 32x and think they fit well. It was an almost perfect game. Still havent mastered that prototype car either.

[@KayoMichiels]

16:37 which one? I haven't heard of that version.

[@Jenovi]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zquncnt6q6t3iLM

[@euronymous_t]

Great review/side to side comparations! Loved your voice and script, so now you earned a new sub, hahaha!

[@Jenovi]

Thank you!

[@DaveVoyles]

I love how thorough your reviews are!

[@Jenovi]

I really appreciate the support Dave. Thank you.

[@KNGINetwork]

I really hoped that the Switch version would be a "Definitive Edition" or sorts, bringing together the extra cars and tracks from the 32X, Saturn, and PS2 versions into one package. Sadly it's more of an enhanced arcade port, which is great, but it really shows how thin some of these classic arcade racers were on content.

[@Jenovi]

I think that's a fair statement.

[@colins5129]

Cheers, I always loved Virtua Racing on the Saturn!

[@patrickhawthorneLS]

I remember my 32x cart saving my laptimes and cups but have found that it does not. Originally it was the pal version,now its the ntsc u version Can anyone confirm if the 32x game saves ?

[@KGRAMR]

Another great video as always! :)

[@Jenovi]

Thanks bud. Always happy to see you stop by.

[@socialmedia7812]

JENOVI HAS POTENTIAL TO GET MILLIONS OF SUBSCRIBERS I CAN SEE IT... HIS PRESENTATION IS LEGIT.. VERY WELL STRUCTURED. ITS A MATTER OF PATIENCE.. ROME WASNT BUILT IN ONEDAY.

[@Jenovi]

Awww, Thank you. I really appreciate it.

[@nixneato]

The Switch version is fantastic. And the pallet has been fixed since (google it :). The ONE thing they could have done is offer a mirror version, jumping from 3 to 6 tracks, no effort. I actually contacted M2, but no answer...

[@Jenovi]

Interesting. I still have it on the Switch, I'll have to check it out again.

[@nixneato]

@@Jenovi If I remember correctly you need to press the left shoulder button at the start up screen (the demo that shows the cars racing) and there appears a gamma gauge. Bring it down to 85% and you're good.

[@Krristopher]

I was never able to beat a single race. Every time I get nearly last or get so far behind I don't want to finish. Am I doing something wrong and is everyone else getting 1st easily? My favorite Genesis racing game was Kawasaki Super Bike.

[@Jenovi]

We talking the Switch or other releases? It's all about learning the tracks.

[@Krristopher]

@@Jenovi I have only played the Genesis, 32x, and Saturn console versions, but in all of them if I go to fast I crash and if I go slow enough not to crash I usually come in last.

[@nathleflutiste]

I'm used to play the 32X version, what is important is to not press on the accelerate button all the time, sometime it's better to just release or use the brake button, last point is to learn the track to know exactly when to use either of both previous option.

[@leeboy2k1]

Just a little tip re the Switch versions over-saturated color, make sure to set your Switch to full range RGB in the Switch's settings, this ensures the game is putting out the full 0-255 color values and helps make the game look closer to the arcade original, also, sometimes modern TV's especially LG OLED's have a black level setting that also needs to be toggled on certain content.

[@Gr4yF0x]

You are wrong. It just crushes black and oversaturates colors. For TV users, the correct settings are rgb limited and black level set to low.

[@NeoGeoNinja81]

Always liked the PS2 version best, personally. Controls totally different to the original (drifty!) but always liked the visual upgrades, blistering framerate, more neutral pallet choices, gameplay etc. I remember being taken aback by how much I enjoyed it when I first got a hold of it. That tyre squeal though! I'll agree on that!! I think VR is similar to Daytona is so much that there isn't a definitive, per se, and the top choice will always be subjected to preference. Unless you own the Arcade Machine I guess 😋

[@Jenovi]

I certainly think you're on point here, especially with V.R., the version you first played most likely will be the one you most prefer.

[@ryzmaker11]

I love the Mega Drive version! Something about porting such an impressive, 1992 arcade game (that ran on the then cutting edge Model 1 arcade board) to a 1988 console, even if the SVP is here to help but still, a beautiful achievement and one of the best 16-bit racing games. Now the 32X version has some expected improvements, it runs in higher resolution, looks smoother and has some nice extra content but it also has some gameplay issues (as @LightBlue2222 explained in another comment) so while it's still enjoyable, it's also a bit of a disappointement. I never played the Saturn version but I often heard bad things about it. And apparently the PS2 and Switch versions look and sound great but still aren't perfect. A phenomenal game for its time and one that has aged gracefully with its timeless flat-shaded look.

