OutRun (home computers)

From Sega Retro

n/a

  • Amiga
  • Amstrad CPC
  • Atari ST
  • Commodore 64
    EU
  • Commodore 64
    US
  • IBM PC compatibles
    EGA/Tandy
  • MSX
  • ZX Spectrum

OutRun Amiga title.png

OutRun CPC Title.png

OutRun AtariST Title.png

Notavailable.svg

OutRun C64 Title.png

OutRun IBMPC EGA-Tandy Title.png

OutRun MSX Title.png

Notavailable.svg

OutRun
System(s): Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, IBM PC, MSX, ZX Spectrum
Publisher:
Atari ST
Commodore 64
IBM PC compatibles
Mindscape (US)
Amiga
Amstrad CPC
Atari ST
Commodore 64
ZX Spectrum
U.S. Gold (UK)
Amiga
Amstrad CPC
IBM PC compatibles
MSX
ZX Spectrum
Erbe Software (ES)
Developer:
Genre: Racing

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Amiga
US 		$49.9549.95[2]
Amiga
ES
Amiga
UK 		£24.9924.99[3]
Amiga
UK
(Klassix) 		£9.999.99[4]
Amiga
UK
(Kixx) 		£7.997.99[5]
Atari ST
US 		$49.9549.95[2]
Atari ST
FR 		200F200[10]
Atari ST
UK 		£19.9919.99[7][8][9]
Atari ST
UK
(Kixx) 		£7.997.99[5]
Atari ST
UK
(Klassix) 		£9.999.99[4]
Amstrad CPC
ES
(Cassette)
Amstrad CPC
ES
(Disk)
Amstrad CPC
UK
(Cassette) 		£9.999.99[7][8]
Amstrad CPC
UK
(Disk) 		£14.9914.99[7][8]
Amstrad CPC
UK
(Kixx) 		£3.993.99 KIXX001
Commodore 64
US
(Disk) 		$29.9529.95[2]
Commodore 64
UK
(Cassette) 		£9.999.99[7][8]
Commodore 64
UK
(Disk) 		£11.9911.99[7][8]
Commodore 64
UK
(Kixx) 		£3.993.99[12] KIXX001
ZX Spectrum
UK
(Cassette) 		£8.998.99[7][8]
ZX Spectrum
UK
(Disk) 		£12.9912.99
ZX Spectrum
UK
(Kixx) 		£3.993.99 KIXX001
IBM PC compatibles
US 		$34.9534.95
IBM PC compatibles
ES
(PC Hits) 		1,200Ptas1,200
IBM PC compatibles
UK 		£24.9924.99[13]
MSX
ES 		MSX305
MSX
NL

This short article is in need of work. You can help Sega Retro by adding to it.

The Western home computer versions of OutRun were released between late 1987 and 1989 for the Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, IBM PC, MSX and ZX Spectrum.

History

Release

The U.S. Gold-published version for Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Atari ST and ZX Spectrum sold very well in the UK, shifting over 200,000 copies in its first two weeks of sale,[14][15] during the pre-Christmas period,[16] making it the fastest-selling game in the UK up until that time.[14][16] It was the best-selling game of 1987,[17] having sold over 250,000 copies in December 1987.[18] The Atari ST version was the first 16-bit title to reach the number one slot when it released in May 1988.[19]

Versions

Amstrad CPC version

The Amstrad port of OutRun runs much slower than the arcade version, and lacks any sort of indicator to tell the player whether they are in low or high gear. The only in-game sound effect (or indeed sound full stop, as there is no in-game music) is a beeping noise made when the car skids around corners. There are also no crash sequences should the player make a mistake - the car is just teleported into the middle of the road. This version does, however allow the player to adjust the "traffic" (i.e. difficulty).

As a multi-load game, the Amstrad CPC version will pause between stages as the new track is loaded from disk (or cassette).

According to programmer Alan Laird, the Amstrad CPC version was built upon the code of the ZX Spectrum. As that release was developed with the Programmers Development System[1], it is thought that the CPC version was as well.

Atari ST version

Despite running on more capable hardware than some of its siblings, the Atari ST version of OutRun lacks the forks in the road and runs with a low frame rate.

