DESCRIPTION

Sega Rally 2 is the first of a long list of Arcade conversions Sega will embark on over the life of the Dreamcast. While Sega has often been criticized in the past for conversions that have lacked the "home only" features, this time around they have learned from there mistakes.

Sega Rally 2 on the Dreamcast features no less than eighteen tracks with the added bonus of an extra special stage that becomes available after players have beaten the ten year championship in each of the ten years. The instantly playable eighteen tracks are set over six themes including: desert, mountain, Riviera, muddy, snowy, and isle. Sega Rally 2 is also the first Dreamcast title to take full advantage of the analog triggers with analog braking, acceleration, and movement.

Single-player modes in Sega's first ever Model 3 conversion to Dreamcast include: the general Arcade mode complete with additional tracks and vehicles from the original version, a Ten Year Championship mode that creates a simulation-like approach through yearly four-stage competitions, and Time Attack mode where players can improve on their own best times. A record mode is also included that lets gamers check out the top eight records set in all three single-player modes on each track as well as Time Attack with every single vehicle.

In terms of multi-player modes, Two-Player Battle is the split-screen mode that can be run as three or five lap competitions or even time lag match ups. The Network mode is the Internet side of Sega Rally 2's multi-player modes with up to four players ripping up the dirt on Sega's Japanese server.

Vehicle wise, Sega Rally 2 features eight base vehicles and a further twelve available as you taste victory. Examples include: Lancer Evolution, Lancia Strato-S, Lancia Delta HF Integrale, Peugot 306 Maxi, Corolla WRC, Celica GT-Four ST 20S, Ford Escort T WRC, Impreza, Peugeot 205 Turbo, Lancia 037 Rally, and the Renault Alpine. Car profiles are also provided for all vehicles with car specs, 3D rendering test runs, and a talk through in Japanese.

On top of these features, players can also select from a wealth of options and settings. Players can not only determine Arcade difficulties, their co-driver's voice, speed display, time compare, ghost cars, and default view, but also tinker with sound tests and mode and button layout. Car physics can also be tweaked, adjustable items include: final gear ratio, rear suspension, steering, and brake. Four transmissions and eleven tires for three conditions are available for selection as well.

Sega Rally 2 also supports a steering wheel as well as the VMS with the ability to save championships, earned features, game options, car settings, records etc. ~ Brad Penniment, All Game Guide