The original arcade version was critically acclaimed. Rik Skews of "Computer and Video Games" praised its "state-of-the-art" graphics and sound, said that the gameplay was difficult but "pitched perfect". He called "Daytona USA" the best arcade game he had played in years. Bob Strauss of "Entertainment Weekly" gave the game an A and wrote: "Picture yourself watching a sci-fi movie, set in a futuristic arcade, that involves a dizzying car race. 'Wow!' you can imagine saying to yourself, 'How did they do those special effects?' You'll have the same reaction while enjoying "Daytona USA"". Writing for "GamePro", Manny LaMancha commented on the improved graphics and more sensitive steering than "Virtua Racing". He stated that "Daytona USA" is a combination of "Virtua Racing"'s action with "Ridge Racer"'s realism. "Electronic Gaming Monthly" emphasized the realism graphics and said that "the stakes in the arcade wars have been raised again".