Scud Race Plus

Scud Race Plus
Publisher: Sega Developer: Sega AM2 System(s): Sega Model 3 Genre: Racing Number of Players: 1-4 Release Date RRP Code JP 1997 ¥?  ?

Scud Race Plus is an update to Scud Race and was released for Sega Model 3 arcade hardware in 1997. It is a bizarre and somewhat rare update to the game, being released exclusively in Japan. Despite this, it is possible to change the region of Scud Race Plus, and if switched to US it will create Sega Super GT Plus. Scud Race Plus is very much the same game as Scud Race, but features the option to race on each track in reverse by holding on the track select screen. You can also initiate time attack mode by holding on the transmission select screen.

Scud Race Plus also adds one new track, "Super Beginner" - an oval track in which the players race across the floor of a house. Part of this track houses twelve bowling pins which can be knocked down for extra time, as well as the occasional visit by a cat chasing a mouse. Unlike the other four tracks, Super Beginner does not have the player compete against other Supercars (though there is one oppoent Porsche 911), but instead buses, tanks and rocket cars.

The opponents seen on the Super Beginner track are fully playable, again being accessed by holding while making a selection on the car select screen. The Porsche 911 will change into a bus filled with Sega AM2 developers - a larger and heavier vehicle with the ability to knock others off course (the downside being low acceleration and a low top speed). The Ferrari F40 will change into a tank driven by (presumably) another AM2 developer, in which pressing will make it fire. The tank comes paired with an extra points counter which is increased when opponent vehicles are hit.

The Dodge Viper GTS will become a (smaller) cat with a small turning circle and the Mclaren F1 will change into a rocket car (the fastest car in the game), where the user can boost three times during the race using the button. Computer opponents will make use of the special features provided with these cars too. Racing as animals is not a new concept for AM2 racing games. Daytona USA gives racers the ability to play as a horse, and Manx TT Super Bike allows users to ride sheep.

"Super Beginner" track.