The need for speed
| The need for speed | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio |
 Electronic Arts
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| Publisher |
Electronic Arts |
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| Erstveröffent- lichung |
1994 | ||
| platform | 3DO , DOS , PlayStation , Sega Saturn , Windows (x86) | ||
| genre | Racing game | ||
| Game mode | Single player , multiplayer ( null modem , network ) | ||
| control | Gamepad , keyboard , steering wheel | ||
| medium | CD-ROM , PlayStation CD-ROM | ||
| language | including German | ||
| Age rating |
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The Need for Speed was the first game in the Need for Speed series and was first released for the 3DO in 1994 . In 1995 the console title was ported to the PC , in 1996 the title appeared on the PlayStation and the Sega Saturn .
Gameplay
There are eight vehicles to choose from in the game, which can be driven on seven (nine in the Special Edition) different routes, including three point-to-point routes and four circular routes. Whoever wins all seven races in competition mode gets a secret bonus route (Lost Vegas) unlocked, which is supposed to play in Las Vegas at night, which is characterized by few textures on the edge of the track, and at which previously unthinkable speeds - or by a big jump can be flown.
A special feature of the game is that the races are played on roads with normal traffic under police pursuit. There is a multiplayer mode via null modem . The extensive replay functions with reverse and slow motion, which the following parts do not have or no longer have in such detail, are also exceptional. In addition, a special edition appeared in 1996 with new cars and tracks as well as the option of playing the game in a network with eight players.
The game was developed in cooperation with the US auto magazine "Road & Track", which contributed precise technical details and many pictures and videos about the cars. Egon Hoegen was the spokesperson for these descriptions of the vehicles in the German version. The Need for Speed had one of the most realistic driving physics of its time, ABS and traction control were also implemented realistically - if they were available in the respective vehicles. It was also unusual for car racing games of this time that the direction of travel was not specified, so that you could even turn the car on the track. So-called "donuts" were also possible. The graphics engine used precalculated BSP trees to determine from which positions which polygons in the landscape had to be seen. The result was a hitherto unrivaled realistic graphic, which from a Pentium 120 was also very opulent in VGA resolution (640 × 480 pixels with 256 colors) for the time. Engine and driving noises sampled from the original vehicles ensured a very realistic sound that was individual for each vehicle.
The British magazine PC Power gave the game a rating of 95% and praised the handling , the graphics and the presentation of the game, but criticized the sound, among other things.
Car list
The game provides eight vehicles:
- Mazda RX-7
- Honda NSX
- Toyota Supra
- Porsche 911
- Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1
- Dodge Viper RT / 10
- Ferrari 512 TR
- Lamborghini Diablo VT
The bonus vehicle in the “Special Edition” is called “Warrior PTO E / 2”.
Route list
- City (3 sections)
- Coastal (3 sections)
- Alpine (3 sections)
- Rusty Springs Raceway
- Autumn Valley Speedway
- Vertigo Ridge
- Lost Vegas (Bonus)
In addition, the “Burnt Sienna” and “Transtropolis” routes are available in “The Need for Speed Special Edition”.
Web links
- The Need for Speed at MobyGames (English)
- The Need for Speed in the Internet Movie Database (English)
- Official need-for-speed website
Individual evidence
- ^ Butt Damian: "The Need for Speed", PC Power, No. 22, pp. 38–41.