Outrun is a classic gaming franchise. Just talk to any gamer who played games during the 90’s and you’ll see the mention of Outrun bring a glossy glint of nostalgia to their eyes. When Outrun was first released the game used new technology to simulate massive speed and made getting to the checkered flag much more exciting. The only goal was to drive as fast as possible and get your girlfriend to the end of the course without running out of time. The formula was simplistic but addicting. Fast-forward to 2009 and we find Outrun alive and well on XBLA. Sega, rather than reinventing the franchise, has wisely chosen to stick with what’s worked for almost 20 years. In Outrun Online Arcade you’ll be speeding and drifting along scenic vistas trying to get to the end of a race. Not only that but some new modes have been included to make sure the game doesn’t get stale for long time fans. On the whole this reboot of Outrun has faired very well: it looks great, controls well, and adds just enough new things to make the game feel new. If you’re looking for some nostalgia or just looking for a great arcade racer you’ll find it in Outrun.

I’ve already stated that Outrun’s soul has stayed intact from the past games. You’ll still be racing against the clock in this game. What stops the game from feeling stale is that there are a certain number of stages you must complete before reaching the finish line. In Outrun Online Arcade you race to the end of a section and then at the end of each section you see a fork in the road: turn left and the game gets easier, turn right and the game gets harder. It’s a simple mechanic but makes it so you can choose your own path. From these paths there are five different end areas. Throughout, you’re still simply trying to beat the clock.

 

To expand on Outrun’s formula a few modes have been added to the mix. The first one, and the most interesting one, is Heart Attack mode. In this mode you race along just like in the normal game but this time the girlfriend in your passenger seat is much more involved. Instead of simply trying to beat the clock you also have to follow your girlfriend’s instructions on what tricks to perform as you drive. This makes the game very hectic and it takes a lot of skill to be able to drive effectively and make the girlfriend in the passenger seat happy. There is also a Time Trial mode that’s been added that allows you to race against a ghost car to improve you’re time. The final mode that’s been added is the 15 course mode. This is a test of the true Outrun champ. In this mode you drive threw all 15 courses in Outrun trying to reach the end. It’s incredibly hard but satisfying to complete.

New to Outrun is the Online play modes. You can race against other players but sadly the online mode isn’t nearly as entertaining as it should be. There are no problems connecting to other players but the way Multiplayer is set up has you racing against others but really you’re still attempting to beat the clock except now you have other humans to grind your car with. I would have loved to see a mode where you played Hot Potato with the girlfriend in your car. As each car scores more hearts the girlfriend could hop from one car to another depending on who had the high score. Then the first one to cross the finish line with the girlfriend in his passenger seat would win, just a thought though.

 

Overall Outrun Online Arcade is an entertaining arcade game that can definitely hold your attention for a long time. Getting good at drifting is a fine art and the licensed cars and throwback music gives the game a great vibe. If you’ve ever been a fan of Outrun in the past know that the game stays true to its roots. The soul has not left this franchise. If however you’re new to Outrun know that it’s still as approachable as ever. You’ll have fun just racing by at high speeds. Now if only they fixed the multiplayer…

Overall: 8.1/10