PCPP Game Guide 2/PCPP_GG2.iso/PCPP/faqs/segatour.txt

Text File | 1998-06-02 | 28.1 KB | 756 lines

SEGA TOURING CAR FAQ

FOR SEGA SATURN AND PC-CD

V0.20

By Michael Tham a.k.a. AkiraYuki     [e-mail]

0.20 12/5/98 Added general strategies section. More spelling corrections.
0.15 08/5/98 Minor update. Lyrics, some additions. Codes. Can now be found at
         www.gamefaqs.com
0.1  28/4/98 First initial draft and release.


Index

1) Introduction
2) Car statistics
3) Race circuit info
4) Track strategies
5) General Strategies
6) Codes
7) Music
8) Posting times on the internet
9) Final word

This FAQ and future updates can be found at www.gamefaqs.com


Introduction

Hello and welcome to my Sega Touring Car FAQ. This is my first FAQ so please
bear with me. I must say that I'm far from being a good STC player. You can
check out my lame times for Saturn and PC. My nick is MIKTHAM. So why the hell
am I writing this FAQ when there are so many players better than me? Because
there are no FAQS out there. Actually, there is only one beginner's guide by Wes
Pringle but nothing on the tracks. I hope all the good players will start to
share their skills and strategies with the whole internet gaming community.

I own both the Saturn and PC versions but unfortunately I don't have my Saturn
with me as I am studying in Australia :(. At least I still have the PC version
to keep me company. I love fighting games, RPGs and racing games. My favourite
games are VF3, Street Fighter 3, SFZ2Gold, Grandia, DragonForce, Riglord Saga 2,
Samurai Spirits RPG, Sega Rally and of course Sega Touring Car. If you play VF3
and live in Melbourne, do mail me at [e-mail]

Enough about me. Well, what is Sega Touring Car Championship all about? Well,
it's a racer by Amusement Machines Annex based on world touring car
championships. The game first came out in the arcades. I don't think it did
pretty well. Perhaps because there are too many racers out there and its
graphics were not exceptional so people hardly gave it a second glance.

However, its release on the Saturn was greeted with much enthusiasm as it would
probably be Saturn's last racer and because you could post your times on the
internet and compare it against other racers over the world. When the game came
out, it was given negative response from the video gaming community on the net.
( I don't give s*** about the magazines cause they're always biased and did not
say s*** about the STC world ranking ). Many complained about the low frame
rate, boring graphics and hard gameplay.

Regardless, I got myself the game and was I for a big shock. The frame rate
really hurt my eye. It really hurt. After every track I had to turn my eyes away
cause it hurt too much. I was really disappointed. Sega Rally had such good
graphics. Probably the best racer in terms of graphics and Sega could come out
with such poor graphics. Another thing was the difficulty. I had problems
handling the car, probably because I was too used to Sega Rally's loose control.
Finally, I gave out on the game.

But my brother did not. If he knocked the wall or something during the
Qualifying Heat or first track, he would reset and try again. He would play for
one whole day until I got so fed up with the music. ( it later began to grow on
me) Seeing how determined he was, I thought what the hell and began playing
again.

Soon, my eyes did not hurt and I started getting better at the game. Though I've
still to improve much, I've begun to appreciate the challenge in the game and
wonder how the japanese manage to get such good times. So, if you have not
gotten the game yet, what are you waiting for?

Besides, if you have a good PC, the graphics are actually pretty good!

I've not seen nor played the arcade version so I'm not sure whether everything
in this FAQ will work. I try to keep my FAQ as accurate as possible but I will
not be responsible for anything that happens because I typed something wrong.

So, without further ado, here are the official statistics of the 4 cars from
Sega :


ALFA ROMEO 155V6TI

Features a longitudinally mounted engine. The shift lever is near the steering
wheel, to enable rapid gear changes with just a snap of the hand.

ENGINE TYPE V6 24VALVES

CAPACITY 2499cc

MAX POWER 450bhp/11700rpm

MAX TORQUE 30.6kgm/9500rpm

TRANS. 6-SPEED SEMI-AT 4WD

LENGTH 4620mm

WIDTH 1798mm

HEIGHT 1355mm

WHEELBASE 2540mm

WEIGHT 1040kg+

BRAKES 4-CHANNEL ABS VENTILATED DISCS


TOYOTA SUPRA GT

Toyota's flagship sports car which made its mark at the Japanese Grand Touring
Car (JGTC) Drivers Championship. The car's turbo engine is the pride of Toyota's
engineers, delivering 450 bhp.