Commodore 64 version

The Commodore 64 version is missing Passing Breeze from its music selection, and also lacks the splits in the road, meaning there is only one possible journey in the game.

This port is widely thought to have been rushed to market by U.S. Gold to capitalise on the holiday season of 1987.

IBM PC versions

The original version of OutRun shipped with an oversight, meaning Hercules graphics cards were not supported, despite the launcher claiming otherwise. The data for the Hercules mode exists on disk in a file called "CHEVY.PES" - if the user renames this as "CHEVY.EXE" and runs "OUTRUN HERC", Hercules mode will be enabled. The launcher fails to provide the correct "HERC" argument so fails to load that version of the game.

A newer version fixes Hercules support, and also swaps out the announcer in Tandy mode from male to female.

MSX version

The MSX version of the game seemingly borrows some of its graphics from the ZX Spectrum port, but the code behind it is entirely different, with less responsive controls and jerky corner sections. There are no sound effects, and the music (Magical Sound Shower) restarts whenever the player crashes.

ZX Spectrum version

The Spectrum port shares several of the same problems as the Amstrad conversion, though is slightly faster, generally more detailed and as a 128k release, also includes music (though it is not selectable - the game only contains Magical Sound Shower). Traffic can also be adjusted, however the game suffers from noticeable slowdown when too many objects on on-screen at once. There are also obvious colour limitations due to the hardware.

The ZX Spectrum version of the game was controversial, having originally appeared in popular UK Spectrum magazine Your Sinclair with far superior graphics than what was seen in the final product[20]. U.S. Gold's attempts at brushing this off as a platform limitation were trumped by the existence of Ocean Software's Spectrum conversion of Chase H.Q., widely seen as a much more technically competent conversion. Your Sinclair subsequently gave the game a suspiciously high 8/10 rating[21].

According to programmer Alan Laird, the ZX Spectrum version was developed with the Programmers Development System.[1]

Production credits

Amiga version

  • OutRun © Sega 1987, 1988
CBM Amiga Program
Source:
In-game credits ("Show Info" menu)


Amstrad CPC version

Source:
In-game credits


Atari ST version

  • OutRun © Sega 1986
Atari ST Program
Source:
In-game credits ("Show Info" menu)


Commodore 64 version

  • U.S. Gold Presents the Coin Op Conversion of OutRun™ ©1986 Sega
  • Converted to CBM64 by: Amazing Products
  • Programme by: Martin Webb
  • Graphics by: Dennis Webb
  • Music and FX by: Jas. Brooke
Source:
In-game credits (title screen roll)


IBM PC version

Source:
In-game credits (title screen roll)


ZX Spectrum version

  • Artwork created by: Camel Advertising Sheffield
  • Audio Soundtrack: Reproduced from the arcade version, mastered and edited by: Ablex Audio Video Ltd.
  • Programming: Amazing Products Ltd, Probe Software
  • Duplication: Ablex Audio Video Ltd.
  • Production Co-ordinator: Bob Kenrick
  • Director: Geoff Brown
  • Public Relations and Publicity: Richard Tidsall
  • Marketing Co-ordination: Tim Chaney
Source:
In-game credits
Source:
Developer statements

Magazine articles

Main article: OutRun (home computers)/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: OutRun (home computers)/Promotional material.

Physical scans

Amiga version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
ACE (UK)
82
[22]
Commodore User (UK)
67
[23]
The Games Machine (IT)
79
[24]
The Games Machine (UK)
75
[3]
New Computer Express (UK)
25
[25]
Zzap!64 (UK)
41
[26]
Amiga
 62
Based on
6 reviews

OutRun (home computers)

Amiga, UK/FR
OutRun Amiga UK-FR Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngOutRun Amiga UK-FR Box Front.jpg
Cover
OutRun Amiga UK-FR Disk.jpg
Disk
Amiga, UK (Kixx)

Amiga, UK (Klassix)
OutRun Amiga EU Klassix Box Front.jpg
Cover
OutRun Amiga UK Disk Klassix.jpg
Disk
Amiga, ES
OutRun Amiga EU Erbe Box Front.jpg
Cover