[@Jenovi]

Great comment. I think the Saturn version is just misunderstood. It's a find game, just not a fine port of Virtua Racing.

[@youdontneedtoseehisidentif4939]

A good video, but that hat… where you auditioning for the box art for _Phalanx_ on the SNES..? ;) (Also, I think there's a typo at 8:58 ..? "experiance" should probably be "experience")

[@Jenovi]

Ahhhh the dreaded typo. PS. An excellent games deserves a stand out and excellent outfit.

[@jonathanlisowski5618]

Very thorough review of all the versions. Thank you!

[@Jenovi]

Thanks for watching and for the comment Jonathan.

[@goukigod]

So an arcade cabinet it is then!

[@rustymixer2886]

20fps on 32x never knew that...

[@123OGNIAN]

I thought it was 30?

[@rustymixer2886]

@@123OGNIAN video says 20 to 30 yup

[@SaadAzim]

Great video, dude. It's nice seeing the 32X have it's day in the sun. With the Genesis port, I *think* SEGA was cutting corners. A 24 MEGAPOWER cart would've cost quite a bit more than a 16 meg cart. :D

[@lazarushernandez5827]

The price on the Genesis version was due to the SVP chip. I imagine that a 24 meg version would have inflated the price close to what you could get a Genesis at the time (the Genesis was $130 in 92, Virtua Racing was released early 94). That price was one of the reasons the 32x itself came to be; pay similar money($160 at launch) for an add on that improved the looks/sound of every game released for it instead of paying $100 for each. This idea came before Sega fully knew the consequences of splitting up your user base; which they had already done with the Sega CD.

[@Bojanglez667]

Great video Jenovi, I love the 32x version of virtua racing, and I'm glad to see it remains the best overall.

[@Lightblue2222]

Except there's no drafting.. 32x is the only version with this problem.

[@sebastiankulche]

I personally prefer the PS2 port, i dont know why but i like the darker look and the controls for me feels much better, is easier to pick up and play. I like your video btw.

[@Fattydeposit]

I wondered if you'd make this video. Good job.

[@Jenovi]

I couldn't resist. Thanks for watching.

[@StandingUpForBetter]

Another well done and extremely polished episode! I totally agree! Keep up the great work!

[@Jenovi]

Thank you for the kind comment. It makes me happy to hear from people who enjoy my work.

[@geminielectro]

I love the 32x VR. Also, i like to play the saturn version with the wheel. The "Metropolis" track with the kart is awesome!

[@WrestlingWithGaming]

As a member of the Geo Metro appreciation society, I feel personally attacked! Haha! Otherwise, another great video as usual.

[@Jenovi]

When you finally move to the Wild West from yuppie land, we need to get you into a "Man's Vehicle". Maybe a John Deer riding lawnmower?

[@WrestlingWithGaming]

@@Jenovi sir, I drive a Kia Rio..the pinnacle of automotive engineering and testicular fortitude. 😤

[@Jenovi]

😂

[@PixelsLtd]

Really great video. I loooooove the 32X version 😍 That said, with a patch, the M2 version has the potential to become the definitive version, even above the arcade. But yeah, that camera jump when pressing accelerate is pretty tough when feathering! 🤬

[@Jenovi]

I hope we see a fix, but when everyone who has a loud enough voice to influence change chooses to not speak out about the problems, it's unlikely anything will change.

[@ethelchip3620]

Great review!!! Hopefully m2 does an update to address everything, especially to fix the colors. The Saturn version is beautiful. I also

[@Jenovi]

I've been following Apex for a while now. I really hope it releases, but haven't seen an update in over 7 months now.

[@Hits9Nine]

colour fix is easy, go to options turn car to blue then back to red.

[@MightyQDawg]

Love Virtua Racing Deluxe on 32X and am strongly considering getting Switch version. This video helped a lot. Thanks!

[@Jenovi]

Thanks QDawg. Look forward to running into you at PRGE this year.

[@Valdrex]

The Switch version of this game is a miracle. I never would have expected such an awesome, modern version of Virtua Racing.

[@sangbeta2043]

I like the 32X version, but I could never figure the game out. Why does it always say Game Over even when I finish 1st?

[@mattnova18]

Did you cross the line before time ran out?

[@Jenovi]

There is a podium ending. Might have to do with the difficulty setting.

