OutRun 2019

OutRun 2019
European cover art
Developer(s)Hertz
Publisher(s)
Designer(s)M. Taisi
M. Toma
Composer(s)Shigeki Sako
SeriesOut Run
Platform(s)Mega Drive/Genesis
Release
Genre(s)Racing
Mode(s)Single-player

OutRun 2019 (アウトラン 2019) is a 1993 racing video game for the Mega Drive/Genesis, serving as a pseudo-sequel to Out Run (1986) that takes place in the (then) future: 2019, hence the name. The object is to race against a time limit in a rocket-boosted car across four different stages around the world. Like the original Out Run, there is a fork in the road before each checkpoint, but there can also be forks within a single route.

Stages

OutRun 2019 features four different stages to race across, each one harder than the last. Most routes will split into two routes at their ends like in the original Out Run, but a few routes instead end with either a goal or a convergence with another route.

Also, throughout most of the stages, some routes will diverge, splitting into two different roadways. Usually, some of the roads will lead onto a bridge over ground, over a pit, or over water. Slipping off the bridges will cost the player precious time or force the player onto the ground route if one exists under the bridge.

Sometimes, when the roads split, they will lead to a different kind of road. This is usually seen by means of a three-way diverge sign, which means the player can choose whether to go left, right, or continue forward. For example, on one route in Stage 4, some parts of the road are covered in wet cement. Another features the player driving into a tunnel. The last will lead the player over a bridge.

Finally, there are also secret diverges that can be spotted easily. For example, some areas will have a ramp placed strategically on one side of the road. If hit correctly, the car will fly to one side, and eventually land on a secret roadway. Also, jumping off these ramps can also lead up to overhead bridges on some routes. These secret roads can usually lead to a quicker way to the next route.

Development and release

OutRun 2019 was originally being developed for the Mega-CD as Cyber Road. Development was later moved to the Mega Drive where it was renamed Junker's High[3] before eventually becoming OutRun 2019.

In 2005, OutRun 2019 was re-released as a handheld TV game, as Play TV Legends Outrun 2019. Notably it included a steering wheel controller.[4]

Reception

References

  1. ^ "File:GamePro US 045.pdf" (PDF). Sega Retro. 2024-01-07. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  2. ^ "File:SegaPro UK 21.pdf" (PDF). Sega Retro. 2024-01-07. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  3. ^ Han J. Lee (1992-05-26). "New Mega Drive/Genesis Stuff (part II)". Newsgroup: rec.games.video. Usenet: vshpkINNim3@agate.berkeley.edu.
  4. ^ Harris, Craig (February 22, 2005). "Sega's Menacer Returns". IGN.
  5. ^ Game review, GamePro magazine, November 1992
  6. ^ Game review, EGM magazine, April 1993
  7. ^ Game review, GamePro magazine, May 1993
  8. ^ Game review, GamePro magazine, April 1993
  9. ^ Game review, MAG magazine, April 1993
  10. ^ Mega review, issue 22, page 47, July 1994