ENGINE TYPE STRAIGHT4 DOHC TURBO

CAPACITY 1998cc

MAX POWER 450bhp/6000rpm

MAX TORQUE 65.0kgm/4500rpm

TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED MT FR

LENGTH 4520mm

WIDTH 1910mm

HEIGHT 1200mm

WHEELBASE 2550mm

WEIGHT 1100kg+

BRAKES VENTILATED DISCS


AMG MERCEDES

C-CLASS

As always, Mercedes places importance on easy maintenance & safety. The driver's
seat is positioned in the centre of the car. The car features semiautomatic 6-
speed transmission, which can be controlled by buttons on the steering wheel.
The car in the game is the D2 Privat Team silver model.

ENGINE TYPE V6 24 VALVE

CAPACITY 2499cc

MAX TORQUE 0.6kgm/9000rpm

TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED SEMI-AT RWD

LENGTH 4666mm

WIDTH 1789mm

HEIGHT 1280mm

WHEELBASE 2690mm

WEIGHT 1040kg+

BRAKES 4-CHANNEL ABS VENTILATED DISCS


OPEL CALIBRA V6

The engine of OPEL CALIBRA V6 is based on the 3165cc V6 of the OPEL Monterey.
With the adoption of a semiautomatic, 6-speed transmission, it becomes possible
to change gears in 1/5 of the time it took before. In addition, this car can
manipulate the lock and stabilizer control automatically, detecting the amount
of slip and the road traction of the tires via computer sensors.

ENGINE TYPE V6 24VALVES

CAPACITY 2498cc

MAX POWER 500bhp/11650rpm

MAX TORQUE 31.6kgm/9000rpm

TRANSMISSION 6-SPEED SEMI-AT 4WD

LENGTH 4673mm

WIDTH 1766mm

HEIGHT 1285mm

WHEELBASE 2605mm

WEIGHT 1040kg+

BRAKES 4-CHANNEL ABS VENTILATED DISCS


Race Circuit Info from Sega and some additions from myself!

Country Circuit: Beginner Level

Easy to drive because of the width of the road. But if you want to win the race,
you have to be precise - even the smallest mistake could cost you the race.

Grunwald Circuit: Intermediate Level

This circuit is located in the mountains, so you get to see a fair share of
nature. However, this is no time for bird watching - you've got plenty of
treacherous curves to concentrate on.

Brickwall Town: Advanced Level

You may be a smoothy on purpose built circuits, but have you got street smarts?
Precision handling and speed control are essential if you want to get to the
finishing line.

Urban Circuit

This circuit is located in the city. You can see tall building all around. The
road is paved very well and there all walls on both sides. The roads are
narrower but not as narrow as Sega Rally's 4 lakeside course. There are also a
tunnel, something which is absent from the other 3 tracks.

It's a very simple stage, the backgrounds are basically repetitive. However it
is better than having just 3 stages. Still, AM Annex should have put more effort
into making the stage much more interesting and at the same time thrown in some
more extra tracks as well.


Ok. Now to business. Which car is better? I recommend you check out Wes
Pringle's beginner's guide. He gives quite a few thoughts one each car's
performance as well as some driving tips. But for me, I believe Alpha Romeo is
the best, especially the handling. But still, its better to experiment and find
the car that suites you the most. All my tips will be based on AUTOMATIC. I
don't use manual because :
1) There are people who use auto with much better times than mine. I think
there's a japanese in the top 20 Saturn world ranking who uses auto
2) Playing with the keyboard is hard enough as it is. I don't want to complicate
things further.

If you have something to say in regards to using manual in the game, please mail
me and I'll put it up.



THE TRACKS

ROUND 1

COUNTRY CURCUIT

1 LAP  = 2.045km
2 LAPS = 4.090km

Ok. This is of course the easiest course in the whole game. You don't even have
to use the brake. However, its pretty difficult to get a really good time.
Positioning and how you take a turn can cost you seconds.

