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SEGA AGES Out Run (Switch) Review

by Daan Koopman - November 30, 2018, 3:50 am EST
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This rush never changes, this rush is everlasting.

If you told me to just play one arcade game until the end of time, the title would be Out Run. I've spoken on many occasions how this classic gives me an adrenaline rush every time I play. The intense amount of speed, multiple routes to uncover, and how you deal with obstacles make it one heck of a ride. Out Run is a game that never gets old, which is why I'm pleased to see it on Nintendo Switch. This is the Sega Ages title I've been waiting for, and it lives up to the hype.

If you’ve never played Out Run, there are just two things that you need to know to survive: how to speed and drive. With the analog stick or D-pad and three buttons at the ready, you steer and drift yourself through a variety of flashy environments. At the end of every section, you choose between two different paths and then travel on to new places. A timer is the only real rush to your ride, as the player needs to hit the checkpoint at the end of a section to continue the journey. The controls are simple enough for anyone to understand, but a balance exists with braking and shifting at the right moments to avoid flying off the screen.

With different stages that lead to five different endings, you could technically see the entire game within 20 minutes. This is, however, not how it will go down in most instances. The timer is tight and plenty of other vehicles get in the way. You will need to adjust your routing enough so that you can just pass by the checkpoint. Advanced players can increase the difficulty, while beginners can make the requirements lighter to find their footing. The addition of online leaderboards make the drive to come back and improve on your times more engaging. If the high score chase isn’t for you, your drive through Out Run will be a lot shorter.

The Sega Ages version of Out Run does have some additional features that are stellar to play around with. First of all, a fun motion control option lets you tilt the controller to move. The best experience is to use a split Joy-Con and place it in Nintendo's wheel accessory. As you finish up runs, you are rewarded with mods that can be toggled on or off. The four modifiers allow you to take easier turns, reduce shocks from crashing into obstacles, increase the top speed (350 km/h to be exact), and give you tires that won't slow you down off-road. If you manage to finish up all the routes, you are rewarded a faithful recreation of the original arcade game.

Sega Ages Out Run looks extremely sharp on Nintendo Switch. Various filters allow you to adjust the experience the way you want. For me personally, I went for the widescreen option with smoothing enabled. It gives everything a crisp look that is easy on the eyes. I find that necessary with the heavy usage of scrolling that Out Run puts into practise. The music has a nice variety of pumping and relaxing tracks that completely nail the down. A few tracks are specific to this version, which is a nice touch.

All in all, Sega Ages Out Run just reminds me of how great Out Run is. The game design is still incredibly inviting, offering a nice balance between control and difficulty. That difficulty can be adjusted here, depending on the type of player you are. It is a game that anybody can understand, but pulls no punches all the same. While the game remains a short one, plenty of fun options make it one of the best rides out there. Jump in and feel the rush of my favorite arcade game ever made.

Summary

Pros
  • Mods truly change the game
  • Runs smoothly on Switch
  • Solid graphical and gameplay options
  • Still incredibly fun
Cons
  • On the shorter side

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Switch

Game Profile

Genre Racing
Developer M2
Players1

Worldwide Releases

na: SEGA AGES Out Run
Release Jan 10, 2019
PublisherSega
RatingEveryone
jpn: SEGA AGES Out Run
Release Nov 29, 2018
PublisherSega
eu: SEGA AGES Out Run
Release Jan 2019
PublisherSega
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