Sega Rally Championship

"Sega Rally" redirects here. For the 2007 game, see Sega Rally Revo.

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Model 2 Saturn Windows PC PlayStation 2
Sega Rally Championship
System(s): Sega Model 2A CRX, Sega Saturn, PlayStation 2, Windows PC
Publisher: Sega Enterprises, Ltd. (JP) Sega Enterprises, Inc. (U.S.A.) (US) Samsung (KR) Sega Entertainment Inc. (US) Sega Corporation (JP) Sega of America (US) Sega Europe (EU)
Developer: Sega AM3 Sega AM4 (cabinet) Sega AM3 Sega CS3 (pre-restructure) Sega CS (post-restructure) Sega PC M2
Supporting companies: Sega Digital Media (audio)
Brand: Sega Sports (JP, US, EU, DE, PT, CZ/SK, AU) Sega Sports (US)
Distributor: Zegetron (GR) Sega-Ozisoft (AU) Tec Toy (BR) Sega of America (US) Wizard Soft (KR) Worldwise Enterprise (TW)
Licensor: Lancia, Toyota
Sound driver: SCSP/CD-DA (16 tracks)
Peripherals supported: Arcade Racer, Saturn Backup Memory GT Force
Genre: Driving/Racing, Racing
Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code JP 1995-02 ¥? ? US 1995 $? ? UK 1995-02 £? ? JP 1995-12-29 ¥5,8005,800 GS-9047 US 1995-11-18 $59.9959.99 81207 EU 1996-01-24 MK81207-50 DE 1996-01-24 MK81207-50 PT 1995 STJ81207 UK 1996-01-24 £49.9949.99 MK81207-50 LT 1996 Lt 349349 PL 1996-05-10 199zł199 AU 199x FSEG05SSC BR 199x 193076 KR 1995 GS-9506J MK-81207-08 JP 1997-01-31 ¥8,800 (9,240)8,800 (9,240) HCJ-0111 JP (Ultra 2000 Series) xxxx ¥2,000 (2,000)2,000e NKW-031 JP (PC Home) 1999-02-10 ¥1,980 (2,079)1,980e US 1997-01 85048 US (Expert Software) 1998 $14.9914.99 6808 EU 1997-01-30 MK-85048-50 BX (Sega Classics) 200x DCG 902782 DE 1997-01-07 DM 100.00100.00 MK-85048-50 DE (Green Pepper) 200x DM 6.996.99 ES (Xplosiv) 199x EI-1299 PT (Top Games) 200x UK 1997-01-30 MK-85048-50 UK (MMX version) 1997-11-06 UK (Expert Software) 1999 XP 202022 UK (Xplosiv) 2001-04-06 EI-1282 UK (Grabit) 199x GDL 016 UK (Fair Game) 199x PL (Xplosiv) 200x AU 1997 FSEG05CDR AU (Sega PC Classic) 199x MK 85037 KFSEG05CDR AU (Valusoft) 200x THQ70475 BR 199x KR 199x SG 200x SG (Replaygem) 200x TW 199x AS 199x JP 2006-01-12 SLPM-62703 KR 2006-03-30

Sega Rally Championship (セガラリー・チャンピオンシップ), also known as Sega Rally Championship 1995, is a Sega Model 2A CRX arcade rally racing game developed by Sega AM3 and manufactured by Sega. Released to arcades worldwide in February 1995 to critical and commercial success, it is the first entry in the company's popular Sega Rally series, and has since been considered a classic and seminal Sega arcade game.

The game has been ported to a number home systems, most notably the Sega Saturn, PlayStation 2, and Windows PCs.

Gameplay

Sega Rally is an off-road racing game, in which players drive rally cars across one of four tracks as quickly as possible. Like prior Sega arcade racing games, Sega Rally enforces a strict time limit and a checkpoint system - success is measured by how fast the player can navigate the three standard tracks before either crossing the final finish line or retiring due to the timer running out.

As a rally game, Sega Rally has no concept of "laps" (in the arcade version at least) - each track is treated as a linear journey from a defined beginning to a defined end (although in reality, all tracks are circular, so the beginning is the end). There are computer players which need to be avoided, with the overall aim of finishing in first place at the end of third course. The positions are carried through to each track, so if a user finishes in 10th on the first track, he or she will start in 10th place on the second. Opponent cars are not covered by the same strict rules - they exist solely to provide an extra layer of challenge to the game.