For starting the Qualifying Heat, I recommend pressing the accelerate button
after the countdown to 1 and before go. There may be a better way to start so if
anyone knows of any, please mail me.

After starting, you'll drive along a straight road for awhile. Its better to
drive around the center of the road. The first turn is a pretty long right turn.
As the road slowly starts bending right, hold right until the road straightens.
If you are moving too close to the wall at the right, let go of right but DO NOT
TAP or PRESS LEFT. When you are sure you won't hit the wall continue turning.
Time your turn properly so it will be one smooth motion. After negotiating the
first turn, you're car will jump a bit and here comes the 2nd turn.

Its best to meet this turn driving a bit to the left side of the road but turn
early at the right turn. Turn by tapping right lightly to prevent the tires from
screeching. Be sure not to hit the walls or run into the grass. If you meet
another car here, stay on its right side when you turn. Its best to stay on the
left side of the road but don't get too close to the wall.

For the next turn which is to the left, just stay in the middle of the road. As
the bend comes, hold right and release right when you are in the middle of the
road. Another way of taking this turn is to hold left for awhile, release while
waiting for the road ahead to come into view and press left again to align
yourself. This prevents over steering. The road will be a bit bent but if you
are in the middle, you will be able to move straight at high speed until the
next turn. If you over steer and are on the grass just continue forward unless
you are in danger of hitting a wall. It is important to do this turn well as it
the stretch is pretty long and.

Treat the next turn like the 2nd turn, tapping to turn. If you are going to move
out of the road, by all means hold in the correct direction to bring yourself
back. It's a very short turn. Try to stay to the left side of the road.

Ahhh, finally, the last turn of the game. Stay at the left . As the turn is
coming out, hold right. Your car should move closer to the wall at the right as
it turns but not touch it. As the road straightens, left go of right and move
straight to the finish line. If your car is not moving parallel to the road,
straighten its course by tapping in the correct direction.

As a general rule for track one, do not stay too close to the edge when you take
a corner to keep your speed up. Try to follow the black marks on the road for
maximum speed but be sure to keep your eyes on the road!


ROUND 2

GRUNWALD CIRCUIT

1 LAP  = 2.605km
2 LAPS = 5.210km

For this circuit also I do not use the brakes. However my time seems pretty bad
so I guess that there may be some places where it better to brake. Maybe.

Of course you start with a rolling start. From the beginning, stay in the
middle. Wait for the turning in front. You will see a blue sign way up ahead.
I'm not really sure about the timing but you'll get it after a couple of tries.
Hold right and you will negotiate the bend pretty close to the wall at the
right. This turn's pretty hard and depends on the timing of your turn. What
pisses me off is when there's a bloody car on my right when I turn. Can anyone
tell me how to turn this without sliding to the right?

The 2nd turn is a right turn. Just hold right at the turn.  After another
stretch of straight road hold another right. The important thing about these two
turns is the correct moment to hold right. Do it too early and you'll meet the
wall on the right. Turn too late and you'll kiss the right wall. If you turn too
much to one side, don't hold at the other direction. Rather, don't press any
directions until you hit the wall or else you will experience the 'yo-yo' effect
where your car 'bounces' from the left wall to the right or vice versa.

The next turn is pretty steep so approach it a bit to the right side of the road
cause the road's pretty narrow. Hold left even after clearing the turn to avoid
the wall at the left. The best way to take this turn is to keep to the left side
of the road before the turn. This will give you more space to negotiate the
turn. Did I mention that you don't need to use your brakes for this track?

After that tap right a bit cause this road is a bit crooked. The 2nd last turn
is more than 90 degrees but there is more room for you to turn. Approach the
turn by staying in the middle or a bit to the left. At the turn, hold right and
hear your tires screech. Your car's speed will drop dramatically. When you have
nearly cleared the turn, let go of right and move ahead! I'm pretty sure there
must be a faster way of taking this turn. Make sure that when you are taking
this turn there are no cars near you or else you will be bounced around like
beach ball!

The next turn is an easy left turn to the finish.

BRICKTOWN WALL

1 LAP  = 2.277km
2 LAPS = 4.554km

All right. The last track. The beginning is very, very crucial. Because the road
is very small, DO NOT KNOCK ANY CAR AT THE BACK. This will slow you down a lot
and you might as well reset the race. Its best to stay in the middle of the road
in the beginning.

