Hang-On GP

From Sega Retro

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  • NTSC-U/PAL
  • NTSC-J

HangOnGP Saturn US Title.png

HangOnGP title.png

Hang-On GP
System(s): Sega Saturn
Publisher: Sega
Developer:
Sound driver: SCSP/CD-DA (8 tracks)
Peripherals supported: Arcade Racer, Saturn Backup Memory
Genre: Driving[1], Racing[2]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Saturn
JP
¥5,8005,800 GS-9032
Sega Rating: All Ages
Sega Saturn
US
$49.9949.99[4] 81202
ESRB: Kids to Adults
Sega Saturn
EU
MK81202-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Saturn
DE
MK81202-50
USK: 0
Sega Saturn
PT
STJSE0623
Sega Saturn
UK
MK81202-50
ELSPA: 3+ OK
Sega Saturn
PL
199zł199
Sega Saturn
AU
OFLC: G
Sega Saturn
BR
R$59.9959.99 191076
Tectoy: Todas as Idades

Hang-On GP, known in Japan as Hang-On GP '95 (ハングオン GP ’95) and in Europe as Hang On GP '96 is a Sega Saturn motorbike racing game and a sequel to Super Hang-On. It is the only Hang-On game so far to be presented in 3D, and the only game to adopt the Sega Sports branding.

During development it was known as Virtua Hang-On (バーチャ・ハングオン), which would have tied it closer to Sega's arcade titles, Virtua Racing and Virtua Fighter.

Gameplay

The game is a single-player motorcycle racing game. While its arcade progenitors were known for having long, non-looping courses and pitting the player against a time limit rather than other racers, Hang-On GP is a more conventional racing game, with the player racing on short circuits and trying to gain position against a pack of competitors. Each race consists of five laps, with each lap broken into multiple segments with time limits and time extends given at checkpoints. The player is retired from the race if time runs out.

Using a standard control pad, the bike is steered with Left and Right. The bike pulls to the left with L or pulls to the right with R (by shifting the rider's weight, used for tighter turning). It accelerates with C and brakes with B. When equipped with a manual transmission, the bike upshifts with Z and downshifts with Y.

With the Arcade Racer, the bike is steered with the wheel. It bike pulls to the left with Z or pulls to the right with Y. It accelerates with B and brakes with A. The paddles are used for shifting.

With either controller, the player can change the view with X or toggle the HUD with A.

Bikes do not take damage from crashes, but crashing costs the player time out of the race. Tires wear out over the course of the race, so the player must occasionally take a pit stop by pulling into the pit lane to get a new pair of tires when the bike begins to handle worse. Taking a pit stop also refuels the bike in the Endurance mode.

In the options, the player can choose from three difficulty levels for the computer opponents (Easy, Normal, and Hard) or change the transmission type (automatic or manual). There are two additional options, "Highside" and "Power Slide," which can be turned on or off (both are off by default). When Highside is off, head-on collisions result in crashes that throw the rider from the motorcycle; otherwise, the bike bounces off instead without the rider dismounting. When Power Slide is on, the player can power slide by entering a corner at high speed and braking hard at the apex of the turn or by letting off the accelerator and then nailing it at the apex of the turn.

Modes

There are two modes initially available, with a third unlockable:

  • GP Race: The player chooses any courses and jockeys for the best position against 19 competitors on races consisting of 5 laps. Finishing a race on any of the initial three courses in first place unlocks a variant of that course.
  • Time Trial: A practice mode where the player can choose any course and tries to achieve the best finish time over 5 laps. There is only one other racer on the course. The player is given the option to view a replay after finishing the race.
  • Endurance: This mode is unlocked after winning all six courses in the GP Race mode. In this mode, the player chooses any course and has 600 seconds to complete as many laps as possible (with no time replenished at checkpoints). In this mode, the player must take pit stops to refuel; a warning appears when the bike is low on fuel.

The player's best times and standings for each course are saved to the Saturn's internal memory.

Vehicles

There are ten available motorcycles, which are rated on four characteristics: Brakes (its ability to stop and perform power slides), Engine (its ability to accelerate and its top speed), Frame (its general handling and endurance), and Grip (its handling on high-speed turns).

Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 3.png

3
Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 3.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 12.png

12
Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 12.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 4.png

4
Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 4.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 13.png

13
Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 13.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 31.png

31
Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 31.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 15.png

15
Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 15.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 14.png

14
Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 14.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 5.png

5
Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 5.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 11.png

11
Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 11.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 2.png

2
Hang-On GP Saturn, Bikes, 2.png

Views

The player can cycle through three different perspectives during the race with X.

