Table of Contents
Welcome to the high-speed, neon-infused world of Out Run on the Sega Genesis, where the rubber burns, the scenery blurs, and the soundtrack is as iconic as the gameplay. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either a curious newbie aiming to tame this beast or a seasoned veteran looking to fine-tune your skills to near-mythical levels. Either way, you’re in for a treat. Buckle up, as we dive into the thrilling universe of “Out Run” – a game where mastering gas, gears, and the Genesis controller isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a necessity.
Why not the arcade version you ask? Well let me hit you with the answer, tons of guides exist on the interweb for the ol’ sit down cruiser. The Gen\Mega Drive version is a totally different beast in how it operates. The biggest change is that you are using digital controls instead of analog, on top of that the hardware architecture is completely different than the arcade. The arcade cabinet was a Sega superscaler, and as you can see from the video below, its 16-bit home counterpart is most definitely not!
That isn’t to say that the home port is held back because of this, the gameplay is just as deep but in a different way as you will see later on when I go into detail. For a time, I was the world champ, so I have some pretty good insight into how the game operates!
Getting the Right Setup
If you are going for a world record on Twin Galaxies, you are going to need a few key items.
- An actual Genesis made by Sega
- An official 3 or 6 button controller
- A way to record your run. Needs to be a camera pointed at your TV, not a direct feed video from the system
- The original cartridge for the game. No bootlegs or flash carts allowed
- Make sure that the video captures you turning on the Genesis, and show your controller to the camera
- Obviously, no cheat devices like the Game Genie
Out Run: Hyper Racing Edition
I’ve got a little more knowledge for you. If you want to compete at the highest level, you are going to have to play in Hyper mode. The game runs MUCH faster, and because of this your scores will be substantially higher. The way you activate Hyper mode is simple. Once you have booted the game, hit start and when you see this screen:
Press the “C” button on your controller 10 times. Now select options and under LEVEL you should now be able to select HYPER like in this picture:
Hitting the Gas: A Beginner’s Guide to Out Run
First and foremost, let’s talk acceleration. In “Out Run,” your finger’s relationship with the gas button (by default the “B” button in the US and Europe) is what separates the tourists from the legends. This isn’t a Sunday drive; it’s a pedal-to-the-metal sprint against time itself. The key is knowing when to push the speedometer to the limit, and when to ease off for tactical maneuvering.
Some curves will not require you to ease off the gas. Some turns you will have to stop pressing the gas and glide through the turn. Others you will have to jam the brake button (“A” in the US and Europe), and then punch the gas when leaving the turn.
Mastering the art of the perfect start is your first step to glory. As the countdown begins, push the gas and time it so that as soon as “Go” flashes on the screen, you have the engine in the green. (see below)
Timing is crucial here – too early, and you have to wait to build up speed; too late, and you peel out wasting valuable time. It’s like trying to get the last slice of pizza at a party; timing is everything.
Lastly, understanding the terrain is vital. Each of Out Run’s various paths offers unique challenges, from tight curves to treacherous traffic. Learning how and when to hit the gas across these landscapes is what will elevate you from a mere participant to a road-dominating phenom. Think of each route as a different flavor of ice cream; they’re all good, but you’ll find your favorite with a bit of experimentation.
Shifting Success: Gears
Now, let’s shift gears – quite literally. In “Out Run,” your gearbox is your best friend or your worst enemy; there’s no in-between. Mastery of the manual shift is a rite of passage. It’s about feeling the rhythm of the road and knowing exactly when to kick it up a notch or dial it back. And trust me, getting this right feels more satisfying than popping bubble wrap.
Paying attention to your dashboard is crucial. Your RPM (Revolutions per Minute) meter isn’t just for show; it’s the key to knowing when to shift. When that bad boy goes from dark blue to green that is when you want to shift gears from Low to High.
Captain Obvious Says… Avoid Crashing
Remember, your Ferrari is a beast of a machine; treat it with respect! The worst time penalty in the game comes from a full-on crash. You will know when it happens because your car flips over and you and your girlfriend fly out of the car!
The biggest threat that will cause a crash is roadside obstacles. The speed penalty for going offroad is small, and sometimes you have to do it to avoid traffic; but be very careful! Colliding with a house or sign will send you on the walk of shame over to your system to hit the reset button.
A minor crash can also occur from rear ending another vehicle on the road, but the time penalty is minimal compared to an offroad crash. If you have to come to a complete stop it will STILL be better than crashing. Just throw it into low gear and start building speed again.
Sweet, Glorious Music
The right tune can set the mood for your entire run. Choose wisely, as a great soundtrack is like wind beneath your wings – or, in this case, tires.
Check these jams out right here, at Gamesboro Radio!
Final Thoughts
Finally, achieving glory in “Out Run” is about combining your skills with gas and gears with your ability to adapt. Each playthrough can bring something new, and being able to think on your feet (or, more appropriately, your wheels) can make all the difference. It’s like assembling a puzzle at 200 miles per hour – exhilarating, challenging, and utterly addictive.
Mastering “Out Run” on the Sega Genesis is an art form that requires patience, practice, and a touch of recklessness. Whether you’re a newbie hitting the gas for the first time or a seasoned pro fine-tuning your gear shifts, the journey to becoming an “Out Run” legend is filled with gas, gears, and guts. So, embrace the speed, cherish the challenge, and remember – in the world of “Out Run,” it’s not just about reaching the finish line; it’s about how you get there. Fire up your engines, and let’s hit the road!