Sega Rally is notable for being the first racing game to allow players to drive on different surfaces, including including asphalt, gravel and mud. Each surface has different friction properties which adjust the car's handling accordingly. Prior to Sega Rally's release, racing games often took a more simplified approach to differing surface types - grass for example might simply reduce the top speed of the car, not affect handling, leading to unrealistic results. These features allow Sega Rally to stand out as a true "rally" game, a sport very much dictated by road surfaces, rather than a generic racing game with rally-esque settings.

To add to the simulation in an arcade environment, the sit-down versions of Sega Rally use two motion devices (versus the one seen in Daytona USA), and the seat is vibrated by sound waves.

As is standard for rallying, an unseen co-driver issues instructions for the road ahead, although it would not be until Sega Rally 2 when distances would be mentioned. The computer controlled AI cars are not as aggressive as seen in Daytona USA - they instead aim to take the best possible racing line at all times to deny the player of valuable seconds.

Cars

Only three cars exist in the first Sega Rally, two by Italian car manufacturer Lancia and one by the Japanese firm Toyota. All three are based on Group A models seen in the World Rally Championship, although there are some minor differences in regards to paintwork and sponsors.

	Toyota Celica CT-Four
	The Toyota Celica CT-Four (ST205) was launched in February 1994 and stands as the newest of the cars on offer in Sega Rally. It is perhaps the token Japanese car, and was likely included because the ST205 was new at the time , as this model did not win any World Rally Championships (though did win the 39ème Tour de Corse during the 1995 season). Older models of the car, the ST185 and ST165 were more successful (the ST165 winning the 1990 WRC). Curiously the Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD, a very different looking car with more titles to its name is absent from this game (despite being built by the same company). The Celica Turbo 4WD won the WRC for drivers in 1992, 1993 and 1994 as well as the WRC for constructors in 1993 and 1994.
	Lancia Delta HF Integrale
	The Lancia Delta HF Integrale, won the WRC constructors award in 1992, and is the follow-up to other award winning members of its family, the Lancia Delta HF 4WD (champions in 1987), Lancia Delta Integrale (champions in 1988 and 1989) and Lancia Delta Integrale 16V (champions in 1991, constructors champions in 1990). The Delta and its derivatives dominated rallying in the years before Sega Rally's release, and the Lancia badge is perhaps best associated with this motorsport.
	Lancia Stratos HF
	The Lancia Stratos HF is the "hidden" car in the home versions of Sega Rally, although featured predominantly in Sega Rally 2 and in most Sega Rally games since. It is the oldest car of the trio, though is a iconic vehicle in rallying after winning the WRC in 1974, 1975 and 1976 (and the driver's championship in 1977). The Stratos is the most powerful car in-game but comes with the price of floatier handling (attributed to the fact that it is two-wheel drive, not four). The Stratos is unlocked by finishing first on the Lakeside track in either the Saturn or PC versions. It does not exist in the arcade game. Surprisingly this is not the first time the Lancia Stratos was playable in a Sega game - Safari Race for the SG-1000 contains both Lancia Stratoses and Audi Quattros.

As is standard for many Sega racing games, both automatic and manual transmission variants of all three cars exist, with the manual car generally being faster.

Tracks

	Desert (easy)
	Alright! Let's watch your run one more time on the desert course. Desert, perhaps the most iconic of all Sega Rally tracks, is a relatively simple dirt/mud circuit with easy turns and a couple of jumps. It also features a helicopter.
	Forest (medium)
	Well, you're gonna see your excellent run one more time. Cool breeze, birds and clouds. Relax and enjoy... Forest ramps up the challenge with a few tight turns. Part of the track takes place on mud, while others take place on the faster road surface. It is not based on any WRC track, instead being inspired by roads seen at the Yosemite National Park in the US state of California.
	Mountain (hard)
	Let's watch. The key to victory on this cool course is patience. But, as you know, only patience is not enough to win. Mountain is the hardest track, with no off-road sections (aside from embankments), many turns and narrow roads, leaving little room for error. Mountain is inspired by the Tour de Corse rally, driven on the French island of Corsica.
	Lake Side
	If you have to drive only one course for the rest of your life, this is the one. Is this heaven? Yeah... Lake Side is a bonus course that can be played after finishing the previous courses in first place.

History

Legacy

The game sold 12,000 hardware units in the arcades, and 1.2 million software units for the Saturn.

Sega Rally was followed by Sega Rally 2 for Sega Model 3 hardware and later the Sega Dreamcast. Codemasters have cited Sega Rally as a strong influence on their first Colin McRae Rally game.