Hang-On GP Saturn, View 1.png

Normal View
Hang-On GP Saturn, View 1.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, View 2.png

High View
Hang-On GP Saturn, View 2.png

Hang-On GP Saturn, View 3.png

Rider's View
Hang-On GP Saturn, View 3.png

Courses

The latter three courses are variants of the initial three courses with different segments unlocked.

Hang-On GP Saturn, Courses, Albatross Cliff Reef.png

Albatross Cliff Reef
A beginner course with long straights and wide turns.

Hang-On GP Saturn, Courses, Great Crimson Wall.png

Great Crimson Wall
An intermediate course with a long straightaway and a sharp S-shaped turn before the goal line.

Hang-On GP Saturn, Courses, New Dwells.png

New Dwells
An expert course with several tight turns and few straightaways.

Hang-On GP Saturn, Courses, Long albatross Cliff Reef.png

Long Albatross Cliff Reef
This course is available after placing first on Albatross Cliff Reef in a GP Race.

Hang-On GP Saturn, Courses, North Crimson Wing.png

North Crimson Wing
This course is available after placing first on Great Crimson Wall in a GP Race.

Hang-On GP Saturn, Courses, Long New Dwells.png

Long New Dwells
This course is available after placing first on New Dwells in a GP Race.

History

Hang-On GP received mixed reviews at the time of release. Some praised the game for being one of the first 3D motorbike racing games for home consoles, while others criticised the poor controls and lack of animation. Compared to Sega AM3's Manx TT Superbike, Hang-On GP appears to be a much simpler and less polished title, though it does offer more playable courses.

Versions

Localised names

Also known as
Language Localised Name English Translation
English Hang-On GP '96 Hang-On GP '96
English (US) Hang-On GP Hang-On GP
Japanese ハングオン GP ’95 Hang-On GP '95

Production credits

For Sega of America
Source:
In-game credits
Hang-On GP Saturn credits.pdf
[7]

Source:
US manual
Hangongp sat us manual.pdf
[8]

Magazine articles

Main article: Hang-On GP/Magazine articles.

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
(FR)
20
[9]
(FR) NTSC
89
[10]
(FR)
89
[11]
(UK)
76
[12]
(UK)
60
[13]
(JP) NTSC-J
68
[14]
(DE)
80
[15]
(US) NTSC-U
25
[16]
(US) NTSC-J
82
[17]
(US) NTSC-U
81
[18]
(US) NTSC-U
45
[4]
(UK)
75
[19]
(PL)
55
[20]
(ES)
86
[21]
(FR) NTSC-J
84
[22]
(FR)
83
[23]
(DE) PAL
70
[24]
(UK)
25
[25]
(FR) PAL
81
[26]
(DE) NTSC-J
81
[27]
(UK) NTSC-J
79
[28]
(UK) PAL
68
[29]
(US) NTSC-J
50
[30]
(FR) PAL
30
[31]
(JP) NTSC-J
62
[32]
(UK) NTSC-J
73
[33]
(PL)
60
[34]
(DE)
80
[35]
(UK) NTSC-J
70
[36]
(UK) NTSC
79
[37]
(UK) PAL
70
[38]
(UK) PAL
67
[5]
(JP) NTSC-J
50
[39]
(JP) NTSC-J
66
[40]
(ES)
70
[41]
(DE) NTSC-J
72
[42]
Sega Saturn
67
Based on
36 reviews

Hang-On GP

Saturn, JP
HangOnGP Saturn JP Box Back.jpgHangOnGP Saturn JP Box Front.jpg
Cover
HangOnGP Saturn JP Spinecard.jpg
Spinecard
HangOnGP Saturn JP Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, US
HangOnGP Saturn US Box Back.jpgHangOnGP Saturn US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Hangongp sat us manual.pdf
Manual
Saturn, EU
HangOnGP Saturn EU Box.jpg
Cover
HangOnGP Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, DE
HangOnGP Saturn DE cover.jpg
Cover
HangOnGP Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, PT
HangOnGP Saturn PT back.jpgNospine.pngHangOnGP Saturn PT cover.jpg
Cover
HangOnGP Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, AU
HangOnGP Saturn AU cover.jpg
Cover
HangOnGP Saturn EU Disc.jpg
Disc
Saturn, BR
HangOnGP Saturn BR Box Front.jpg
Cover

Technical information

Main article: Hang-On GP/Technical information.

