Sega's new home racer looks and plays like the real thing

Until now, it seemed pretty clear that PlayStation2 would be taking the racing crown next year, with the planned release of Gran Turismo 2000 and New Ridge Racer with the launch of the system. Today, however, a Japanese newspaper reveals that Sega are working on their own racing title for the Dreamcast that, assuming it lives up to expectations, could make the DC the place to be for racing fans next year.

The game is currently known as Sega GT, with the GT standing for Grand Touring. It aims to combine true-to-life graphics with real-life car behaviour in an unmatched virtual driving experience. Sega expect the game to use the Dreamcast's full power (whatever that means), and this should come about through the high quality graphics, complete with real-time reflections based on real-life photographs, as well as some ultra complex gameplay. We can expect engine modification, realistic weight balance, modelling of friction between the tyres and road and true-to-life aerodynamic characteristics for the vehicles, all of which will be achieved through real-time physical calculations. When combined with Sega's history of producing some of the most brilliant racing games out there, all these features could add up to a brilliant racing experience on the Dreamcast.

Other details include some sort of story mode for the races where you must buy parts for your car, as well as the ability to upload data to the Internet. We also know that nine major Japanese car makers will be featured in the game, resulting in hundreds of playable vehicles.

Sega GT may see a Japanese release before the end of the fiscal year (that's March, folks, not December), and combined with Bizarre Creation's Metropolis Street Racer, it should keep the Dreamcast competitive in the racing genre. Expect more details in the coming months.


Courtesy of IGN.com