Daytona USA 2: Battle on the Edge(known simply asDaytona USA 2[a]in Japan), also known asSega Racing Classic 2,is anarcaderacing gamereleased bySegain 1998 as a follow-up to the extremely successfulDaytona USA.The game featured vastly superior graphics, utilizing theSega Model 3hardware. The majority ofDaytona USA 2cabinets were released as deluxe models (with far fewer Twin Cabinets), which could be linked together for up to sixteen players. A notable change from the original is the ability to select a car and corresponding driver, each with varying capabilities for varying levels of player experience. Just like before, the game has three courses – Forest Dome: a beginner course with 8 laps with a distance of 1 mile (1.6 km), Joypolis Amusement Park; an advanced course with 4 laps with a distance of 2.5 miles (4.0 km), and Virtua City; an expert course with 2 laps with a distance of 5 miles (8.0 km). The 'time lap' mode also returns, and is accessed in the same manner – by holding down start at the transmission select screen. Like the original game, mirrored versions of the tracks can also be played by holding down the Start button when selecting the course. It is recommended, however, that the player has had mastery of the course beforehand. By request, an arcade operator could put the game onGrand PrixorEndurancemode to increase the number of laps in a game. Finishing a race in the top 3 in any course allows the player to view an "ending" and see the game credits. An addition to the game was the "slingshot", corresponding to advancedNASCARdrafting techniques.
| Daytona USA 2: Battle on the Edge | |
|---|---|
 Japanese arcade flyer | |
| Developer(s) | Sega AM2 |
| Publisher(s) | Sega |
| Director(s) | Makoto Osaki |
| Producer(s) | Toshihiro Nagoshi |
| Designer(s) | Naotake Nishimura |
| Composer(s) | Fumio Ito Takenobu Mitsuyoshi Dennis St. James |
| Platform(s) | Arcade |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Racing |
| Mode(s) | Single-player,multiplayer |
| Arcade system | Sega Model 3 |
Originally,Daytona USA 2was not released on home video game consoles, but was planned to be ported to Sega'sDreamcastfollowing its launch as reported by contemporary game magazines.[2]The project was quietly cancelled and a special version of the original game, titledDaytona USA 2001,took its place as a substitute entry for the platform.
25 years after the original release of the game,Daytona USA 2: Power Editionwas eventually published forPlayStation,XboxandMicrosoft Windowshome gaming platforms via the "Arcade" mode ofLike a Dragon Gaidenunder the name,Sega Racing Classic 2(lacking the officialDaytonabranding due to expired licensing).[3]
Power Edition
editIn late 1998, a few months after the release ofBattle on the Edge,Sega released an updated version, known asDaytona USA 2: Power Edition.Changes in this game include the environment of the beginner course; the dome and natural scenery that encircle the track in the regular release are removed, resulting in a traditional "NASCAROval "look, though the course layout remains the same. Also included is the" Challenge "course option, which combines the three courses altogether. Along with slightly revamped handling physics, the sponsorship on the beginner car's livery is changed. Added toPower Editionis the Hornet Classic car, the player car from the firstDaytona USA,with an altered design and handling similar to that of its source game. The Hornet Classic was actually usable inBattle on the Edge,but the code to unlock it was unknown until December 31, 2020.[4]
The opponent cars'AIis also more aggressive in this version, and a change is made to one corner in the Advanced course to balance out the difficulty. Before this change, many players considered this particular corner the most difficult in the game. Unusual for an arcade game, there was also an officialstrategy guidereleased in Japan. This strategy guide featured developer interviews as well as comprehensive tips and hints compiled by a group of arcade driving game professionals known as Team Marubaku.[5]The strategy guide has beenout of printfor a number of years and second-hand copies can command high prices.[6]
ThePower Editionversion of the game was used as the base of the home console version of the game in 2023, included as an arcade minigame within theYakuzaspinoff gameLike a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name,retitled asSega Racing Classic 2for licensing reasons.
Soundtrack
editTheDaytona USA 2soundtrack was composed by Fumio Ito[7]andTakenobu Mitsuyoshi,the latter being the composer of and singer onDaytona USA.Compared to the original game's soundtrack, theDaytona USA 2soundtrack is heavier and more electric. Dennis St. James was the vocalist for all tracks with lyrics, four total. The game also has an alternate soundtrack with vocals provided by Mitsuyoshi, which can be enabled by the arcade operator. Contrary to popular belief, the bandWingerdid not create an entirely new soundtrack for the game or perform it as a band. Instead, the guitarist and drummer for Winger,Reb BeachandRod Morgenstein,lent their skills to contribute to the soundtrack.
Daytona USA 2's soundtrack was released in Japan on dual-disc album on July 17, 1998. The first disc contains 'original audio' tracks – that is, the course themes etc. in standard format – and 'original sound' tracks – where Tom West, commentator for the Sega Sports Channel, reports on the day's racing. These tracks are the previous course themes mixed in parts with in-game audio, such as engine noise, crashes, radio chatter from the pit crew, and so on.
Reception
editIn Japan,Game MachinelistedDaytona USA 2on their August 1, 1998 issue as being the third most-successful dedicated arcade game of the month.[8]Next Generationreviewed the arcade version of the game, rating it four stars out of five, and stated that "we're happy to report that it comes completed with impressive graphics, improvements, new tracks, a level of detail that brings new sophistication to the game, and up to sixteen-player heats".[9]
See also
editNotes
editReferences
edit- ^Johnston, Chris (May 14, 1998)."Daytona 2 Hits the Red Line".GameSpot.Archived fromthe originalon October 15, 2000.RetrievedNovember 14,2022.
- ^Robinson, Andy."After 25 years, Sega is bringing Daytona USA 2 to consoles for the first time".Video Games Chronicle.Retrieved13 November2023.
- ^Robinson, Andy."After 25 years, Sega is bringing Daytona USA 2 to consoles for the first time".Video Games Chronicle.Retrieved7 September2023.
- ^"Daytona USA 2: Battle on the Edge - the Cutting Room Floor".
- ^http://www.marubaku.com/info/bakumemb_e.htm,Team Marubaku Memberlist.
- ^http://www.jap-sai.com/Games/Daytona_USA_2/Daytona_USA_2.htmArchived2011-05-18 at theWayback Machine,Daytona USA 2 Strategy Guide.
- ^"Fumio Ito".6 June 2021.
- ^"Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - hoàn thành phẩm tịch イプのTVゲーム cơ (Dedicated Videos)".Game Machine(in Japanese). No. 569.Amusement Press, Inc.1 August 1998. p. 25.
- ^"Finals".Next Generation.No. 45.Imagine Media.September 1998. p. 144.