Out Run
1986 · Racing · Arcade
Overview
Out Run is a 1986 racing video game developed and published by Sega for arcades. It is known for its pioneering hardware and graphics, nonlinear gameplay, a selectable soundtrack with music composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, and the hydraulic motion simulator deluxe arcade cabinet. The goal is to avoid traffic and reach one of five destinations before time runs out.
Deep Dive
Out Run is a 1986 racing video game developed and published by Sega for arcades. It is known for its pioneering hardware and graphics, nonlinear gameplay, a selectable soundtrack with music composed by Hiroshi Kawaguchi, and the hydraulic motion simulator deluxe arcade cabinet. The goal is to avoid traffic and reach one of five destinations before time runs out.
Developer Story
Out Run was designed by Yu Suzuki at Sega in 1986. Suzuki drove across Europe for research, photographing roads, landscapes, and architecture for the game's backdrops. The game was the first to offer a branching route system — five different finish lines reached by choosing at each fork. A radio-cassette player in the cockpit let players choose between three musical tracks at the start. Out Run became the definitive "feel-good" racing game.
Did You Know?
- Suzuki drove across Europe in a Ferrari Testarossa specifically to research Out Run's visual style and road feel.
- The branching route system — five different endings — was the first racing game to offer genuine choice of destination.
- Players chose their soundtrack from three Sega original compositions at the start — unprecedented player control over game music.
- The Ferrari Testarossa in the game was a real licensed vehicle, one of the first games to feature an officially licensed car brand.
- Out Run's "travel as lifestyle" concept — driving with a blonde passenger, choosing scenic routes — was revolutionary compared to competitive racing games.
