Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Need for Speed II: SE retains the fast-paced, arcade-style racing that defined its predecessor while adding several fresh elements to keep veteran players engaged. The Special Edition introduces four new cars—Ferrari F355F1, Ford Mustang Mach III, Italdesign Nazca C2, and the unlockable Ford Indigo—each with distinct handling characteristics and top speeds. These additions expand your garage and strategic options, making every tournament feel varied and exciting.

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Beyond the new vehicles, SE spices up the core experience with three bonus cars that can be unlocked through Tournament mode. These hidden rides reward dedicated racers who push through every track and challenge. Whether you’re chasing first place or simply exploring the limits of your favorite supercar, the prospect of uncovering rare machines keeps the gameplay loop fresh and rewarding.

The Special Edition also debuts the “Wild” racing style, a more aggressive mode where collisions and road obstacles come into play. This new style injects extra chaos into events, encouraging players to adapt their tactics on the fly. Combined with the ability to race tracks in reverse or mirrored configurations, the game offers an impressive array of challenges that prolong replay value and test even seasoned veterans.

Graphics

One of the marquee features of Need for Speed II: SE is its visual overhaul—but with a caveat. The improved textures, lighting effects, and more detailed car models are officially supported only on 3Dfx Voodoo graphics cards. When played on compatible hardware, the game displays richer environments, smoother shading, and enhanced reflections that noticeably elevate the sense of speed.

On systems without a 3Dfx Voodoo card, however, the graphical enhancements are effectively absent, making SE visually indistinguishable from the original release. For gamers who already own the first Need for Speed II and don’t have the specialized hardware, the upgrade may feel underwhelming. Nevertheless, the heightened visuals on supported setups remain a compelling reason for enthusiasts to seek out the SE version.

Track design also benefits from the visual boost, with the new Last Resort circuit standing out thanks to improved textures and background details. The combination of stormy skies, coastal vistas, and sharp turns looks particularly impressive in Voodoo-enhanced mode. Regardless of your graphics card, the track layouts themselves are well-crafted, offering dramatic scenery changes that keep each race visually engaging.

Story

Like most titles in the arcade racing genre, Need for Speed II: SE doesn’t deliver a traditional narrative-driven campaign. Instead, the game’s “story” unfolds through progression: rising through the ranks in Tournament mode, unlocking exotic cars, and conquering increasingly difficult races. This framework casts you as an ambitious street racer on a global tour, aiming to outpace rivals and claim the top prize.

The lack of cutscenes or character development might disappoint players seeking a deep storyline, but SE compensates by letting you craft your own racing saga. Each victory, near-miss, and unlocked bonus car contributes to a personalized journey that can feel just as compelling as a scripted plot. The variety of circuits—from urban nightscapes to winding desert highways—helps sustain a sense of adventure across different locales.

Bonus content, such as reverse and mirrored tracks, further enriches your narrative by offering fresh perspectives on familiar roads. Tackling Last Resort in reverse, for example, challenges you to relearn every turn and braking point, creating new moments of tension and triumph. In this way, SE’s loosely defined story becomes an open canvas driven by player achievement rather than preset dialogue.

Overall Experience

Need for Speed II: SE stands as a noteworthy upgrade for fans of the franchise who own compatible 3Dfx Voodoo hardware. The enhanced visuals breathe new life into classic circuits, while the expanded car roster and race styles deepen the gameplay experience. Unlockable bonus cars and mirrored tracks extend the title’s longevity, making SE a must-play for completionists.

However, the special edition’s reliance on specific graphics cards limits its appeal for those with more modern or generic systems. If you can’t tap into the Voodoo-based improvements, you’re essentially replaying the base game with a handful of new cars and tracks. Prospective buyers should weigh the hardware requirements against their desire for fresh content before making a purchase.

Ultimately, Need for Speed II: SE delivers solid arcade racing thrills, memorable car variety, and creative race modes that stand the test of time. For enthusiasts who relish high-speed showdowns and garage expansion, it remains an engaging title—provided you have the right setup to fully appreciate its graphical enhancements. If that criterion is met, SE is well worth adding to your collection.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10