Sega Logistics Service announced it would end service on Sega Rally arcade machines on March 31, 2017.

Versions

Saturn version

Following the arcade release, plans were put in place to bring the game in an enhanced form to the Sega Saturn. Marketed as a killer app for the system, the Saturn version arrived in late 1995/early 1996 to critical acclaim, and is often regarded as one of the system's best racing games. In the lead up to its launch, the game sponsored Yoshio Fujimoto's Toyota Celica Turbo 4WD ST185 at the 1995 Safari Rally.

The Saturn release retains all the features of the arcade version, although due to the Saturn being less powerful than the Model 2 arcade board, significant cuts were made to graphics, namely polygon counts, texture quality, draw distance and screen resolutions. To compensate, the Saturn Sega Rally has a full Red Book audio soundtrack created by Naofumi Hataya. Also missing is the arcade version's force feedback (which was to be expected for the time) and the rear view mirror.

As well as retaining the arcade mode and its original rules, the Saturn version contains a time attack mode in which you can race across multiple laps against a player ghost, as well as a split-screen two-player mode with similar track options. The primary difference is the ability to create and use customised variants of the Celica and Delta, with added adjustments for handling, tyres, front and back suspension, and even the blow-off valve to give the car a different noise when moving. The Saturn version also keeps a more detailed record of lap times and statistics of that nature. There is also a two-player cooperative mode.

The Saturn version was converted by Sega of Japan's CS Team, under guidance from Sega AM3. The differences in architecture mean the game was almost completely remade for Saturn hardwareThere are minor differences between regions - generally the US version has fewer graphical details than its Japanese and European counterparts, and its replay mode has fewer camera angles. All versions are compatible with the Arcade Racer.

In the UK, Sega Rally was the fasted selling CD game in history, beating Destruction Derby's record by 10% (although conflicting reports suggest the PlayStation version of FIFA Soccer 96 held the record prior. It represented 74% of all UK Saturn titles sold in its week of launch, and 13% of the full CD software total. Sega also released a press kit marking the game's release, complete with novelty tax disc telling car owners to "Play, don't pay!". Andy Mee calculated that if every UK car owner took this advice, the UK government would lose £3 billion, but traffic congestion and air quality would be improved.

PC version

1997 saw a PC release of Sega Rally, appropriately titled Sega Rally Championship PC. This version shares the same feature set as the Saturn version although sports superior graphics and network play.

An very rare variant of the PC version, distributed with Righteous 3D video cards (by Orchid) exists with added Direct3D support. The added 3D hardware acceleration provided by this port allows for superior graphics and frame rates, although as textures were not replaced, it is still on the whole less detailed than the Model 2 version.

PlayStation 2 version

A version for the PlayStation 2 was bundled as a box set with Sega Rally 2006 in Japan and Asia. This is a straight port of the Model 2 version with some adjustments for the PlayStation 2 hardware. Only the arcade mode is available and extra settings of the Saturn and PC versions are absent, however it is currently the most accurate home port of the game available.

Localised names

Also known as

Language	Localised Name	English Translation
English	Sega Rally Championship	Sega Rally Championship
English (US)	Sega Rally Championship	Sega Rally Championship
Japanese	セガラリー・チャンピオンシップ	Sega Rally Championship
Korean	세가 랠리	Sega Rally

Production credits

Main article: Sega Rally Championship/Production credits.

Magazine articles

Main article: Sega Rally Championship/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Sega Rally Championship/Promotional material.

Photo gallery

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  Deluxe cabinet

• 

  Twin Cabinet

Artwork

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  Saturn EU prototype cover

Physical scans

Model 2 version

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source Games World: The Magazine (UK) 83 №11, p76/77

	83
Based on 1 review

Sega Retro Average
Publication Version Score

	N/A
Based on 0 reviews

Sega Rally Championship

Model 2, US (upright)

Model 2, US (deluxe)

Model 2, US (twin)
Manual

Model 2, JP (deluxe)

Model 2, JP (twin)

Model 2, UK (deluxe)

Model 2, UK (twin)

Saturn version

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source GamesMaster (UK) 95 №38, p54/55 Sega Power (UK) 97 №75