You will meet to consecutive left turns. At the first turn just hold left for a
while and for the next, held left again until you get to the wide straight road.
Time it right and you'll breeze through the two turns easily. If there is a car
directly in front of you, its better to knock the wall than ram into its back.

Now this turn is the first time I use my brakes. As you meet this turn, its best
to be on the very left side of the road. You don't have much time to prepare for
this turn so move to the left side after the 2nd turn. When you are about one
and a half cars away from the sharp bend, hold right and brake hard. Your car
will turn sharply to the right and miss the wall. Be sure to stabilise your car
straight after the turn and swerve pretty early.

The next turn is pretty much the same. Stay to the left side of the road and
turn right and brake hard to the right. Most of the time, when I turn, I'm very
close to the wall on the right so that I can move in a straight line as soon as
possible. IF possible stay very much to the left as you meet the turn. That way,
you only need to press your brakes for a while as you have more room to
manoeuvre.

I don't really know how to negotiate this pretty long right turn, so someone
please mail me.

The next is a left turn. I don't brake for this one but its pretty hard cause
the position and timing must be right. Stay in the middle of the road. As the
bend approaches, hold left. You'll slide left as you turn, almost meeting the
grass to the left. Now, get ready for the next turn.

This turn is a very long right turn and I've done it a few times without
braking. I guess it has to do with positioning and when to hold right. I'll get
more info on this when I can. Can anyone help me with this?

The next turn is very easy. Just stay to the right side of the road and hold
left a small fraction of a second before the turn appears. You will 'go with the
flow'. Its sort of like floating with the turn.

Here comes the last turn. Unfortunately, you have a pretty narrow road to get
this 90 degrees turn. I'm not pretty sure of this turn and I hope someone will
mail me about it. After that turn, its straight all the way! Remember to keep
your car parallel to the road to minimise time. Tap at the correct direction to
keep it straight.

Since I can't do this turn, what I basically do is to hit wall as early as
possible by braking a bit so I can get back on the road immediately. If you hit
the wall further down the turn, it will take you longer to get back on the road
and longer to accelerate.

BONUS TRACK

URBAN CIRCUIT

1 LAP  = 2.105km
2 LAPS = 4.210km

You can only get this race after you have placed first in the overall category.
The roads in this stage are pretty narrow with walls on both sides and no 90
degree turns. No matter what position you get here has nothing to do with your
ending, I think.


GENERAL STRATEGIES

Forget about all the racing games you have played before this. STC is very much
different from all the other racers out there. The best way to play the saturn
game is using the anolog pad. The analog pad is so sensitive that whether you
pressed a button hard or soft makes a difference. With a normal joypad, in order
to brake lightly, you have to tap quickly or hold the button for a short time.
With the analog pad, all you have to do is to press the button with minimal
pressure. When driving, you have more control over your movements and the degree
you turn the 'wheel'. First timers may find the sensitive control frustrating
but after some practice, you will find that you will never want to go back to
the basic controller for racers.

For PC, the best controller is of course a joypad or joystick, depending on your
preference. I do not know whether there are analog joypads for PC.
Unfortunately, I am force to play with my keyboard. And man, is it hard. At
least Sega added two buttons for light braking and light acceleration. Light
braking is self explanatory but light acceleration? What the hell is it good
for?

First thing, the car really controls like a car unlike some other games out
there ( A certain game with the initials RR comes to mind ) and driving these
type of cars on these tracks is not easy. If it were, everybody would be into
it.

First basic thing is when you press accelerate, press it all the way, unless you
wanted to slow down. This is racing, not driving your car in a city. If you are
using manual, you do not have to worry about the clutch. You just change gears
using the up and down buttons.

When taking corners, the rule of the thumb is to stay at the side of the road
opposite to where you are turning. If the turn is to the right, stay at the left
side of the road before making the turn. This makes the turn more rounded.
Though the distance is longer than taking the right or inner lane, you do not
have to slow down much and thus can reach top speed quicker at the straightway.