Amstrad CPC version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Computer & Video Games (UK)
20
[27]
Micromanía (ES)
90
[28]
Power Play (DE)
20
[29]
Amstrad CPC
 43
Based on
3 reviews

OutRun (home computers)

Amstrad CPC, UK (disk)
OutRun CPC EU Box.jpg
Cover
OutRun Amstrad EU Disk.jpg
Disk
Amstrad CPC, UK (disk) (alt)

OutRun CPC EU Disk Back Alt.jpgOutRun CPC EU Disk Front Alt.jpg
Disk
Amstrad CPC, UK (cassette)
OutRun CPC EU Box Cassette.jpg
Cover
OutRun CPC EU Cassette.jpg
Cassette
OutRun CPC EU Cassette Audio.jpg
Audio Cassette
Amstrad CPC, UK (Kixx)
OutRun CPC EU Box Cassette Kixx.jpg
Cover
Amstrad CPC, ES (disk)
OutRun CPC ES Box Erbe.jpg
Cover
OutRun CPC ES Disk Erbe.jpg
Disk
Amstrad CPC, ES (disk) (Alt)
OutRun CPC ES Box Erbe Alt.jpg
Cover
OutRun CPC ES Disk Erbe Alt.jpg
Disk
Amstrad CPC, ES (cassette)
OutRun CPC ES Box Cassette Erbe.jpg
Cover

Atari ST version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
ACE (UK)
87
[30]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
70
[31]
The Games Machine (UK)
79
[32]
Génération 4 (FR)
78
[33]
Power Play (DE)
50
[34]
Tilt (FR)
80
[35]
Atari ST
 74
Based on
6 reviews

OutRun (home computers)

Atari ST, US
OutRun AtariST US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngOutRun AtariST US Box Front.jpg
Cover
Atari ST, UK
OutRun Atari ST EU Box Back.jpgNospine-small.pngOutRun Atari ST EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
OutRun Atari ST EU Disk.jpg
Disk
Atari ST, UK (Klassix)
OutRun AtariST UK klassix back.jpgNospine-small.pngOutRun AtariST UK klassix front.jpg
Cover

Commodore 64 version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
ACE (UK)
61
[36]
Commodore Force (UK)
41
[37]
Commodore User (UK)
60
[38]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
60
[27]
Computer & Video Games (UK)
48
[39]
The Games Machine (UK)
67
[40]
Micromanía (ES)
90
[28]
Popular Computing Weekly (UK)
65
[41]
Power Play (DE)
30
[29]
Your Commodore (UK)
25
[42]
Zzap!64 (UK)
68
[43]
Commodore 64
 56
Based on
11 reviews

OutRun (home computers)

Commodore 64, US
OutRun C64 US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngOutRun C64 US Box Front.jpg
Cover
OutRun C64 US Disk.jpg
Disk
Commodore 64, US
OutRun C64 US Box Back Alt.jpgNospine.pngOutRun C64 US Box Front Alt.jpg
Cover
Commodore 64, UK (cassette)
OutRun C64 EU Box Back.jpgOutRun C64 EU Box Front.jpg
Cover
OutRun C64 EU Cassette.jpg
Cassette
OutRun C64 EU Audio Cassette.jpg
Audio Cassette
Commodore 64, UK (disk)
OutRun C64 EU Box Disk.jpg
Cover
OutRun C64 UK Disk.jpg
Disk
Commodore 64, UK (Kixx)
OutRun C64 EU Box Kixx.jpg
Cover

IBM PC version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
New Computer Express (UK)
0
[44]
The One (UK)
80
[13]
IBM PC compatibles
 40
Based on
2 reviews

OutRun (home computers)

IBM PC, US (5¼-inch floppy disk)
OutRun DOS US Box Back.jpgNospine.pngOutRun DOS US Box Front.jpg
Cover
OutRun DOS US Disk1 525.jpg
Disk 1
IBM PC, US (3½-inch floppy disk)

OutRun DOS US Disk1 35.jpg
Disk
IBM PC, ES
OutRun IBMPC ES Box.jpg
Cover
IBM PC, ES (Top PC)
OutRun IBMPC ES Box Back TopPC.jpgNospine-small.pngOutRun IBMPC ES Box Front TopPC.jpg
Cover
OutRun IBMPC ES Disk TopPC.jpg
Disk
IBM PC, ES (PC Hits)
OutRun IBMPC ES Box Back PCHits.jpgNospine-small.pngOutRun IBMPC ES Box Front PCHits.jpg
Cover

