Software:OutRun Online Arcade

From HandWiki
Short description: 2009 video game
OutRun Online Arcade
Artwork of a vertical rectangular advertisement. The top portion reads "Out Run" with the words "Online Arcade" beneath it. The foreground consists of a red car on a grey pavement, and the background is a curved sea-side road overlooking the ocean.
Developer(s)Sumo Digital
Publisher(s)Sega
SeriesOut Run
Platform(s)Xbox 360 (Xbox Live Arcade),
PlayStation 3 (PlayStation Network)
ReleaseXbox 360
April 15, 2009[1]
PlayStation 3
  • EU: April 16, 2009
Genre(s)Racing game
Mode(s)Single player, online multiplayer

OutRun Online Arcade is a racing video game and the most recent release in the OutRun series. It was developed by Sumo Digital and published by Sega. The game was released on April 15, 2009 on Xbox Live Arcade and released exclusively in Europe for the PlayStation 3 a day later via the PlayStation Network. Gameplay involves players racing their choice of Ferrari through a selection of fifteen stages in the shortest time possible.

The game was fairly well received by critics. Reviewers generally felt that the game was a faithful adaptation of the OutRun 2 series of games. The upgraded high definition graphics were also lauded. Critics felt that the game was worth the price, but some felt that the amount of available content was lacking considering the cars and stages available in the series' other titles. OutRun Online was taken down from PlayStation Network in October 2010 and it was removed from Xbox Live Arcade in December 2011 due to the expiration of their contract with Ferrari.[2]

Gameplay

In OutRun Online Arcade, the player navigates a car from a rear third-person perspective to race through a selection of fifteen stages. At the end of each stage, the player is presented with a fork in the road that allows the player to choose one of two stages. The left route presents an easier stage, while the right provides a greater challenge.[3] The game times the player's performance, and passing through checkpoints award the player with extra time. Once the timer reaches zero or the player completes the race, the game ends.[3]

Horizontal rectangle video game screenshot that is a digital representation of a city street. A dark-colored car drifts on the street. The screenshot depicts a heads up display that shows a speedometer at the bottom left and numbers at the top that shows a timer and scores.
OutRun Online Arcade features the same arcade-style gameplay found throughout the OutRun series.

OutRun Online Arcade features four modes of play: OutRun, Time Attack, Continuous Race, and Heart Attack. In OutRun mode, the player drives through five of fifteen stages, selecting them en route. The Continuous mode is similar to OutRun mode, but instead the player must drive through all fifteen stages. As in previous games in the series, there is a time limit that is extended upon passing checkpoints.[4] Time Attack mode has the player race a ghost car over a pre-selected set of stages while timed. Time checks are presented to the player at various points on each stage.[4]

Heart Attack mode is an expansion on OutRun mode. In addition to attempting to complete certain stages, a passenger riding in the player's vehicle will frequently request certain stunts and actions. These requests can include passing cars, drifting around bends, driving through marked lanes, knocking over cones, and avoiding crashes into objects for as long as possible. If successful, the player receives hearts from the passenger. Crashing into the scenery results in the player losing hearts. At the end of each section and stage, the player is graded based on the number of hearts received. Should the player reach a goal with a satisfying grade, a romantic ending is displayed.[4]

Players can also compete in multiplayer races with up to six players. The hosting player can adjust options for the race, including the ability to toggle vehicle collisions, give a speed boost to allow slower players to catch up, and set the vehicle performance to normal or tuned.[4] Online leaderboards are also present in the game, divided by game mode, vehicle performance setting, and driving stage.[4]

Development

Partially based on OutRun 2006, the game contains the fifteen courses from OutRun 2 SP and ten officially licensed Ferraris.[5][6] OutRun Online Arcade also supports online head-to-head play for six players,[3] as well as high definition graphics.[7] To promote the game, Sega Europe held a contest in which the winner of a race would receive a trip to Maranello, Italy, where Ferraris are manufactured.[8] The game was released for the Xbox 360 on April 15, 2009, and was part of Microsoft's Days Of Arcade promotion.[9] The PlayStation 3 release followed one day later, exclusive to the European region.[10]

