Daytona USA

 Xbox 360
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 27
  3. Negative: 1 out of 27
  1. Vandal
    Nov 9, 2011
    70
    Daytona USA is a loyal remake to the mythic arcade game we loved so much in the mid-nineties. It is still as fun as ever, and adds new game modes and online play, but it is still just three tracks, and that might seem limited.
  2. IGN
    Nov 7, 2011
    70
    Daytona USA's charm fuels up on nostalgia. From the theme song to the timed checkpoints, each race is built on stealing quarters, virtual or not, and getting you to try again. But eighteen years later, it just doesn't hold the appeal it once did - though the first few laps are a pleasant return to a simpler time.
  3. Gamekult
    Oct 27, 2011
    70
    Quotation forthcoming.
  5. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    Dec 28, 2011
    69
    A slick port of still-great gameplay and distinctive visuals. [Feb 2012, p.111]
    All this publication's reviews
  6. XGN
    Dec 1, 2011
    60
    Daytona USA is a classic game. Unfortunately, classics don't always age well and Daytona suffers from a heavy lack of content, resulting in little to do. The still pretty decent gameplay and nice looks can only go so far.
  7. AusGamers
    Nov 14, 2011
    60
    Daytona USA sits in the unique position where it suffers not from its faults, but from the perfection of its original design. There was nothing better than being enveloped in those speaker laden seats, inches away from a ridiculously bright CRT screen, friends or strangers seated either side of you.
  8. GameShark
    Nov 18, 2011
    58
    If Sega had spent some more time creating content for the game or giving its mechanics an overhaul, there'd be something here for new players to sink their teeth into. As it is, this is one of those titles that will likely only be appeal to folks looking for a quick drive down Nostalgia Lane.
  9. Thunderbolt
    Nov 10, 2011
    50
    A lazy port that could have offered players more. In a crowded and competitive marketplace, only those most nostalgic gamers should purchase this. Everyone else will get enough from the demo.

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2011
60
#60 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 22 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 3 out of 22
  1. Raidendx
    Nov 1, 2011
    10
    10/10 - this is a gamers game! If you fail to feel anything from this game then you are not a gamer. Which is fine. In 10 years time - Daytona10/10 - this is a gamers game! If you fail to feel anything from this game then you are not a gamer. Which is fine. In 10 years time - Daytona USA will be ported again for whatever console we have then. Then it will be a 28 year old primitive texture mapped Sega Racer. 18 years ago it was amazing and showed us the future, the present day experience bottles that experience and lets you play it at home and online. This game is simply timeless. Daytona USA is an extension to its arcade hardware. When you play this game with a force feedback wheel you are finally part of the game. When you smile throughout the game you will understand gaming. There are hundreds of exceptional games and Daytona USA is part of gaming heritage. You shouldn't be told to buy this, and if you have read up to this line you have already bought it. Keep on chooglin'… Full Review »
  2. gameotaku
    Mar 6, 2023
    10
    This is the best arcade racing game ever hands down. It changed the way videogames were conceived forever, and 30 years later it still holdsThis is the best arcade racing game ever hands down. It changed the way videogames were conceived forever, and 30 years later it still holds up incredibly well. Playing it on a Xbox Series X, in 4k and HDR is a dream come true.
    The game is fast as ever, the controls are nearly perfect and it just upgrades everything the arcade ever was, without interfering in how it did originally look and feel.
    Only one bad thing happened with Daytona USA: it destroyed the arcade racing genre. No other arcade game has been able to stand a chance against this game for over 30 years.    … Full Review »
  3. hyrts
    Jun 4, 2022
    8
    I don't understand why there are no more games of the Daytona USA series here. It's one of the best racing games. I really love the vibes andI don't understand why there are no more games of the Daytona USA series here. It's one of the best racing games. I really love the vibes and soundtrack.… Full Review »
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