	96
Based on 2 reviews

Sega Retro Average

Publication Version Score Alaab Alcomputtar (SA) 95 CD Consoles (FR) 100 Consoles + (FR) 96 Computer & Video Games (UK) 95 Digitiser (UK) PAL 93 Edge (UK) 80 Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) 85 Famitsu (JP) NTSC-J 90 Fun Generation (DE) 100 Fusion (US) NTSC-U 75 Gambler (PL) 95 GameFan (US) NTSC-U 96 Game Players (US) NTSC-U 92 GamePro (US) NTSC-U 80 GamePro (UK) 95 GamesMaster (UK) PAL 95 Game Informer (US) NTSC-U 83 Hobby Consolas (ES) 95 LeveL (CZ) 86 MAN!AC (DE) PAL 89 Maximum (UK) 100 Mega Force (FR) PAL 98 Mega Fun (DE) NTSC-U 92 Mean Machines Sega (UK) 95 Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL 95 Next Generation (US) NTSC-U 100 Player One (FR) 98 Power Up! (UK) 98 Saturn Fan (JP) NTSC-J 86 Saturn+ (UK) PAL 95 Score (CZ) 90 Secret Service (PL) 95 Sega Magazin (DE) 95 Sega Pro (UK) PAL 95 Świat Gier Komputerowych (PL) 95 Sega Saturn Magazine (UK) PAL 97 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J 93 Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J 91 Strana Igr (RU) 73 Total Saturn (UK) PAL 96 Ultimate Future Games (UK) PAL 93 Ultimate Gamer (US) NTSC-U 90 Última Generación (ES) 95 Video Games (DE) 93

	92
Based on 44 reviews

Sega Rally Championship

Saturn, JP
Cover
Spinecard Disc Manual Inlay

Saturn, US
Cover
Disc Manual

Saturn, US (Not for Resale)
Cover

Saturn, EU
Cover
Disc Manual

Saturn, EU (newer)
Cover
Disc Manual

Saturn, DE
Cover
Disc Manual

Saturn, PT
Cover
Disc

Saturn, GR
Cover

Saturn, CZ/SK (DDC Agency)
Cover
Disc Manual

Saturn, AU
Cover
Disc

Saturn, BR
Cover

Saturn, KR
Cover

PC version

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source

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Based on 0 review

Sega Retro Average
Publication Version Score 576 KByte (HU) 94 Arcade (UK) 25 CD-Action (PL) 50 Excalibur (CZ) 78 Génération 4 (FR) 50 Génération 4 (FR) 33 Game Informer (US) NTSC-U 39 Hacker (HR) 71 Hacker (HR) 47 LeveL (CZ) 57 PC Games (DE) 89 PC Game Parade (IT) 80 PC Team (FR) 90 Score (CZ) 50 Secret Service (PL) 65 Svet Kompjutera (YU) 78

	62
Based on 16 reviews

Sega Rally Championship

PC, JP
Cover

PC, JP (with PC GamePad Pro)
Cover

PC, JP (Ultra 2000 Series)
Cover

PC, JP (PC Home)
Cover

PC, US
Cover
Manual Jewel Case

PC, US (Expert Software)
Cover
Disc

PC, EU
Cover
Disc Jewel Case Inlay

PC, UK (Expert Software)
Cover
Disc

PC, UK (Xplosiv)
Cover
Disc

PC, UK (Xplosiv) (Alt)
Cover

PC, UK (Grabit)
Cover
Disc

PC, UK (Grabit; alt)
Cover
Disc

PC, UK (Fair Game)
Cover

PC, FR (Xplosiv)

PC, DE

PC, DE (Green Pepper)
Cover

PC, ES (Xplosiv)
Cover

PC, BX† (Sega Classics)
Cover
Disc

PC, PT (Top Games)
Cover

PC, PL (Xplosiv)
Cover

PC, HR/SI/YU (Game Zone)
Cover

PC, AU
Cover

PC, AU (Sega PC Classic)
Cover

PC, AU (Valusoft)
Cover

PC, BR

PC, TW
Cover

PC, KR
Cover

PC, AS†
Cover
Disc Jewel Case

PC, SG (Ntertainment!)
Cover

PC, SG (Replay)
Cover
Disc

PC, TR (Aral)

PlayStation 2 version

PlayStation 2, JP
Cover
Disc

PlayStation 2, KR

Technical information

Main article: Sega Rally Championship/Technical information.

External links

• Sega of America webpage: Saturn, PC
• Sega of Japan catalogue pages (Japanese): Saturn, PC
• Sega Rally Championship on PlayStation.com: JP, KR
• The Making Of: Sega Rally Championship 1995 article at Edge Online (Wayback Machine)