Underplayed Gems

Dakar '97 (1997)

Dakar '97 cover
Developer
Elcom
Publisher
Virgin Interactive Entertainment (Japan)
Platforms
PlayStation
Genres
Racing, Sport
The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A grounded, simulation-leaning rally drive that rewards careful route choices and steady navigation over flashy speed.

realisticsimulation-likemethodicalmoderate difficultynavigation-focusedrally racingmodest presentationstraightforward

About

You can choose a car that cooperation with Mitsubishi, Isuzu etc. automaker, played in a real Dakar rally. Not only compete with the speed that is determined in the course, there is a degree of freedom such as shortcut course aimed at risk preparedness. Realistically reproduces the sound of words, such as the Navigator and the exhaust sound, based on what the actual configuration courses, plenty of realism. In addition, CG movies of power will encourage empathy in documentary film real shame.

Screenshots

Dakar '97 screenshot 1Dakar '97 screenshot 2Dakar '97 screenshot 3Dakar '97 screenshot 4Dakar '97 screenshot 5Dakar '97 screenshot 6

More games like this

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.