The classic arcade game, OutRun, defied the norms of 1980s racing games. Instead of a tense racing competition offered by games like Pole Position, OutRun presented players with a laid-back and immersive driving experience. Complete with music, scenic landscapes, and a driving companion, the OutRun game was a huge hit with both gamers and critics. Strap in for a nostalgic ride through the pixelated landscapes and iconic soundscapes of OutRun.
How To Play The OutRun Game Online
If you haven’t played the game in awhile, here’s an OutRun game clone that you can play here in your web browser. There’s also a real Sega version here.
OuRun Challenges The Status Quo Of The Racing Game Genre
Before OutRun hit the arcade scene in 1986, most driving games were just rigid competition challenges. Pole Position, the benchmark of the time, focused on high-speed races with unforgiving consequences for mistakes.
OutRun, however, took a different route. Game designer Yu Suzuki envisioned a game where players could leisurely drive with a beautiful companion by their side, enjoying the scenery and the thrill of the open road. If you crashed, the game didn’t end. Your crush might slow you down, but you could still continue on the course and enjoy the game.
Crafting The OutRun Game Levels
Suzuki’s unconventional approach extended beyond the game’s concept. To create the game’s immersive world, he went on a European road trip to scout locations to replicate in the game. The result was a quirky blend of European geography, offering players a virtual tour along seaside freeways and captivating landscapes.
OutRun’s success in arcades was unparalleled, with its deluxe cabinet version providing a thrilling, almost ride-like experience. Gen X kids in the 1980s would crowd around the giant OutRun video game cabinet in the arcade waiting for their chance to take a ride.
The Graphics Technology Behind OutRun
OutRun’s visual appeal was not just about the scenic landscapes but also the cutting-edge technology that powered it. Suzuki employed the Super Scaler technology, a precursor to 3D graphics, creating a sense of speed and depth previously unseen in gaming. OutRun was the pinnacle of sprite scaling technology, setting Sega’s arcade hardware leagues ahead of the competition.
NERD NOTE: Super Scaler is a sprite-scaling technology developed by Yu Suzuki and Sega-AM2. It allows for a psuedo-3D effect that makes game elements appear close to or far away from the player without a loss in frame rate. The technology was introduced in 1985 with Hang-On and later appeared in multiple different arcade boards in the future, including OutRun. Super Scaler produced the most advanced sprite-based graphics in 1985 to the Sega System 32 in the 1990s.
Gamers Loved The OutRun Soundtrack
Beyond its visual brilliance, OutRun introduced a soundtrack that became an integral part of the gaming experience. Composed by Hiroshi ‘Hiro’ Kawaguchi, the tracks like ‘Splash Wave,’ ‘Passing Breeze,’ and ‘Magical Sound Shower’ spawned an entire sub-genre of electronic music known as “OutRun.” The OutRun Soundtrack, presented as radio stations in the game, allowed players to customize their driving soundtrack, a concept now commonplace in modern games like the Grand Theft Auto series.
OutRun’s Influence On Pop Culture
Yu Suzuki’s unconventional approach to game design created an instant classic that shaped the future of racing games. From its influence on series like Test Drive and Need for Speed to the personalized music experience now commonplace in games like GTA, OutRun’s impact endures.
OutRun’s cultural impact transcended beyond just gamers. It’s influence extended into music, TV, and movies as well. The 2011 Ryan Gosling movie Drive, with its OutRun-inspired opening credits, is a testament to the game’s enduring cultural influence. The movie’s music, its depiction of the ‘joy of driving’ and even the logo’s font are all inspired by the game OutRun.
The Legacy Of The Game OutRun
OutRun’s legacy is undeniable. Both critics and gamers loved the game. In 1987, a year after its release, OutRun became the highest-grossing arcade game of the year. It was also Sega‘s most successful arcade cabinet of the decade.
As we reflect on the success of OutRun several decades later, it’s more than a trip down memory lane; it’s an everlasting ode to the thrill of the open road and the joy of driving.
Who Started The Christmas Tree Tradition?
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.