IBM PC/Amiga version

IBM PC/Amiga, UK
OutRun IBMPC-Amiga UK Box Back Kixx.jpgNospine-small.pngOutRun IBMPC-Amiga UK Box Front Kixx.jpg
Cover

MSX version

MSX, UK (cassette)

MSX, ES (cassette)
OutRun MSX ES Box Back.jpgOutRun MSX ES Box.jpg
Cover
OutRun MSX ES Cassette.jpg
Cassette
MSX, NL (disk)

OutRun MSX NL Disk.jpg
Disk

ZX Spectrum version

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
Crash (UK)
72
[14]
Crash (UK)
58
[45]
The Games Machine (UK)
61
[40]
Micromanía (ES)
90
[28]
Sinclair User (UK)
80
[46]
Sinclair User (UK)
81
[47]
Your Sinclair (UK)
80
[21]
Your Sinclair (UK)
61
[48]
ZX Spectrum
 73
Based on
8 reviews

OutRun (home computers)

ZX Spectrum, UK (cassette)
OutRun Spectrum EU Box.jpg
Cover
ZX Spectrum, UK (disk)
OutRun Spectrum EU Box Disk.jpg
Cover
OutRun Spectrum EU Disk.jpg
Disk
ZX Spectrum, UK
(cassette) (Kixx)
OutRun Spectrum EU Box Kixx.jpg
Cover
OutRun Spectrum UK Cassette Kixx.jpg
Cassette
ZX Spectrum, ES
(cassette)
OutRun Spectrum ES Box Cassette Erbe.jpg
Cover
ZX Spectrum, ES
(disk)

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Interview: Alan Laird (2000-01-02) by reassembler.blogspot.com
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 File:CGW US 053.pdf, page 59
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Games Machine, "January 1989" (UK; 1988-12-15), page 40
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Computer & Video Games, "July 1989" (UK; 1989-06-xx), page 116
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Computer & Video Games, "February 1991" (UK; 1991-01-16), page 66
  6. ↑ The Games Machine, "February 1988" (UK; 1988-01-21), page 62
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 Computer & Video Games, "December 1987" (UK; 1987-11-15), page 7
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 Computer & Video Games, "January 1988" (UK; 1987-12-15), page 51
  9. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "March 1988" (UK; 1988-02-15), page 62
  10. ↑ Génération 4, "Eté 1988" (FR; 1988-0x-xx), page 8
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Computer & Video Games, "January 1988" (UK; 1987-12-15), page 137
  12. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "December 1990" (UK; 1990-11-16), page 97
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 The One, "June 1989" (UK; 1989-05-xx), page 18
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 File:Crash UK 49.pdf, page 22 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":File:Crash UK 49.pdf_p22" defined multiple times with different content
  15. ↑ ACE, "March 1988" (UK; 1988-02-04), page 10
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Your Sinclair, "March 1988" (UK; 1988-02-xx), page 7
  17. ↑ File:TGM UK 13.pdf, page 10
  18. ↑ ACE, "July 1988" (UK; 1988-xx-xx), page 31
  19. ↑ Popular Computing Weekly, "Vol. 7 No. 22" (UK; 1988-06-02), page 6
  20. ↑ Your Sinclair, "December 1987" (UK; 1987-11-xx), page 57
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 Your Sinclair, "March 1988" (UK; 1988-02-xx), page 28
  22. ↑ ACE, "February 1989" (UK; 1989-xx-xx), page 68
  23. ↑ Commodore User, "December 1988" (UK; 1988-11-26), page 29
  24. ↑ The Games Machine, "xxxx 198x" (IT; 1988-12-15), page 44
  25. ↑ New Computer Express, "November 19, 1988" (UK; 1988-11-17), page 31
  26. ↑ Zzap!64, "February 1989" (UK; 1989-01-12), page 77
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Computer & Video Games, "February 1988" (UK; 1988-01-15), page 25
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Micromanía, "Febrero 1988" (ES; 1988-xx-xx), page 12
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 Power Play, "Ausgabe 3" (DE; 1988-02-22), page 46
  30. ↑ ACE, "July 1988" (UK; 1988-xx-xx), page 64
  31. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "June 1988" (UK; 1988-05-15), page 30
  32. ↑ The Games Machine, "June 1988" (UK; 1988-05-19), page 66
  33. ↑ Génération 4, "Septembre/Octobre 1988" (FR; 1988-0x-xx), page 32
  34. ↑ Power Play, "Ausgabe 6" (DE; 1988-07-25), page 78
  35. ↑ Tilt, "Julliet/Août 1988" (FR; 1988-0x-xx), page 34
  36. ↑ ACE, "February 1988" (UK; 1988-01-xx), page 38
  37. ↑ Commodore Force, "August 1993" (UK; 1993-06-24), page 17
  38. ↑ Commodore User, "January 1988" (UK; 1987-12-2x), page 18
  39. ↑ Computer & Video Games, "December 1990" (UK; 1990-11-16), page 45
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 The Games Machine, "February 1988" (UK; 1988-01-21), page 61
  41. ↑ Popular Computing Weekly, "Vol. 6 No. 52" (UK; 1987-12-31), page 17
  42. ↑ Your Commodore, "January 1991" (UK; 1990-12-xx), page 37
  43. ↑ Zzap!64, "February 1988" (UK; 1988-01-14), page 87
  44. ↑ New Computer Express, "May 20, 1989" (UK; 1989-05-18), page 42
  45. ↑ Crash, "December 1990" (UK; 1990-11-15), page 63
  46. ↑ Sinclair User, "January 1988" (UK; 1987-12-18), page 13
  47. ↑ Sinclair User, "November 1990" (UK; 1990-xx-xx), page 60
  48. ↑ Your Sinclair, "November 1990" (UK; 1990-10-xx), page 79