[@firch7123]

It's because the game is over when you finished it... And you have to pay if you want to continue to play (it's an arcade game after all)

[@DoofusLoopus]

After so many years, the only version I still constantly come back to is the x32 one. It's just so much fun.

[@Jenovi]

It's bar none the best.

[@germanm5540]

Great comparison video, thanks. I'm still mad at Sega for never releasing a Dreamcast version, and I think the Saturn edition could have been great if it had been produced in-house.

[@Hits9Nine]

I am an owner of the Genesis, 32X, Saturn and PS2 versions - the Switch version is exactly what I saw when I first laid my eyes on the cabinet in the Arcade. The Switch version is by far the best version of all, including Arcade.

[@arioca]

I'm really surprised Jenovi didn't give the edge to the Switch port.

[@Jenovi]

For the arcade experience standalone, the Switch is no question the best, but as a package, it shouldn't have been shipped in its current state.

[@arioca]

@@Jenovi I hope M2 fixes the Switch issues you mentioned and it would be nice if they offered the correct arcade colors as well since it appears a bit washed out on Switch in comparision. According to Digital Foundry, the 32X exclusive soundtrack was recreated on the Switch using the original arcade sound chip in order to match the other tunes.

[@BorkHammer40k]

The Switch version of Virtua Racing includes the replay song from the 32X, redone in the style of the original arcade music. My understanding is they essentially recreated the song in such a way that it could have actually been played back on the original arcade hardware.

[@Jenovi]

That's interesting. DYK Virtua Racing on 32X Japan has an exclusive song?

[@GashdakSaghzaar]

At 16:34 you said we had a Virtua Racing digital only game disappear. No we didn't. When?

[@PixelSlayers]

I gave a very real laugh out loud when you drove by on the mower. 😂

[@faladoquenaopresta3494]

Song at 11:20 ?

[@Jenovi]

Top Gear SNES

[@BryanTruong]

I've been waiting for this! Can't wait to watch it after work

[@Jenovi]

Hope you enjoy it.

[@BryanTruong]

@@Jenovi And I did! Great hat, great job

[@Royameadow]

A true Definitive Version of Virtua Racing is a product that is still very much overdue from Sega, and considering what we have witnessed from every build of it to see a release up to now, it is clear that we know how much is missing in the era of the Switch port, some of which I will discuss from my longtime views on them below: ~ Mirror Mode: Virtua Racing MD allowed for you to unlock Mirror Mode if you completed every map in Pole Position on Hard; unlike Mario Kart's Mirror Mode and the 2007 ROM hack Sonic: Return to the Origin, Virtua Racing MD's Mirror Mode is a simple flip of the map on the X Axis, you won't be playing the course in reverse from Point B to Point A akin to the previously mentioned but it does deliver a respectable challenge on Muscle Memory for Veteran and Master Players. ~ Extra Cars and Courses: Deluxe, Time Warner, and Flat~Out all benefited from their new additions on this front, with the Stock being the most preferred vehicle among most fans and select Speedrunners due to its better handling and ability to handle sharp turns while the Prototype is one of the best for Speed (despite having trash Handling); I always wondered how all the courses would look under Flat~out's engine, and had the devs for Sega Ages 2500 had more time to work on this remake, it would've been the Definitive Version in many ways but even we know there's only so much you can put on the lower budget Blue Compact Disc that some things had to be axed (though in this entry's case, it was due to Time; Flat~out had north of 0600 Megabytes of space free on the CD to add extra material if D~Three Publisher had more to work with). ~ Eight Player Mode with an Uncapped Framerate: The Switch port is based heavily from Virtua Formula, a I993 update to the original Arcade build that was optimized for Multiplayer and usually would come in sets of Four and Eight Player cabinets that were easier to manufacture, hence why we even have Local Eight Player to begin with; the Switch version runs these matches in 030 FPS (I need confirmation from emulation testers if Yuzu and Ryujinx allow for it to be played uncapped), so it'll be nice to see a lift of that cap and wishfully that'll come in a future port down the road, maybe even with a special Sixteen Player Mode to go with it. ~ Battle Versus: Now, if you were following development of Racing Apex back in 20I5 and 'I6, you would know that this title was literally Virtua Racing with Combat mechanics in a similar vein to Motocross Mania III, given that you could wipe out your opponents; when it was rebranded to Hotshot Racing after the project was picked up by Sumo Digital, this core gameplay mechanic was ultimately removed and it did upset many fans who were expecting it to be in the main game outside of extras; it would be nice for a presently hypothetical Virtua Racing: Definitive Edition to deliver something similar to help distinguish this title from its competition and it would fulfill the original ambition of Lucky Mountain Games to truly evolve what Sega delivered to us Thirty Years ago in the most effective way possible. ~ Surround Sound: For players who want more of an Atmospheric experience, it wouldn't hurt to have Six Channel (05.0I) and Eight Channel (07.0I) Surround Sound be possible from doing upgrades to the audio, especially considering some of the natural sounds of certain parts of each map and also given how the Vocal Tracks are separate from the music (in the Arcade version, they are togglable by simply disabling certain audio channels); being able to get this treatment especially for Deluxe and Time Warner's tracks would be phenomenal, there are some good cues in there and to hear them in an Uncompressed form would make for good Remixing value down the road, given how much is left on the table with their original masters. (:

[@pigpenpete]

The thing that I miss from the arcade? The wonderful harmonious engine note of the player car. And if you play the arcade version on MAME with a gamepad it controls in a very similar way to the PS2 version. At least, thats how it feels, I havent played the PS2 version in a decade...

[@Jenovi]

MAME is a solid way to experience the arcade game.

[@urbanmidnight1]

Good video, but imo the Switch version is by far the best 👍 Online mode is a mess though, I was pretty disappointed too.

[@Jenovi]

For the base game, there isn't a better version. As a package, it's kind of disappointing.

[@urbanmidnight1]

@@Jenovi Yes, totally agree.

[@adesignersperspective]

playing the ps2 version on my ps3 doesn't look too dark at all. i wonder if that's just an issue with solely playing it on the ps2 or certain TVs.

[@Jenovi]

Might be. I've been told the PS2 has this issue.

[@CHMernerner]

"What is definitive edition of Virtua Racing?" is really hard answer for decades

[@bobcharlotte8724]

Great vid! You deserve more subs.. but please blink more when reading your scripts :)

[@Jenovi]

Thanks. FYI, I'm not much of a blinker.

[@TheSocialGamer]

No one uses Nintendo's online function. It's what is known as the race to the bottom of online functionality of all current consoles. 🤣

[@Jenovi]

So true~!

[@zukoulou7464]

Great collection of Virtua Racing games !!! There is also Virtua Racing as alone game on japanese PlayStation 2. In the collection "Sega Ages" ! :)

[@Jenovi]

Thanks

[@JoseMartinez-jm1bu]

PS2 has better control. Try letting go of the gas on the curves while turning. Perfect control like the arcade. I played the arcade like hell so when the Mega Drive version came out , I didn't even bother . Its shit! 32X? shit with few more frames. Saturn ? Never bothered. But when I saw ps2 version. , I was pleased and been enjoying it since it came out. You argue about the tire sounds? Well , since you never played the arcade like I have , those are the same sounds as well.

[@Jenovi]

Not the sound the volume level / mix. Also, the PS2 isn't bad (control wise) as a standalone game only when compared to the arcade.

[@jameswalt1]

Awesome comparison! I love the 32x version. Call me crazy but I find the high resolution of the switch version off-putting. I much more prefer the lower resolution when combined with the flat shaded polygon look. The switch version just looks wrong to me, personally. Would love to see a video on Earthworm Jim, NBA Jam, Chuck Rock, Final Fight, Shadow of the Beast 2, Prince of Persia, Street Fighter 2, Daytona USA, to name a few ;)

[@Jenovi]

Of the games you listed, here are the ones you may see, not soon, but in the future. 100% happening (NBA Jam), 100% intend to cover at some point (EWJ, Streets of Rage), Games I'm would like to cover but are low on the priority list (Daytona, SF, Prince of Persia.)

[@jameswalt1]

@@Jenovi Awesome! Yeah, Prince of Persia will be a nightmare since there's 100 different ports 😂

[@jonbelf2981]

Another great video! Also, I dig the hat!

[@Jenovi]

Thanks! 😁

[@Froban]

I want to take a look at all the Virtua Racing games. My only big hurdle is the Arcade version. I'll try figuring out a way...I guess.

[@Jenovi]

Sounds like you need a MiSTer.

[@Froban]

Never mind, found a way. XD

[@formerlycringe]

I wish Virtua Racing on Switch had LAN play alongside that 8 Player Split-screen. That could artificially extend the lifespan, especially since the Online 2P is booty cakes.

[@merlingt1]

#1 Underrated channel

[@Jenovi]

😄 Thank you.

