Reviewed
06.13.2005
Publisher
Microsoft
/ Sega
Developer
AM2
/ Sumo Digital
Format
1x
DVD
Origin
Import
/ Domestic
Available
Oct.,
2004 (USA)
Exclusive
Yes
Difficulty
Adjustable
Dimensions
3D
View
1st/3rd
Person
Genre
Arcade
/ Racing
Player(s)
1-4
1-8
Link
1-8
Online
Options
Backup
Headset
Dolby
Digital
Link
Vibration
Xbox
Live
Requires
n/a
Importable
n/a |
| Intro |
|
> The original OutRun took arcades by storm in the 80's,
courtesy of fledgling first-party Sega developer, AM2.
Nearly 20 years later, the race continues at home and online, thanks to
Microsoft's
Xbox and Sumo Digital. The arcade-to-home conversion
was most likely a breeze, since the arcade version is on Xbox-based
hardware.
> At the heart of OutRun 2 is the same formula that made
the series a success. You travel through and expanding pyramid of
routes in an attempt to reach one of five final destinations before time
runs out. New modes, cars and highly updated scenery round out the
improvements. |
| Graphics |
|
> Stunning. Sumo Digital / AM2 did an excellent job
of putting the Xbox's graphical prowess to use. The
scenery is colorful, attractive, detailed and flies bye ever so smoothly.
The car models are top notch with all the expected effects, including shadows,
reflections and animated passengers. Since drifting is such a large
part of OutRun 2, I need to point out how sweet the smoking-tire
effects look as well. Honestly, I can't think of anything to complain
about in this department. |
| Control |
|
> This is where OutRun 2 has arguably made its largest leap
forward. The gameplay now centers around massive amounts of drifting,
very much like Scud
Race/Super GT. I've always dreamed of a day when I could
play Scud Race/Super GT at home, and OutRun 2
surely comes the closest (at least in the gameplay department). Although
I'm sure a racing wheel peripheral would provide the best arcade experience,
all this drifting is easily achieved with the Xbox controller!
There's lots of officially licensed Ferrari super-cars to
choose from (once they're all unlocked), but of course the Enzo
is a dream-fantasy come true. Once you get the drifting down, it's
just a matter of passing cars and hitting the gates before time runs out.
In other modes you may also need to hit cones, follow certain paths and/or
perform massive drifts. What can I say? Exceptional. |
| Sound |
|
> All your favorite OutRun tunes have made the cut, as have
their remixes and even some brand new songs. The sound effects are
top notch, and include voice cues, screeching tires, warnings, and more.
What's here is great. However, had the new songs been awesome, I
would have given this category a higher rating. |
| Fun |
|
> Choose from a myriad of gameplay modes, including Arcade (checkpoint
racing), Heart Attack (impress your lady and capture her heart), Time Attack
(beat the ghost car), Mission (complete 101 missions to unlock secrets),
Party Missions (mission tournament), OutRun Race (race unlocked courses),
and Original OutRun! Thank you for the system link option, in addition
to online racing! OutRun 2 does eventually get old,
but the trip is well worth it. |
| Bottom
Line |
|
> As I predicted in my preview, OutRun2 is checkpoint arcade
racing at its best! Fans of the original OutRun or
Scud
Race/Super GT will definitely love it, and the uninitiated will
soon join the ranks. Honestly, from graphics to gameplay, OutRun
2 exceeded all my expectations. |
| Ratings |
| Overall:
8.9 | Graphics: 9.5 | Control: 9.5 | Sound: 8.5 | Fun: 8.0 |
~
Shinobi ~
|
