Outrun

Imagine yourself transported back to the year 1987. It was a time when the Master System, Sega’s response to Nintendo’s NES, was just emerging from the shadows of the Japan-only SG-1000.

The goal was ambitious – to create an 8-bit gaming console surpassing Nintendo‘s own, and to bring Sega’s arcade legacy into the homes of players.

OutRun: A Triumph of Innovation

OutRun was a significant stride in this direction, and undoubtedly, one of Sega’s most triumphant endeavors. The Master System adaptation managed to transcend the limitations of its hardware, delivering an exhilarating experience that faithfully captured the essence of the original.

While transitioning from the arcade version may have posed a challenge in its early days, nearly three decades later, with both games overshadowed by modern racers, it’s easier to appreciate the port for its pioneering achievement and enduring appeal.

The Deceptive Simplicity of OutRun

At first glance, OutRun appears deceptively simple. Lead designer Yu Suzuki aptly described it as a “driving game” devoid of direct opponents. However, the essence of racing lies in reaching the next checkpoint before the timer expires.

The challenge isn’t limited to the twists and turns of the course, but also extends to navigating through other vehicles on the road. Though not racing against you, they become formidable obstacles to overcome.

Mastering the Two-Level Gear System

The game’s complexity is heightened by its two-level gear system. While having only two gears may seem rudimentary, it demands split-second decisions when maneuvering through tight S-bends or overtaking fast-moving vehicles.

Seasoned players may navigate most of the game in high gear with occasional braking. For others, knowing when to switch gears and for how long becomes the difference between reaching the finish line and colliding with a roadside billboard.

The Master System Marvel

OutRun on the Master System is a commendable feat. While transitioning from the arcade or Mega Drive/Genesis version might initially disorient, it’s worth noting that the 8-bit conversion is the most modest of the three.

Nevertheless, it confidently and competently recreates one of Sega’s finest arcade classics.

This was not always the case with the Master System, as many games suffered severe alterations from their arcade counterparts. Yet, here, everything falls seamlessly into place. It’s downsized, but the adjustments harmonize flawlessly.

Visual Splendor in 8-Bit Glory

The visual replication of the original is nothing short of masterful.

Meticulous effort has been invested in recreating the picturesque settings from the arcade version. From the iconic beach track to the serene green fields and the nocturnal stage, all are beautifully rendered in 8-bit.

Superior scaling mitigates the glaring visual flaws present in some of Sega’s other arcade-to-8-bit conversions. Despite a lower density of scenic objects, there’s ample detail in both foreground and background, imparting a sense of depth, as if the track exists in a tangible world.

The Soundtrack: A Nostalgic Symphony

The auditory experience of OutRun hinges on PSG. European copies, whether running on original hardware or Mega Drive through backwards compatibility, deliver impeccable 8-bit renditions of the arcade’s original tracks.

“Magical Sound Shower” and “Splash Wave” retain their allure, contributing significantly to the game’s “just one more go” allure.

However, on an emulator with FM, the music takes on a deeper and muddier quality, coupled with squeaky tire skid effects that, together, create an unpleasing soundscape. In short, ensure you’re playing with PSG for the optimal auditory experience.

The Thrill and Challenge of OutRun

Across all Master System versions, there’s a slight choppiness, particularly noticeable in the responsiveness of the car. This can make navigating some of the course’s tighter turns more demanding compared to other systems.

Going too slow around corners or uphill can prove disastrous for your run. However, for the most part, the gameplay is excellent, retaining a supremely satisfying sense of speed.

While contemporary production values were virtually non-existent in the industry three decades ago, there’s an almost tangible care that went into this game. Despite its technical downscaling, it exudes quality and invites you to savor the ride.

Enduring Personality: OutRun’s Lasting Appeal

What sets OutRun, in all its iterations, apart is its ability to establish and sustain a distinct personality. Without uttering a single word of story, it feels like a complete package, offering an experience that’s not just a game, but a captivating journey.

The race through idyllic scenes strikes a balance between frenzy and tranquility. It’s this vision and atmosphere, rather than gameplay alone, that secures the game’s status as an enduring classic and a cornerstone of Sega’s legacy.

Engaging and demanding, it’s a stellar testament to the imaginative worlds that could be crafted both in the arcade and at home.

OutRun: A Testament to Technological Innovation

While 1987 predates my own gaming journey, it’s challenging to fathom anything quite like OutRun on home consoles of that era. The pseudo-3D graphics, the brilliant (PSG) renditions of the original’s music, the sheer sensation of speed – it’s all here. Today, it stands as a splendid example of what the Master System was truly capable of.

It affirms that the console possessed the necessary horsepower, and it still holds its own in the present day. While the Mega Drive/Genesis port may arguably be the superior version, it was still four years away from release at the time.

Race through idyllic scenes, where chaos meets serenity.

Sega’s vision to bring the arcade experience home commenced with the 8-bit rendition of OutRun. It deserves to be commemorated as the audacious initial step in that direction.

Play OUTRUN Online

Experience the thrill of OutRun on our website, compatible with both desktop and mobile devices. Relive the nostalgia and embark on a high-speed journey through time!