External links

  • Sega of Japan catalogue page (Japanese): Saturn

References

  1. File:HangOnGP Saturn JP Box Back.jpg
  2. 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/segasaturn/software.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-03-19 18:07)
  3. https://groups.google.com/g/rec.games.video.sega/c/JWsqHIZGpVE/m/ntZDRPyQAFIJ
  4. 4.0 4.1 GamePro, "April 1996" (US; 1996-xx-xx), page 95
  5. 5.0 5.1 Sega Saturn Magazine, "March 1996" (UK; 1996-02-24), page 80
  6. Computer Trade Weekly, "" (UK; 1996-02-12), page 17
  7. File:Hang-On GP Saturn credits.pdf
  8. File:Hangongp sat us manual.pdf, page 3
  9. CD Consoles, "Mars 1996" (FR; 1996-xx-xx), page 95
  10. Consoles +, "Décembre 1995" (FR; 1995-1x-xx), page 122
  11. Consoles +, "Avril 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 144
  12. Computer & Video Games, "January 1996" (UK; 1995-12-10), page 56
  13. Edge, "January 1996" (UK; 1995-11-30), page 80
  14. Famitsu, "1995-11-03" (JP; 1995-10-20), page 1
  15. Fun Generation, "01/96" (DE; 1995-12-20), page 60
  16. Fusion, "Volume 2, Number 7: February 1996" (US; 1996-0x-xx), page 61
  17. GameFan, "Volume 4, Issue 1: January 1996" (US; 199x-xx-xx), page 22
  18. Game Players, "Vol. 9 No. 3 March 1996" (US; 1996-0x-xx), page 62
  19. GamePro, "May 1996" (UK; 1996-04-xx), page 39
  20. Gry Komputerowe, "9-10/1996" (PL; 1996-xx-xx), page 1
  21. Hobby Consolas, "Febrero 1996" (ES; 1996-xx-xx), page 90
  22. Joypad, "Décembre 1995 (Joypad International supplement)" (FR; 1995-1x-xx), page 18
  23. Joypad, "Mars 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 66
  24. MAN!AC, "01/96" (DE; 1995-12-06), page 58
  25. Maximum, "April 1996" (UK; 1996-04-27), page 126
  26. Mega Force, "Décembre 1995" (FR; 1995-1x-xx), page 92
  27. Mega Fun, "12/95" (DE; 1995-11-21), page 88
  28. Mean Machines Sega, "February 1996" (UK; 1995-12-xx), page 78
  29. Mean Machines Sega, "April 1996" (UK; 1996-0x-xx), page 90
  30. Next Generation, "February 1996" (US; 1996-01-16), page 160
  31. Player One, "Mars 1996" (FR; 1996-0x-xx), page 100
  32. Saturn Fan, "1995 12-22" (JP; 1995-12-08), page 78
  33. Saturn+, "Christmas 1995" (UK; 1995-12-14), page 53
  34. Secret Service, "Październik 1996" (PL; 1996-10-01), page 66
  35. Sega Magazin, "Februar 1996" (DE; 1996-01-10), page 74
  36. Sega Power, "Christmas 1995" (UK; 1995-12-21), page 74
  37. Sega Pro, "January 1996" (UK; 1995-11-30), page 52
  38. Sega Pro, "June 1996" (UK; 1996-04-xx), page 18
  39. Sega Saturn Magazine, "November 1995" (JP; 1995-10-07), page 196
  40. Sega Saturn Magazine, "Readers rating final data" (JP; 2000-03), page 15
  41. Última Generación, "Diciembre 1995" (ES; 1995-1x-xx), page 116
  42. Video Games, "12/95" (DE; 1995-11-21), page 64


Hang-On GP

HangOnGP Saturn US Title.png

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Games in the Hang-On series
Hang-On (1985) | Hang-On Jr. (1985) | Hang-On II (1985) | Super Hang-On (home computers) (1987) | GP Rider (Master System | Game Gear) (1990) | Limited Edition Hang-On (1991) | Hang-On GP (1995) | 3D Super Hang-On (2013)
Spin-offs
Hang-On (1988)
Hang-On related media
Music
(1997) | (2007) | (2015)
Film
(1987)