A couple of weeks ago, Sega revealed some information and teasers about a new upcoming game they are working on called Drone Racing Genesis. At a glance, this title appears to be simply a new racing game, but in reality, it’s actually a brand new concept for Sega.While it IS a racing game, it is not using a steering wheel as you might expect – instead, it uses a joystick to command your drone as it zips along the courses! Where there are many new racing games coming to the market, this one is definitely looking to stand out.
In Drone Racing Genesis, players will be able to choose between five different drone vehicles, and compete in up to four different and unique stages, each with their own visual flair and layouts. The drones controls are designed to appeal to both hardcore and casual gamers alike, featuring a single-stick setup rather than a twin stick configuration. If you’ve ever played with an actual drone in real life before, you’ll notice that the controls in DRG are quite simplified in comparison, which is great if you’re looking for a nice and simple game to pick up and play, but could be a bit limiting if you’re looking for a more complex racing experience.
Throughout the stages, players will be able to pick up Battery Charge power ups, which essentially act as the game’s boost system that players can utilize to get a burst of speed on command. Additionally, stages also have numerous rings strewn across their lengths that players can fly through, though they don’t really seem to have any significance on the outcome of the races as of yet, at least not as much as actually picking up the powerups and actually finishing the race in a good ranking.
As far as the game’s presentation is concerned, while Drone Racing Genesis is a rather simplistic racing title, Sega spared no expenses in the graphics and performance aspects, particularly since the game not only looks stunning, but it also runs at a silky smooth 60 FPS throughout the entire experience. And while most modern arcade racing games have managed to produce this level of quality, the fact that DRG takes place across vast stages where players can get a good view of the entire landscape, instead of being limited to racing on roads and from a much lower angle, actually makes this achievement more significant, in our eyes.
For those who are interested, Drone Racing Genesis will be displayed at this year’s IAAPA, which is in just under two weeks from now. We’ll surely get a better view, as well as more information about this upcoming game then. For now, here’s Sega’s official press release from whey they first announced the game in late October:
Welcome to Drone Racing Genesis!
Drone Racing Genesis is an exciting, brand-new entertainment concept brought to you by the leaders in arcade game development Sega Amusements International. Making its worldwide debut at IAAPA Orlando on booth 1010, Drone Racing Genesis is THE “must experience” game at the show!
“We’ve seen drones rapidly become part of our society, initially for aerial photography but most excitingly it has spawned a huge global following for drone racing and E-sports – currently one of the fastest-growing sports and a worldwide phenomenon. Our game Drone Racing Genesis captures this exhilarating spirit of drone racing and brings it to indoor locations such as arcades and FECs for the very first time. It has all the fun and competitive rivalry of a traditional car racing game but using Drones” commented Paul Williams, CEO.
Drone Racing Genesis gameplay is fun and thrilling! The game is easy to grasp and designed with casual and core players in mind. Players can compete in championship mode or take part in a quick race while challenging up to 4 friends in linked gameplay. To get a place on the podium, players must race to the finish line while completing checkpoints and collecting those all-important ‘battery charge’ power ups to give their drone a super boost to zoom past their rivals.
In real life, drone controllers are handheld devices with thumb joysticks. We opted for the intuitive, classic arcade game joystick controller, as we discovered it gives players ultimate control over their drone – “they sure need full control, at those blazing speeds.” Stated Lester Travasso, Sales & Marketing Executive.
The game takes place across four visually stunning race locations – from picture-perfect tropical ocean resorts to snow-covered mountains, intense volcanic caves in the wild nature park to the glistening lights in the bustling Metro City. Players also can choose from five distinctive drones with unique characteristics and sponsorship liveries. Drone Racing Genesis encourages players to keep coming back over and over to experience every racecourse, get a real feel for their favourite drone and ‘rule the skies’ while competing to make the leaderboard.
Drone Racing Genesis cabinet features a unique reclined seat that creates the illusion of being in a futuristic drone cockpit and instantly immerses players in the nail-biting racing action. The bright colour-changing header, lit cabinet edges and under-seat feature begs player’s attention at any location.
If you plan to visit IAAPA Orlando, you cannot afford to miss Drone Racing Genesis. Sega Amusements will be on a larger booth 1010 this year, from 15 – 18 November, at the Orange County Convention Centre, Orlando, USA. We hope to see you there!
For further information contact SEGA Amusements International on +44 (0)208 391 8090 / +1 847-364-9787; [email protected].
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One last surprise is that the game is shipping now – check out the game’s entry on our website then email us or give us a call to place your order today!
Thanks for reading! Here at PrimeTime Amusements, we like to keep ahead of the curve in arcade game rental and sales and pride ourselves in providing the best service in the country. If you’re looking for a game in particular, or have a few questions about the industry, feel free to give us a call at 1.800.550.0090 or to swing by at 5300 Powerline Rd. Suite 210, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33309.