Game Details

• Title: Outrun Online Arcade
• Developer: Sumo Digital
• Publisher: Sega
• Released (UK): 15/04/2009
• Current Price: 800 MS Points
• Age Rating: E
• Game Type: Checkpoint Racing
• Multi-player: Up to 6 players online

Background

The original Outrun was released in 1986, and the latest version Outrun Online Arcade is very similar in gameplay to the original with the most significant difference being the improvement in the graphics over some of the earlier versions. The tracks and game types for this version appear to be taken from Outrun 2 SP (original Xbox) and in many ways Outrun Online Arcade is a condensed version of Outrun 2006.

Game Modes

The single player game has 3 main modes, there is the traditional Outrun mode where you have to complete 5 or 15 stages before you run out of time, dealing with traffic and rivals as well as the clock. Time trial mode which is essentially Outrun mode without the traffic and Heart Attack Mode where you have challenges to complete as well as racing against the clock. There is also Online multiplayer for up to 6 players.

Technical Stuff

The graphics are good for an XBLA title, the sound though is not as good as the music can sound tinny at times and the comments from your “girlfriend” become annoying after the nth time of hearing her repeat the same thing. The multiplayer appeared to be free of significant lag and ran smoothly. The main issue I had with the multiplayer was that it took me ages to get into a race that had not already started and as it is player match only there is no autotimer to start races automatically.

Difficulty/Achievements

I found Outrun Online quite difficult, since while it is an easy game to play the time constraints approaching the final stages are quite strict leaving little room for error. The achievements are likewise tough to get as several of the single player ones require exceptional scores and times, and the multiplayer ones may require boosting.

Positives

• Good Graphics
• Fun to play
• Online Multiplayer
• Only 800 MS Points

Negatives

• Music quite tinny
• Girlfriend becomes annoying
• Multiplayer lobbies need autotimers
• Multiplayer Quick Games needs option to exclude Races in progress
• Difficult Achievements

My Recommendation

Consider – 7/10

Outrun Online is a fair checkpoint racing game and despite its limitations is good value for money. If you like this type of game and dont have access to another version of Outrun then I recommend giving Outrun Online Arcade a try

Video Review

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27xnN_wI7TY[/youtube]