OutRun (home computers)

OutRun Amiga title.png

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OutRun series of games
Arcade
 OutRun (1986) | Turbo OutRun (1989) | OutRunners (1992) | OutRun 2 (2003) | OutRun 2 SP (2004) | OutRun 2 SP SDX (2006)
Sega Master System
 OutRun (1987) | OutRun 3D (1988) | Battle OutRun (1989) | OutRun Europa (1991)
Windows PC
 OutRun (1987) | Turbo OutRun (1989) | OutRun Europa (1991) | OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (2006)
MSX
 OutRun (1988)
FM Towns/FM Towns Marty
 Turbo OutRun (1989)
LCD handheld game
 OutRun (1989) | OutRun F-1 (19xx)
Sega Mega Drive
 OutRun (1991) | Turbo OutRun (1992) | OutRun 2019 (1993) | OutRunners (1994) | Arcade Legends OutRun 2019 (200x)
Sega Game Gear
 OutRun (1991) | OutRun Europa (1992)
Sega Saturn
 Sega Ages OutRun (1996)
i-mode 503i
 OutRun (2001)
Sony PlayStation 2
 Sega Ages 2500 Series Vol. 13: OutRun (2004) | OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (2006) | OutRun 2 SP (2007)
Xbox
 OutRun 2 (2004) | OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (2006)
Sony PlayStation Portable
 OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast (2006)
Xbox 360
Sony PlayStation 3
 OutRun Online Arcade (2009)
Nintendo 3DS
 3D OutRun (2014)
Nintendo Switch
 Sega Ages OutRun (2018)
OutRun-related media
Music
 OutRun (1992) | Virtua Racing & OutRunners (1993) | Yu Suzuki Produce OutRun (1997) | Sega Presents OutRun 2: Music Through the Ages (2004) | OutRun 2 Sound Tracks (2004) | OutRun 2 Sound Tracks: Side B (2005) | OutRun Sound Tracks: Complement (2007) | OutRun 20th Anniversary Box (2007) | OutRun (2016) | Sega Ages OutRun: Music Collection (2019)
Film
 OutRun (1987) | OutRun (1988) | Super Monaco GP / Turbo OutRun (1989) | Out Run/Turbo Out Run Strategy Movie ＆ S.S.T. Band Live+1 (2007)
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