Copyright © 2000 Sega Enterprises

Since the start of the 32-bit era, many console racing games have come and gone. Then one game came along which raised the standards of racing games such that the genre would be changed forever. This game was GRAN TURISMO for the Sony PlayStation, released in December 1998. For the first time, a console game balanced the realism of physics, car tuning, and motor sports with the fun of a console racer. The stunning number and variety of cars were enough to satisfy the most hardcore of automobile fans. Since then other companies created a slew of imitators that they hoped could reproduce even a fraction of the success of Sony Polyphony's monster race simulator. Most of these games could not match the scope and depth of GRAN TURISMO except for the sequel, GRAN TURISMO 2.
Now comes Sega's entry into the driving sim war: SEGA GT HOMOLOGATION SPECIAL. While not advertised as a "GRAN TURISMO" killer, it is obvious that this racing simulator is targeted towards the same audience. I would like to start out by saying that this is an excellent game, with depth and variety of cars to match the finest console racers on the market now. I can't say that this surpasses GRAN TURISMO simply because it has all been done already and there really isn't much room to do more. Comparisons aside, HOMOLOGATION SPECIAL is incredible in its own right and has the honor of being the best of a small but growing pool of 128-bit racers on the market.
To start out, there are two different modes of play, a quick arcade mode and a more involved simulation mode. The "Single Race" arcade mode is set up much like GRAN TURISMO's quick arcade mode, where racing difficulty is divided into 3 classes of cars from low horsepower econo-boxes to 280hp exotics, set to a certain number and variety of tracks each. In the more involved Championship mode, the player starts out with a limited amount of money, usually enough to buy a used car, and then the player has to obtain various driver's licenses. These tests are fewer in number and remarkably simpler than GRAN TURISMO's and usually involve making lap times within a certain time limit.
Boasting over 120 cars in the lineup, HOMOLOGATION SPECIAL is no slouch when it comes to variety of cars. Although it pales compared to the over 400 cars in GRAN TURISMO 2, it is still an impressive array of entirely Japanese automobiles, reminiscent of GRAN TURISMO's mostly domestic Japanese selection. For car fans, many of the hottest 2000 model cars are playable, including the Lancer Evolution VI, Skyline GT-R R34, the Celica SS-II, and Honda S2000 Roadster. However not all cars are the latest models; during the Championship mode, while earning prize money and expanding your growing garage, used cars can be purchased as well, adding discontinued models to your racing repertoire.
In terms of game play and control, HOMOLOGATION SPECIAL supports both the racing wheel and standard pad. On the standard pad steering can be done with either the analog pad or the digital d-pad, and throttle/brake is controlled by the R and L trigger buttons. A warning though, the steering control in HOMOLOGATION SPECIAL takes getting used to. While it can be calibrated in the options, the steering tends to be very sensitive. The high learning curve in car steering and control reflects an even more realistic driving physics model than in GRAN TURISMO. However this may create more frustrations to inexperienced players as they try to avoid bumping into cars and spinning out around corners.
Graphically, this game really shines and is a fine example of the Dreamcast's polygon power. Car models are some of the most realistic yet to appear on the platform. Nice effects also include wheels spinning effects and the bouncing of suspensions as the cars come down the straightaway or around corners. Track layouts are beautifully rendered and designed in such a way that pop-up is minimal. The look is essentially a very polished GRAN TURISMO with a superior graphical presentation. One complaint however is that the cars tend to have too much of a polished look to them and shines a little unrealistically. Some dirt or body damage effects would add much to the visual presentation of the game, but probably isn't allowed because of licensing reasons, much like GRAN TURISMO.
While this may not be a GRAN TURISMO killer, in my honest opinion I am enjoying playing this more than my copy of GRAN TURISMO 2, perhaps because it reminds me so much of what made the original GRAN TURISMO so special. Add the visual treat that the 128-bit graphics has to offer, and any racing enthusiast would be hard pressed to pass up one of the finest offerings for the Dreamcast this year. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines and race!

Rating: 7.8 / 10

Sega Dreamcast (1 CD)
Driving
1-2 Players
Racing Wheel compatible
HDR-0054
¥ 5800
Available now in Japan (Available in U.S. May '00)
Where to buy