[@Lightblue2222]

I love this game. Always glad to see videos on it. Of the 3 I've played, my personal rankings from best to worst. 1. Genesis. because everything feels right. Intense arcade racing, spot on mechanics. I can live without the coat of polish the others offer. 2. 32X. Would easily surpass Genesis if it had a proper drafting mechanic to gain extra speed, which in my opinion is needed to beat it on hard. What's racing without a slipstream? But it's still very fun. 3. Saturn. Has lots of content but just doesn't feel right and was hard for me to get into. Plus those slow go cart tracks are brutally boring, I lost my patients. I've still had hours of fun with 32x but the slipstream of the Original gives it that extra edge. I beat all 3 levels on hard on Genesis believe it or not. Wasn't easy but without the drafting I wouldnt have stood a chance. Is the 32x broken? Has anyone been able to beat it on hard? It's as if I can do perfect laps but never catch up to that 1st player. I'm fairly sure it's because it was designed for drafting and the programers messed it up.

[@Jenovi]

I'm not as good as when I was a kid playing for an hour a day every day after school. Back then I could beat every track on the 32X unlocking mirror mode on the first attempt.

[@Lightblue2222]

@@Jenovi Nice. I can beat all the tracks and unlock mirror mode on Normal but still trying to win on Hard. There's a way to gain extra speed from the other cars like Genesis, but for the 32x you have to physically bump the other car for it to happen. Giving it a unique fun element all on its own, it's just a matter of catching up to do it. Requires perfect laps and that you "bump draft" as many opponents as you can. If it were like Genesis and sucked you foward while still being a distance away im sure I would have beaten it by now, but it's a good challenge. One thing I love about the Genesis version, if you beat any one of the tracks on Hard it rewards you with a little show of a more detailed rendered car that closer resembled the 32x car. Has hubcaps, fire from the exhaust, and a few other things the in game car doesn't have. Nice lil show piece ;)

[@chrisrobinson82]

Great video. I agree that future patches to improve multiplayer make the game unplayable in 10 years! I would say that the lack of pop in on the single player switch version surely brings it above the 32X version. Just going by the video comparisons it looks like it would be hard to judge most corners on the 32X version!!!

[@Jenovi]

Without a doubt when comparing only the arcade mode, the Switch it the best. I'm still playing it. However, as a package, it's a mess and M2 shouldn't be praised for selling something that contains content that's broken. The only version I have issue navigating due to draw distance in the MD release. Everything else isn't a problem.

[@thingsiplay]

The 32X version was my first and so far only Virtua Racing game I have played. It is a magnificent game. My only complain about this series is, how the car almost stops when it collides with another and spins on its point.

[@Butterworthy]

I played 32x Virtua Racing for the first time recently. On my Playstation Classic. It is a damn good version, and I wish Switch had the same amount of content, but I'm really happy with the Switch port.

[@Jenovi]

The base game in the Switch port is awesome.

[@Lightblue2222]

32x would be great if it had drafting. That's my major complaint, and the other versions dont have this problem. It means the 32x version is just about impossible to beat on Hard. Drafting to gain speed is a major component of the game. The programmers messed it up. What's suppose to happen is you get behind the opponent and it sucks you foward adding more speed to your car. But what happens in the 32x version is that you have to physically bump the car in front of you to gain speed. The drafting is suppose to help you catch up to the car, but instead you have to catch up to the car without drafting, then clumsily bump into the opponent without crashing to gain the extra speed. Meaning there is no such thing as a clean race on the 32x when you have to play bumper cars just to get ahead. Amazes me how Sega overlooked this. Drafting is what takes this game to the next level of fun, showing just how fast the cars can actually go. and the 32x sadly let us down here. And I have to rank Genesis above 32x for this reason alone.

[@ryzmaker11]

*very* interesting point that I remember already reading about @sega-16 (maybe it was a post of yours?). anyway I love the mega drive version, something about pulling off such an impressive game in a 1988 console, even if the SVP is here to help but still, a beautiful achievement and one of the best 16-bit racing games

[@Lightblue2222]

@@ryzmaker11 Agree, and no that wasnt me in the forums but I'm glad others notice too. I've mentioned it on other youtube VR comments before because once I realized Genesis had a proper slipstream and 32x didn't it started bugging me everytime I played. Someone told me it was overlooked because it was rushed to meet a deadline. It does at least still have a way to gain the speed, you just have to make physical contact with the cars, if you do it right the cars won't spin out, and it's kinda fun and challenging in its own unique way. Jenovi is otherwise right to rank it as the best because I dont see anything else wrong with the game, but it is an issue. I still love it, and it's still better than VR Saturn in terms of how it feels. Personal ranking has to go to Genesis though ;)

[@ryzmaker11]

@@Lightblue2222 it's crazy how many 32X games they managed to release during the system's short commercial lifespan but it didn't happen without some issues here and there but yeah the mega drive port is so good all things considered. lot of widely acclaimed arcade ports on the system but also still many underrated ones (virtua racing but also after burner II, street fighter II or sunset riders for example)

[@Lightblue2222]

@@ryzmaker11 heck yea

[@mtubr]

That Phalanx feeling at the start of the video

[@Jenovi]

I hope you enjoyed that.

