The first game from Sega's AM Annex division (which is mostly comprised of other AM teams) and sometimes considered a spin-off of Sega Rally Championship, Sega Touring Car Championship focuses on circuit racing with touring cars with an emphasis on proper grip driving. It is also known for its soundtrack, which includes a collaboration with the record label Avex Trax for some of its Eurobeat and rave songs.The game later received a home conversion for the Sega Saturn on November 24, 1997 and Windows PCs on January 31, 1998. Along with a reproduction of the arcade version, these versions include bonus game modes (including split-screen multiplayer and time attack) and car tuning options.CarsToyota SupraOPEL Calibra V6AMG Mercedes C-ClassAlfaRomeo 155V6TiThe home versions adds bonus cars:Sega Racing Proto - Unlockable prototype car, unique for its A.I. that can be "trained" by the player (by racing in it beforehand) as a Versus opponent.Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST205) - Hidden rally car from Sega Rally Championship.Lancia Delta HF Integrale -Hidden rally car from Sega Rally Championship.Circuits & ModesThe arcade version of the game includes a single "Championship" mode, which puts players in a three-round series of races. By default, each circuit is run in two laps, although this can be changed by the arcade operator.Country Circuit (begins with a single "Qualifying Heat" lap without a rolling start to determine the initial grid placement)Grünwalt CircuitBrickwall TownUrban Circuit (bonus round that is only playable if the player comes in first throughout the Championship)In addition, players can play a hidden alternate "Expert" mode that changes the weather conditions and car behavior for a more difficult championship (with separate high score rankings). Arcade operators can also opt to enable a "Grand Prix" mode that puts players in a 20-lap race on one circuit (which makes use of pit stops). After completing a mode, players are given a URL to input later in their web browser for online leaderboards.Along with a recreation of the arcade modes, the home version includes a Time Attack mode, multiplayer VS Race (split-screen, with the PC version also having LAN and modem support), and a bonus Exhibition mode (making use of a new original track, known as Boomtown Circuit). This version also includes a time-limited Global Network Event mode, which features three special Time Attack courses that, like the arcade version, gave a URL to input later in their web browser for online leaderboards. The three events were:On Christmas 1997, the event was a mirrored snowy version of Boomtown Circuit.On Valentines Day 1998, the event was a sequence of one lap around Country Circuit, Grünwalt Circuit, and Brickwall Town while knocking down cones (with cones left standing adding penalty time).On April Fool's Day 1998, the event was Boomtown Circuit in reverse. However, all other cars are driving in the normal direction.
