Last week finally saw the release of 3D OutRun in Australia after a long and painful wait, luckily we also got Thunderblade and the two Fantasy Zone game on the same day. Obviously I downloaded them all as soon as I was near a Wi-Fi point.

Below is my impression of the game after having it for a week.

I like the icon and the OutRun music sample when you hover over the selection. The 3D rotating model of the deluxe cabinet is wonderful.

  
[Above – rotating cabinet of the classic arcade machine]

The OutRun title screen is adapted from the Artwork that is also seen on a Stand Up OutRun cabinet. [Below]

  
I had a play around in the options and tried out the different screen settings for playing the game. This includes  adjustment to the screen size and moving HUD. I’ve enjoyed playing games like Afterburner with the screen bezel visible but with OutRun Ive found the options below have been my personal choice.

 
I didn’t like having the bezel visible as it made the play area look to compressed and gave a poor car image resolution. Same goes for having a moving cabinet. Right now Widescreen mode with” HUD OFF” seemed the best option.

What is everyone else’s thoughts on this?

Within a week of playing I had completed the game across all Goals A – E which will unlock “Arcade” mode. Arcade mode runs at 50fps like the original where as “Special” runs at 60fps with enhanced coding removing some of the sprite issues etc of the original. (Like the improvements Chris White has made during his OutRun Canonball project)

  
Having completed all Goals within a week I’ve found the default settings perhaps easier than the arcade. I would up the difficulty if you are going to download it.

There are 2 new music tracks and I being a fan of the original music I was a little skeptical, but I have been converted, these new tracks are a beautiful extension to the OutRun experience…….I’ve only really played the game with the new tracks in the first week of play. They really are great and are really just a variation to the original three.

  
M2 have done a great job with this conversion, I’m a huge OutRun fan and  I was gutted that the Testerossa was going to be replaced but one week in I no longer care…it’s still OutRun, OutRun portable, that you can take anywhere and it great!

There are a few other extras that are unlocked when you complete a Goal like  collision slowdown reduction, no skidding etc. These all have their own leaderboards. I’ve not played these variations as yet as I’m a purist but it will no doubt add some long term play factor to the game.

I love 3D OutRun and I think I will keep this for ever! What you experience of the game? Please comment below and let me know your thoughts.