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POWER DRIFT
GS-9181
Copyright © 1998 Sega Enterprised, Ltd.
Sega Saturn, 1 Player
Racing
¥3,800
2-26-98
—by Eugene Moon
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Ten years after its debut in the arcades, POWER DRIFT
finds its way to the Saturn as the latest addition to the Sega
Ages line of games. Similar in nature to SONIC JAM
or the Namco Museum games for the PlayStation, the Sega Ages
titles give Saturn owners a chance to play older games from
the arcade or previous game systems.
POWER DRIFT was one of Sega's
arcade titles released in normal and deluxe cabinet forms. The
deluxe cabinets were motorized to enhance the gaming experience
and cost more to play than other games of that time.
POWER DRIFT featured a seat that swung
from side to side in response to turns made by the player.
This feature may be missing from the home version, but
viewpoint rotation and support for steering wheel controllers
carry over intact. The analog control pad that debuted with
NIGHTS is also supported.
The game has the player selecting a choice from the
five courses offered (each made up of five tracks for a total
of 25 tracks in the game) and a driver who will act as the
player's on-screen persona. Racing then commences with players
advancing to the next race only if they finish in the top
three. Players good enough to place 1st on all five tracks are
treated to a bonus race for which their car is replaced by a
hidden vehicle (the fighter jet from AFTERBURNER
II). This
version of POWER DRIFT also includes a
Grand Prix mode in which the player must finish all 25 tracks
in a single sitting. Unlike Arcade mode, the player can
advance by being in the top five.
As a port of a sprite-based racer, POWER DRIFT
shows its age. The tracks look somewhat plain in comparison to
modern arcade race courses (though some of them show a bit of
imagination). The gameplay is very simplistic with turns taken
at full steering lock and braking accomplished by shifting
into low gear. The game does include the original arcade
soundtrack, as well as a remixed version with modern
instruments replacing the original's synthesizers.
Beyond POWER DRIFT's nostalgic
value, there isn't very much reason to own this title. The
graphics are dated, and the replay value is limited. Yet this
game can be a lot of fun, and it is this fun factor that is
this title's saving grace. If you enjoyed the arcade version
(and don't mind playing without the motorized seat), there is
no reason not to get this title. But people looking for a more
modern racing experience should stick with SEGA RALLY.
Rating: *** out of 4 |
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