Another way is by following the black tyre marks on the road. Use it as a
guideline of the best way to take a turn. If you find that following the black
tyre marks causes you to crash, etc, don't. A wise man once said the path
travelled by the most is not always the best.

If you find that the CPU controlled cars are passing you by, especially at
turns, that means that you are doing something wrong. Do not be afraid to
experiment with different ways to take a turn even if you are sure that the way
you are doing is correct. Any slight improvement in time can go a long way in
the STC world ranking!

Who is your worst enemy in the game? Nope, its not the challenging courses. It
is not definitely your mom who always disturbs you every time you are about to
break your record. Its those damn CPU cars!

Yes, you heard me right. Have you ever experienced this before? You are
approaching a long right turn and there's a car on your right side in front of
you. If you don't turn now, you'll kiss the wall and eat grass. You swerve and
the car in front of you seems to be rushing toward your windscreen. You knock
its back and your speed slows down. You are determined to continue the race but
the car in front of you still has not moved. You are frustrated and inevitably
ram into it again.

Yep, those frustrating and unavoidable knocks and bumps. Sometimes they knock
you from the back and give you a bit of boost which can be a bad/good thing. If
you are going down a straight lane, it is good. If you taking a turn, be
prepared to kiss the wall. Sometimes while turning, a CPU car will come out of
nowhere and knock you to the side.

So, how do you solve this problem? Simple. Get a very good time in the
qualifying heat so you stay at the top of the pack. That way there is less
chance of interference from CPU cars.

If you are coming to a corner and forgot to brake in time, don't. Just hit the
wall on go on. Braking will only delay the inevitable.


CODES

SEGA SATURN

Codes taken from videogame strategies at http://vgstrategies.tqn.com/msubsat.htm

Bonus tracks:
Change the Saturn's system date to December 25, 1997. A "Global Net Event"
option and the bonus "Winter Holiday" track will now be available.

Change the Saturn's system date to February 13, 1998. A "Global Net Event"
option and the bonus "Hit And Run" tracks will now be available. In this race
variation, all cones must be hit.

Change the Saturn's system date to April 1, 1998. A "Global Net Event" option
and the bonus "April Foul" track will now be available. In this race variation,
you must avoid hitting other cars while racing in the opposite direction.

Note: These "Global Net Events" may also be enabled by using an Arcade Racer
controller in port two. Select "Saturn" or "Arcade" modes, then select the "Key
Config" option. Press L + X, L + Y or L + Z on the Arcade Racer controller to
enable each event. A sound will confirm correct code entry.

Alternate car colours:
Press Up or Down at the car selection screen.

Cheat mode:
Note: This code requires an Arcade Racer controller in port two. Select "Arcade"
or "Saturn" mode. Enter the key configuration selection on the options screen.
Press X + Y + Z + Start on the Arcade Racer controller. A sound will confirm
correct code entry. Press X on the car selection screen to access the Sega
racing prototype. Highlight the Alfa Romeo and press Z to access the Lancia
Delta Sega Rally car. Highlight the Toyota Supra and press Y to access the
Toyota Celica Sega Rally car.

Additionally, the Boom Town track will be accessible under Saturn mode. Finally,
expert, exhibition, and grand prix modes may now be selected.

Gran Prix mode:
Select the "Arcade" option and start a championship series. Complete all tracks
with any final standing.


PC-CD

Gran Prix mode:
Select the "Arcade" option and start a championship series. Complete all tracks
with any final standing.

Alternate car colours:
Press Up or Down at the car selection screen.


MUSIC

The music in STC is basically techno but has lyrics. If you hate the songs you
can choose turn the singing off or even no music at all! A lot of people hate
the music (as well as SONIC R's) but I find it very addictive and 'pleasurable'
once it grows on you. Sure the lyrics are garbage but hey, its better than plain
old boring music. Here are the lyrics for the three tracks so you can sing or
speak as in the case of 'Are you wake up' when you are driving. As you can see,
the lyrics are far from complete and accurate so I would very much appreciate
some help on them.

SO HIGH / CHANNEL X
Words and Music by Praga Adams Prod BVBA
@ 1995 Anther Subway Records
(c) Be Songs

Come on girl!

Open up your eyes and realise that what we have is meant to be

We shared our dreams, our fantasies

And lost touch with reality

It's better than never

Instant power dream

It's better than never

This one's meant to be! ( FREE ! FREE !)

