This is a classic that I’ve enjoyed since my first introduction in 2013. Since then I’ve been grabbing every version I’m able to obtain onto my collection from 3DS, Switch, even the Xbox by Shenmue 1+2. An early classic of the arcades yet it never gets old. This is Outrun for MAME.

Graphics: 10
Before you say anything, think about it. Back in the days of early arcades, Sega was growing to be a powerhouse with many classic like Space Harrier, Hang-On, After Burner and so on. One of those classic is of course Outrun. The graphics were spectacular for its time with hills going up smoothly and turns so smooth when they come around. The background is beautiful with sprites of spectators and the beautiful sceneries of every stage. Trees, branches, even stones and other cars looked remarkable for its time. This was a game that you would gladly give your quarters to for the graphics themselves.

Addictive: 10
Once you put your 25¢ in and hear the engine roar you know you gonna want to stay in the cabinet for hours just driving through the scenery and just be taken a-breath of how simple yet addicting the gameplay is. This was a game that had no par during its time and even then it holds up for a good time waster from time to time. This game, yet simple, still gives you excitement. From what I’ve heard the arcade machines used movement using gyros and hydraulics but since I’ve only played through emulation I won’t have that feeling but I feel like it gave more of an enjoyable ride for the player.

Sound: 10
The music, as many noticed I am a huge music person. If the game has bad music I won’t play it as much. Though this has one of the most iconic soundtracks of Sega’s library. From Magical Showers to Passing Breeze and Splash Wave. These synthesized songs were created to make love with this game and while racing through the scenery

Depth: 5
A simple concept with one game mode and one player yet it offers so much replay value. It’s a Point to Point “race” against the time where the player branches out to different paths in order to reach one of dove destinations labeled “A” to “E”. After counting the paths there are a total of 25 possibilities to mix and match to reach your end goal. The car is a Ferrari and you just avoid obstacles and vehicles through out the game so you won’t get penalized for losing time due to a car wreck or slow down. Overall there’s not much to offer in depth but the replay value is unmatched during its day. Even today there’s a lot to enjoy from.

Difficulty: 9
This is a game that eats quarters. Unlike other games, you get a game over and don’t return where you left off (from the ones I played, especially shenmue) it restarts you at the beginning and must restart the journey one again. This isn’t a cake walk by no means yet you improve as time goes on

Overall: this is a short review compared to others since this was made in 1986. Not much to show off since it only offers one game mode and many paths to follow. I would list them but it’s better to experience it yourself and be in awe by how the graphics were in 1986. This game was one of Sega’s early gems and is a cult classic among many fans. Even today I still play for the fun of it and just enjoy a casual gameplay with it until I reach either my destination or get a game over. This game I can not stress enough I recommend to play if you’re into classics from sega

Overall rating: 8.8
My rating : 9.5