OutRun Review - Sega Genesis / Mega Drive

[@RetroIslandGaming]

It's because of Outrun (among others) that made me realize video game music should be taken seriously and not treated as silly tunes. The themes are fun and relaxing. Excellent video, man. Definitely going to subscribe and wait for more from you. Watching game reviews where someone like you takes the time to edit and consider the audience is THE BEST!

[@RachelLouiseSwann]

Thank you for reviewing my favourite game of all time. There's a lot of nostalgia I attach to OutRun, and when I bought the Mega Drive version I was disappointed back then. I really thought it would be closer to the arcade version than it was. 30 years on, and I play OutRun on the Mega Drive to this day, and I have a fun experience. I use the Arcade Power Stick on the MD, but on the Saturn, I have the steering wheel - and that OutRun is the definitive version. However, OutRun 2 on the PS2 is sublime and amazing. I forever hope for an OutRun 3, but doubt it will happen. Your review was superb, thank you very much!

[@patrickhawthorneLS]

Agreed

[@KesMonkey]

Possibly my favourite arcade game. FYI, the arcade version of OutRun is unlockable in OutRun 2 on Xbox.

[@matteuuettam452]

Love your reviews, my friend👍Great job.

[@16BitJay]

Good to see you back Matt! I have to say much to my shame I've never played any of the Outrun games. Had Lotus Turbo Challenge 2 on the Amiga as a kid and that pretty much tided me over until Gran Turismo.

[@Gxpblog]

Thanks mate. Glad to see you back too! I used to chat to you on twitter as well, but for some reason I haven't been able to find you on there for a couple of months at least..?? Hope you're okay :-) + You seriously need to try OutRun.. especially at the arcade or if you get a copy of Yakuza 0 on PS4. It's really great! Once you've tried the arcade game, you'll be hooked ;-) I have Lotus Turbo Challenge, which I used to play split screen with my Dad. Will definitely be covering this game in the future..

[@16BitJay]

Yeah, I had to just take a step back from twitter for a while. I think if I came across it in an arcade I would give it a go, but even as a kid I don't remember having a local arcade. Have to google and find out.

[@Shyning77]

You have that review video spot on as always, Matt. OutRun on Mega Drive is indeed a faithful port of the arcade version, most notably missing sprite scaling as you said (unfortunately) and also having a lower framerate. All this makes is harder to properly anticipate turns and avoid cars.

[@Gxpblog]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Always nice to get feedback on my videos, so I appreciate it :-) The cars "popping in" isn't anywhere near as bad as the Master System. Especially with hills. The Mega Drive version certainly has its flaws, but thankfully not too bad that it ruins the gameplay too much. I can't wait to get my hands on the Sega Saturn version though!! :-)

[@Shyning77]

Yeah, the Saturn version is said to be a very faithful arcade port. You might want the Japanese stand alone instead of the European SEGA Ages compilation though.

[@Gxpblog]

How come..?

[@Shyning77]

The Japanese stand alone has alternate remixed tracks available and a smooth mode (60 FPS). Also, it's always better to have a game as a stand alone than on some compilation, right? ;)

[@snowkittenstudio]

Really enjoyed that & it packed a lot into less than 5 minutes! I never had chance to try the Mega Drive version, but I did have the Master System version which wasn't bad. The arcade version always brings back good memories of a local fair that turned up every August, with a load of arcade games. I'm impressed that you were able to play it without even looking at the screen too! ;)

[@Gxpblog]

Hahaha. I lost the footage of me driving, so I had to improvise at the last minute! :P Thanks though. I do try to keep things short and sweet. Relevant and to the point. I hope to do longer videos in the future (on different topics), but for reviews I don't like to stretch them out too long just for the sake of it. OutRun always bring back happy memories for me too. Thanks for watching :-)

[@CaptainD2007]

The sit-in arcade game was fantastic (albeit not quite as cool as crouching over the handlebars of the Super Hang On coin-op!). The Megadrive version looks pretty good, probably a decent cut about the ST conversion (although that wasn't bad). Nice review! It's pretty difficult sometimes to review such an iconic and nostalgic title but you did a good job.

[@Gxpblog]

Aw yes, I loved the Hang-On game. Being on the bike and swaying left and right was awesome! This is what arcades need to stay relevant; giving experiences that aren't necessarily available at home.

[@CaptainD2007]

I remember as a kid in an amusements in Mablethorpe playing Super Hang On, crouched down over the handlebars, ducking as I went underneath the checkpoint and then laughing at myself for doing so. :-D

[@Gxpblog]

OMG!!! That's one of the arcades I always used to go to!

[@CaptainD2007]

Haha small world. When my granddad lived that way we always used to go each summer to visit, and my family were always fairly appalled that I wanted to go to the amusement arcade more than the beach (though we did both, of course! :-D)

[@onaretrotip]

He's aliiiiiiiive! Hahaha. Great video, Matt.

[@Gxpblog]

Haha yes, it takes me a while (I've not been able to do much for ages), but I get there eventually! lol. + Thank you :-)

[@tootyuk]

brill vid mate, enjoyed that

[@Gxpblog]

Thank you! I'll try not to take so damn long getting the next one done and uploaded. lol

[@falksi3182]

Excellent vid. Perfect summary

[@LukesGamePage]

Cool, still love it. Been playing the PS2 once recently (Coast 2 Coast), very good.

[@Blueflag04]

this is the game that makes me love the testarossa

[@Gxpblog]

It's such a classic and iconic car/game 😊

[@rayforceaddict]

ahh, I had this one back in the day. I love Step On Beat. I can't remember if the harder modes are really challenging, For me, that's what makes or breaks an arcade port. I'll go back to tough arcade games again and again and try to perfect my run. BTW I've gotta recommend Lotus for fans of this style. Good review!

[@Gxpblog]

To be fair, I have been listening to it a bit more since doing the review and it's grown on my a little bit more. I've been humming various tunes from the game everywhere lately. lol. So infectious! Hyper mode is definitely recommended, as is trying those more difficult settings as you're into that kind of thing. Your suggestion for Lotus is also a great one! I have Lotus Turbo Challenge which I used to play a lot of splitscreen with my Dad, so I'll certainly be covering that game in the future. I've heard the sequel was even better (and more forgiving in single player), so I'm keen to pick that up as soon as possible :-)

[@GamersGardenRetro]

Nice review! It doesn't come close to Saturn port if you compare now, but I thought the Mega Drive OutRun was excellent when it first released.

[@Gxpblog]

Thanks! Yes, the Saturn port is the one I want (for Afterburner too). I will get one a.s.a.p, but for the Mega Drive, this was a good attempt at bringing the arcade experience home :-)

[@GamersGardenRetro]

Actually, Afterburner is a pretty decent port on Mega Drive as well apart from the horrible auto canon! Kills a great soundtrack.

[@Gxpblog]

I covered Space Harrier 2 on the Mega Drive a while back which was pretty good. An interesting sequel to the arcade game, instead of a port. The iconic music was missing, which was a huge shame, but other than that, it was pretty good too :-)

[@supernerdsuk292]

Great review buddy

[@SEGAPIT]

How about covering a little of OutRun2? ;)

[@Gxpblog]

I'd love to! In fact I'd love to cover ALL the OutRun games eventually. I even enjoy OutRun 2019, even though that doesn't quite feel like a proper OutRun game XD

[@Jikyuu]

I think I've seen this in stores for about 4000 yen

[@Gxpblog]

IS that expensive or cheap? I have no idea. lol

[@Jikyuu]

Um ... it's ... four thousand individual one yen coins? Lol.