Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed is a racing video game developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts, initially released on the 3DO in 1994, and ported to MS-DOS in 1995. Another version of the game, The Need for Speed: Special Edition, was released in 1996 for the Microsoft Windows, PlayStation and Sega Saturn platforms. The original 3DO version offers eight sport cars, including several exotic models and Japanese imports, and tasks the player with racing in three realistic point-to-point tracks either with or without a computer opponent. Subsequent ports of the game normally include an additional ninth car and have more tracks, including closed circuits. Checkpoints, traffic vehicles, and police pursuits commonly appear in the races.
The game was noted for its realism and audio and video commentaries. Electronic Arts collaborated with automotive magazine Road & Track to match vehicle behavior, including the mimicking of the sounds made by the vehicles' gear control levers. The game also contained precise vehicle data with spoken commentary, several "magazine-style" images of each car interior and exterior and short video clips highlighting the vehicles set to music.
The Need for Speed was a commercial success. Video game publications praised the incorporation of realism into the gameplay and graphics, as well as the inclusion of full motion videos. It is the first installment released in the Need for Speed series, which has influenced several racing games.
Source: Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Need_for_Speed)
https://youtu.be/p-tz__yHE_I
The 3DO game looked nice but it was just too slow. I'm a huge 3DO fan but I've never liked this game. The Playstation and Saturn versions are much better.
I like the saturn version's framerate and smoothness. I say it's the best version.
Thank you, TrekMD. I have missed these comparison videos. 3DO was the first version I remember playing and since then have only played the later Sony PSP releases. Still a good game on 3DO but Saturn would my choice.
I completely forgot that I have a copy of the Saturn game. I think it's still sealed too lol. Guess I should try it out!
Also, ICE!!!
Nice to see you around :)
What?!
@Shadowrunner ! Open it up and play it! LOL
ICE!!! Where have you been?!?!?
Forgot my password. LOL!!
Hey, Shadowrunner. Thank you! I agree with TrekMD, open it and play it! Hahahaha
It has been a long and winding road back here(sticking with the Need for Speed theme). lol
Missed everyone and this site is such an amazing place to talk video games.
Many thanks all those years ago, Zapiy! So pleased to see the site continuing to grow with posts and members. Thank you to everyone!
Well, glad to have you back!