[@Tiriris]

Great analysis!

[@doujindance]

I prefer 32X version even now. I have felt challenging spirit against limited technology.

[@Monacomaverick]

You have to play the 32X version on a Hitachi Ultravision projection screen. It is glorious!

[@CyclonesWorld]

I won't lie, that acceleration pop demo you did from the Switch version almost made me nauseous. I enjoy the video, but that almost needs a warning.

[@Jenovi]

I was on the fence about putting that in as I feel the same way. I kinda felt the point needed to be made though. Sorry about that Donny.

[@CyclonesWorld]

@@Jenovi Totally fine, I appreciate you showing it off so people know to not do it lol

[@gamehorizon7883]

Did you bust out a riding lawnmower to prove a point? I suppose I have to sub now. Great episode.

[@Jenovi]

😂🤣 I didn't have any mowing to do that day, it was all for the video. Thank you so much for watching and for the sub.

[@hossthadude_252]

Another excellent video !

[@Jenovi]

Thanks

[@datavalisofficial8730]

When i was gatting into youtube for the first time back in 2007/2008 i was fascinated with researching about consoles and games that i never owned or even seen in my life Before that the only way i could experience a gamecube game was to get an actual gamecube and the actual game and play it Nintendo never picked up in brazil though, i've seen more sega saturns and dreamcasts than wiis in my life, and i never saw a gamecube irl, just to give yall a perspective I was as dumb as a kid gets but i loved the fact that i could now see how consoles looked like and how their games looked and sounded I looked lots of wikipedia, i watched angry video game nerd subbed in portuguese, and i discovered emulation and i'm pretty sure i played at least one emulator for each freaking console i know, including the virtual boy, the fm towns marty, the wonderswan, and im also a huge fan of amiga and pc9801 emulation I first saw virtua racing in lists of games that push the limits of X console And being a sega mega drive owner myself i never saw any 3D game for the mega drive so i was baffled and i remember getting on my dad's nerves for us to look for a copy when we came to the downtown where is easier to find games for older consoles Even though i was already familiar with GTA San Andreas, NFS Most Wanted, Counter Strike 1.6, and other big 2000s games that i played on PC It was still a blast that my freaking 18-year-old(at the time) sega mega drive could run a 3D Racing Game I got addicted. Its... I dont know, NFS felt like something too mature and complicated and VR was colorful and felt more kid friendly to me, i played the saturn version on an emulator called yabause and i think i had the saturn version on every single computer i have ever owned I thank youtube for recommending me this video as this game is huge for me, even though i'm an early gen z specimen

[@nosebeareatsfudge3275]

Did you say "experiance" lol, great vid

[@Jenovi]

Thanks!

[@RetroGameLivingRoom]

32X version for life ;)

[@MnemonicHeadTrip]

If only the Switch version had a vaporwave soundtrack like Virta.zip

[@SwankeyMonkey]

The PS2 version looks like it uses the Zack Snyder filter.

[@itsMewJAM]

it's a shame there's no real, definitive release for virtua racing, it feels like it really shouldn't be hard to do. i've been wanting to get into the game but it would be nice to have all the content and the most polish / accuracy in one place.

[@jmullner76]

Was just playing the 32X version today. Still enjoy it.

[@chrismulhern6527]

Owned them all over the years but imho nothing compares to the original arcade cab, the feedback through the steering wheel on the cab is light years away from any port although having said the i do enjoy the 32x and the switch version more than the others but i must say the switch port wins the console war for pure arcade mode, but for now I'm still playing on my upright cab, my pride and joy :).

[@EmeraldBlack-up6xi]

Can you make one of these for Daytona USA?

[@Jenovi]

I've been thinking about it.

[@entertainmentwizard2703]

Great video!

[@Jenovi]

Thank you!

[@Sonicfoxtrot]

switch is the best version now

[@kasper8509]

This game has pitstops?