I'm feeling high, so high

Like the sun up in the sky

I've never felt like this before

So high, so high

When I look into your eyes

I've never felt like this before so high

Come on

Come on girl

Count me to the light

And hold me tight

Let's travel through the galaxy

A different time a different space

We fly on liquid energy

It's better than never

A trip for you and me

It's better than never

This one's meant to be! ( FREE ! FREE !)


ARE U WAKE UP? / STAR GAZER
Music by Star Gazer
(P) 1992 avex D.D. Inc
By Prime Direction Inc


Are you stuck ... (?)

Hey

Hey

Are you stuck

I prefer to do God's will

And he has allowed me to go up his mountain

The mountain of (?)

I see the promise land

I may not get there with you

But I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the promise land

Are you ...


DON'T DROP ME / ANN SINCLAIR
Words and music Caria-gelnetti Gulenelli
P 1994 Time SRL
(c) Jocomo music


Got this feeling my heart can't tell me

Can't believe that it hurts my darling
SO

But be yourself and

But be yourself

Please don't drop me baby

I'm dancing around

I'm singing the passion (?)

Please don't drop me baby

I'm dancing around I'm thinking about you

Please don't drop me baby

Tell me tell me my heart please tell me
How do I turn this place apart

Never needed another man

But be yourself

Gotta be yourself

Yaaa, please enjoy yourself


POSTING YOUR TIMES ON THE INTERNET

I've met many people on IRC and I find it surprising that many people do not
know that you can post your times on the internet, even those who own the game!
Some even claim that they do not know how or even they don't care! Here are
three easy steps to engrave your name in the STC world rankings!

1) Finish all three courses within the allotted time in Arcade mode.

2) Write down your name ( don't screw up !) and copy down the password given on
the right hand corner of the screen. ( I've talked to ppl who claimed they
didn't see any passwords !)

3) Mail the password to [e-mail] if you are playing the sega saturn
version or [e-mail] if you are playing the PC-CD version.

Final Word

Who knows. If you are pretty good at STC and have something to share with the
world ( come on, don't be so selfish about your world ranking ), please e-mail
me. I'll give you full and deserved credit and you'll be helping the internet
gaming community. You'll probably get better rewards in heaven for being so
unselfish ! :)

Of course they'll be updates in the future ( don't all FAQ writers say that ).
Also, if you are ever on the US undernet, do drop by #Segazone


Credits

William Tham a.k.a. NiGHTS : for being the better Sega Touring Car player and
for playing the game like crazy when I gave up hope trying to learn the game.
Also for taping the DragonForce 2 song for me in the expense of the SS RPG
ending song!

Aaron Tham a.k.a. Gouki : For being my X-MEN vs STREET FIGHTER sparring partner
and all around nice guy who is now enjoying my Saturn. :(

Wes Pringle : For writing the STC beginner's guide and being an inspiration

Kenneth Teoh : For teaching me some 'tricks' hehe

Kho Tak Seng a.k.a. Kobe : For the being one of 4 Malaysians on the STC Saturn
world ranking, good friend and fellow Saturn owner.

Dad and Mom : For getting me my Saturn and PC as well as the money to buy games

GOD : For EVERYTHING

SEGA and AM Annex : For an absolutely kick-ass game! STC 2 anybody?

GameFAQS : For putting it up on their awesome site

All right, this FAQ is written by me, Michael Tham so no copying pasting blah
blah blah. If you do, you are going to be shunned by the entire internet gaming
community for the rest of your life blah blah. If you want to put this up on
your page, sure go ahead but tell me about it .

The automobiles that appear in SEGA Touring Car Championship are actual cars
that participate in the world Touring Car Championships. Alpha Romeo 155v6Ti,
Mercedes Benz C-Class, Opel Calibra and Toyota Supra are trademarks of their
respective companies and are mentioned in this FAQ for information purposes
only.

SEGA and SEGA TOURING CAR are trademarks of Sega Enterprises Ltd blah blah so
don't sue me. Don't use this for commercial use ie for money. This FAQ is merely
for fun and to help other gamers. No animals were harmed in the making of this
FAQ and it poses no threat to the environment.