The Need for Speed franchise is one that is still going today. While what gamers play today is completely different than the first game, the idea is still the same. Go fast. On the 3DO console, one that EA had a hand in creating, we saw this franchise kick off. There were problems that marred this version which did not stop it from selling well. This spurred EA into creating more games in the franchise. For now, we are going to focus on the first entry.

Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed

Yeah, that is the full name of the first game in the venerable franchise. I wonder why EA dropped all that extra fluff? The reason that prominent magazine was in the title is because they helped behind the scenes with Need for Speed.

The magazine was tapped for help with car handling, sounds, and even gear ratios. To say EA went all out with this release is probably an understatement of some sort.

Pretty basic racing

As with most first entries in franchises, Need for Speed is quite basic. There is no option to tune your car – simply choose a ready to go model. There are only three tracks in the 3DO version. In 1995 EA would release Need for Speed Special Edition for DOS. That version featured two additional tracks and some tweaks to the game engine.

Need for Speed was comically referenced as the game has a “serious need for speed” by many gamers. It is true that the game does not feel like you are doing 100+ miles per hour down these roads. That is partly due to the tracks being so wide. The pedestrian cars are also quite fast in comparison to these “sports cars” you are racing. That does not help the sense of speed.

Need for Speed takes time to dial in

I am sure you have heard this many times already when referencing an older title. Need for Speed takes time to dial in. This is excruciatingly true.

The featured cars have different feels from shifting to steering. EA certainly went all out with the minor details here.

This is not Ridge Racer by any means. These cars have different weights that seem to react differently depending on your speed. Check the video above out for an idea of what I mean.

These cars do not turn on a dime and give nine cents change. No, these cars are heavy. They do not play.

What you get if you have the patience to learn the quirks is a pretty decent racing game. The challenge is not all that much in overcoming your opponent as much as working the road and car.

It was a different time

You must remember, in 1994, the Sony PlayStation and Sega Saturn were just pics in magazines. The 3DO, while under powered against the coming competition, was impressive against 16-bit offerings. Imagine coming from something like Outrun 2019 or Top Gear II on Sega Genesis (both released in 1993) to Need for Speed. It was like a totally different game world.

Need for Speed, the original anyhow, on any platform has not aged that well. It is rough looking now, but it is still there in controls and challenge. Head over to Amazon to grab your copy of Need for Speed.

Carl Williams

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