Machine Guides

Game History

Out Run (stylized as OutRun) is a racing video game developed by Sega's Studio 128 and published in September 1986. It was designed by Yu Suzuki, who also  worked on Hang-On, Space Harrier, and Enduro Racer. The game is renowned for its pioneering hardware and graphics, nonlinear gameplay, and selectable soundtrack featuring music composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi.

The game ran on the Sega OutRun arcade system board, which was based on the Sega System 16 and represented a significant technological advancement as the second in Sega's Super Scaler series of three-dimensional arcade hardware. At the time, this hardware was considered very powerful but expensive, with arcade operators advised to charge twice as many credits than for regular arcade machines.

Out Run was released in multiple cabinet configurations, including a deluxe sit-down motion simulator cabinet that resembled the in-game car and used a drive motor to move the main cabinet—turning and shaking according to the onscreen action. These deluxe cabinets featured stereo speakers mounted behind the driver's head to enhance the immersive experience.

The game was a phenomenal commercial success, becoming Sega's best-selling arcade cabinet of the 1980s. By early 1987, Sega had sold 18,000 Out Run arcade machines worldwide, including 3,500 units in Japan, 8,000 units in the United States, and 6,500 units in Europe and Southeast Asia. By late 1987, sales had reached 20,000 units worldwide, earning Sega over $100 million ($290 million adjusted for inflation) in arcade machine sales. By 1994, total sales had reached 30,000 cabinets worldwide. 

How to Play

Objectives

The main goal of Out Run is to complete a cross-country road trip by racing through multiple stages and reaching checkpoints within time limits. You play as a driver with a female passenger, navigating various landscapes while avoiding traffic. The game emphasizes speed, time management, and route selection rather than direct competition against other racers.

Controls

• Steering Wheel: Turn the wheel left or right to steer your Ferrari Testarossa
• Gas Pedal: Press to accelerate and increase speed
• Brake Pedal: Press to slow down, brake, or reverse
• Gear Shift: Use to shift between low and high gears for better control at different speeds

Gameplay

• Starting the Game: Press the Start Button to begin your cross-country road trip.

• Stage Progression: Race through a series of stages, each with different landscapes and road conditions.

• Time Management: Complete each stage within the time limit by passing checkpoints that extend your remaining time.

• Route Selection: At the end of each stage (except the final one), choose between two different routes for your next destination.

• Traffic Avoidance: Navigate through traffic while maintaining high speed to reach checkpoints quickly.

• Cornering Techniques: Brake and shift gears appropriately to navigate corners without losing too much speed or crashing.

• Collision Avoidance: Avoid collisions with roadside obstacles and other vehicles, as they slow you down and waste precious time.

• Music Selection: Choose between three available soundtracks at the start of the game (Magical Sound Shower, Passing Breeze, or Splash Wave).

• Destination Goals: Race toward one of five possible final destinations by selecting appropriate routes throughout your journey.

• Game Completion: Successfully complete all stages and reach your chosen destination within the time limits to finish your road trip.