It was later ported to other platforms with additional tracks and cars, including to MS-DOS, PlayStation, Sega Saturn, and Microsoft Windows in 1996, on which it was subtitled SE (Special Edition).

[13][14][15] In 1994, Electronic Arts Victor translated the 3DO version of The Need for Speed into Japanese, and released it in Japan as Road & Track Presents: OverDrivin'[b].

[17]: Front cover, credits  Two additional Nissan-sponsored versions of the game were announced at that year's Tokyo Game Show:[18] Nissan Presents: Over Drivin' GT-R[d] (released in 1996 for the Sega Saturn)[19]: Front cover, credits  and Nissan Presents: Over Drivin' Skyline Memorial[e] (released in 1997 for the PlayStation).

[20]: Front cover, credits  The former's car lineup consists only of Nissan vehicles, whilst the latter exclusively features Skyline models.

They expressed disappointment over the lack of two-player mode, but felt that the exceptionally challenging enemy AI largely makes up for it.

[34] British magazine PC Power gave the Windows version a score of 95%, praising car handling, graphics and overall presentation, but criticizing hardware requirements and sound.

"[29] The two sports reviewers of Electronic Gaming Monthly applauded the PlayStation version for its fast racing and excellent controls.

[28] A Next Generation critic likewise found it faster and more responsive than the 3DO version and held it to be one of the PlayStation's best racing games to date.

[32] Other magazines were more critical, with PSM criticising the "obtrusive graphics" and saying that it "isn't an immediately enjoyable game – the idiosyncracies only serve to annoy".

He concluded: "The gameplay demands both precision driving and cajones, and although mastery takes time to achieve, Need's ultimately more satisfying than Daytona or Sega Rally.

"[41] Rob Allsetter of Sega Saturn Magazine, however, said that while The Need for Speed is good on its own terms, it looks dated compared to the two games Air Hendrix referenced.

The editors wrote: "The Need for Speed, Electronic Arts' incredibly fast and enthralling driving game, almost caught the checkered flag.

Multiple courses with distinctive feels, brilliant SVGA graphics, and some of the hottest iron on the road made this 3DO conversion a worthy entry into the PC action game arena.