Out-Run, oh all the great things I have to say. The Genesis port of the arcade classic was great, and the Master System version was decent as well. What about the Game Gear version? Well surprisingly, its a bit different. Its better then the Master System version, but not as good as the Genesis version.
Gameplay B: The gameplay has aged quite well. Controlling the red sports car is a breeze, and weaving around traffic is fun. I like how there are two different paths you can take, for each area of the course of the game. Its fun to see every area, and go through it. You can switch between automatic transmission, and manual transmission. I prefer automatic for two reasons. One, you don't have to worry about switching, and two, its easy to accidentally switch between high and low gear. Another flaw is the timer. Area tend to drag out for too long, and the timer doesn't count seconds real well, a second is more then that for sure. The other versions of Out-Run, had quick, and short areas that gave the game an arcade appeal. Despite these flaws, Out-Run is a blast to play, and anybody can enjoy it. Anywhere, anytime.
Graphics B+: This game looks AMAZING for a Game Gear Game. It looks quite pixelated on an emulator, but on my little Game Gear screen this game looks great. I can't get enough of that gorgeous beach in the beginning. The bright sunny visuals, make me miss living near the coast. Whats also cool is that you can see the ocean rotate with the road on the side. Just like the arcade. Other areas include, a mountain range, a desert, 2 citys, rusty ruins, and many more. Each area looks great, and the illusion of speed is great. So whats the catch. Well, being on an 8-bit handheld, you can't expect smooth scaling. The scaling is choppy, on par with the Master System version. The hills look pretty bad as well, I really didn't feel like I was going up a hill. I just felt like the road bulged. Unlike the Master System version however, the graphics don't get in the way of the gameplay. Turning signals appear on the top of you're screen warning you of an oncoming turn.
Sound A-: There are 3 tunes you can listen to while playing the game. Passing Breeze, and Musical Sound Shower. Are simple, yet calm tunes that feel relaxing as you drive. Splash Wave however is a bit different. Its more upbeat, and gets you pumped up. The sound effects are simple, but they don't get annoying.
Replay Value/Addictiveness A: There are 5 final destinations, and seeing all of them, is part of the fun. Being an arcade game, you also want to come back for a high score, and a fastest time. As a nice plus, you can race with the computer, or a friend.
Depth A: With a few gameplay modes, and options, several endings, and several areas. Out-Run has a lot to offer for an arcade style game.
Difficulty Medium: A nice challenge, what more can I say?
Overall Rating A-
Grading Rubric +: Slightly Better -: Slightly Worse A: Game either reaches perfection, or nearly reaches it. Very few flaws, if any can ruin the experience. B: Game is good, and enjoyable, but a few obvious flaws, can downgrade the game a bit. C: Game is average, its okay, enough to pass, but certain things don't work out. D: Bad, game is flawed, and not very enjoyable. However the game would have a few things going for it. F: Awful, you won't like this game no matter what. Its very rare I give this grade. Only the really horrible games deserve it. Out-Run, oh all the great things I have to say. The Genesis port of the arcade classic was great, and the Master System version was decent as well. What about the Game Gear version? Well surprisingly, its a bit different. Its better then the Master System version, but not as good as the Genesis version.
Gameplay B: The gameplay has aged quite well. Controlling the red sports car is a breeze, and weaving around traffic is fun. I like how there are two different paths you can take, for each area of the course of the game. Its fun to see every area, and go through it. You can switch between automatic transmission, and manual transmission. I prefer automatic for two reasons. One, you don't have to worry about switching, and two, its easy to accidentally switch between high and low gear. Another flaw is the timer. Area tend to drag out for too long, and the timer doesn't count seconds real well, a second is more then that for sure. The other versions of Out-Run, had quick, and short areas that gave the game an arcade appeal. Despite these flaws, Out-Run is a blast to play, and anybody can enjoy it. Anywhere, anytime.
Graphics B+: This game looks AMAZING for a Game Gear Game. It looks quite pixelated on an emulator, but on my little Game Gear screen this game looks great. I can't get enough of that gorgeous beach in the beginning. The bright sunny visuals, make me miss living near the coast. Whats also cool is that you can see the ocean rotate with the road on the side. Just like the arcade. Other areas include, a mountain range, a desert, 2 citys, rusty ruins, and many more. Each area looks great, and the illusion of speed is great. So whats the catch. Well, being on an 8-bit handheld, you can't expect smooth scaling. The scaling is choppy, on par with the Master System version. The hills look pretty bad as well, I really didn't feel like I was going up a hill. I just felt like the road bulged. Unlike the Master System version however, the graphics don't get in the way of the gameplay. Turning signals appear on the top of you're screen warning you of an oncoming turn.
Sound A-: There are 3 tunes you can listen to while playing the game. Passing Breeze, and Musical Sound Shower. Are simple, yet calm tunes that feel relaxing as you drive. Splash Wave however is a bit different. Its more upbeat, and gets you pumped up. The sound effects are simple, but they don't get annoying.
Replay Value/Addictiveness A: There are 5 final destinations, and seeing all of them, is part of the fun. Being an arcade game, you also want to come back for a high score, and a fastest time. As a nice plus, you can race with the computer, or a friend.
Depth A: With a few gameplay modes, and options, several endings, and several areas. Out-Run has a lot to offer for an arcade style game.
Difficulty Medium: A nice challenge, what more can I say?
Overall Rating A-
Grading Rubric +: Slightly Better -: Slightly Worse A: Game either reaches perfection, or nearly reaches it. Very few flaws, if any can ruin the experience. B: Game is good, and enjoyable, but a few obvious flaws, can downgrade the game a bit. C: Game is average, its okay, enough to pass, but certain things don't work out. D: Bad, game is flawed, and not very enjoyable. However the game would have a few things going for it. F: Awful, you won't like this game no matter what. Its very rare I give this grade. Only the really horrible games deserve it. |