Need for Speed II: Special Edition supported which 3D acceleration API?

Need for Speed II: Special Edition supported the 3dfx Glide 3D acceleration API.

Released in 1997, the Special Edition added Glide hardware acceleration alongside new content, including the Last Resort track, extra cars, bonus cars, and the Wild driving style. Glide was designed for 3dfx Voodoo graphics cards and became a recognizable feature of late-1990s PC gaming.

The common mix-up is Direct3D: Microsoft’s API was also important during this era, but the Need for Speed II Special Edition feature specifically documented for its enhanced PC graphics was Glide. Metal is associated with Apple platforms and was not the relevant technology here.

This release is distinct from the original Need for Speed II and from the PlayStation version. Its Glide support helped demonstrate the visual advantages of dedicated 3D accelerator hardware before APIs became more standardized.