The release was prior to Microsoft's raising of the maximum size of Xbox Live Arcade titles to 2 gigabytes, which would happen later that fall.[11] Because of this, developer Sumo Digital had only 350 megabytes in which to fit the game. In order to fit the game into the size restrictions, several elements of OutRun 2006: Coast 2 Coast were removed from the game, including the fifteen original OutRun 2 stages, several cars, and the player's choice of a passenger.[citation needed] Reviewers speculated that the developer would release additional content, bringing some of the lost content back as downloadable content.[citation needed] However, to date no downloadable content has been released. The game was removed from the PlayStation Network in October 2010, with the Xbox Live Arcade version being scheduled for removal in December 2011.[12] Sega explained that the removal of the title was due to "the expiry of the contract with Ferrari".[12]

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
PS3Xbox 360
1Up.comN/AB+[15]
Edge8/10[16]8/10[16]
Eurogamer8/10[17]8/10[17]
GameProN/AStarStarStarStarHalf star[18]
GameRevolutionB[19]B[19]
GameSpotN/A7.5/10[20]
IGNN/A8/10[3]
OPM (UK)7/10[21]N/A
OXM (US)N/A5.5/10[22]
Teletext GameCentralN/A8/10[24]
Aggregate score
Metacritic78/100[13]79/100[14]

At the time of its release, OutRun Online Arcade received "generally favorable reviews" on both platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[13][14]

Reviewers' overall impressions of the game were positive. GamePro noted the game's high replay value and reasonable price.[18] IGN favorably compared the game to the original 1986 Out Run, adding that it was a great option if "you're looking to waste a few hours drifting".[3] Reviewers were mostly in accord in praising OutRun Online Arcade's arcade-style gameplay.[3][18] They generally appreciated the HD resolutions and the other graphical improvements made to the OutRun 2 engine.[3][15] GameRevolution called the game and its European PS3 import "one of the better-looking 3D games on Xbox Live Arcade and PlayStation Network", citing graphical improvements to the cars in addition to the new lens flare and light bloom features.[19]

Some reviewers complained of faulty multiplayer components.[4][15] VideoGamer.com felt the online portion was lacking considering the inclusion of the word online in the game's title.[4] 1Up.com noted that though the game was worth the price, they would have preferred to pay a higher price to have additional content and a more stable online experience.[15] GameRevolution also expressed disappointment in the fact that game modes and cars from OutRun 2 and OutRun 2006 were excluded from the game.[19]

The game was first in sales on Xbox Live Arcade for the two weeks following its release, dropping to seventh during the third week.[25]

References

  1. ↑ Edward (April 9, 2009). "OutRun Online Arcade Dated". http://blogs.sega.com/2009/04/09/exclusive-outrun-wallpaper-available/. 
  2. ↑ Walker, Richard (October 13, 2010). "OutRun Online Arcade To Be Removed From XBLA Next Year". https://www.xboxachievements.com/news/news-6597-OutRun-Online-Arcade-To-Be-Removed-From-XBLA-Next-Year.html. 
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Goldstein, Hilary (April 15, 2009). "OutRun Online Arcade Review (Xbox 360)". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/04/15/outrun-online-arcade-review. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Orry, Tom (April 16, 2009). "OutRun Online Arcade Review [date mislabeled as "June 6, 2021""]. Resero Network. https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/outrun-online-arcade-review/. 
  5. ↑ Enk, Brian (June 12, 2010). "Top 50 Famous Cars (Ferrari Testarossa from Out Run [sic)"]. IGN Entertainment. http://www.ugo.com/movies/top-famous-cars-top-50-famous-cars-out-run. 
  6. ↑ "OutRun Online Arcade". http://www.sumo-digital.com/games/view/?game=601. 
  7. ↑ Fahey, Mike (March 17, 2009). "OutRun Online Arcade Gallery Races By". G/O Media. https://kotaku.com/outrun-online-arcade-gallery-races-by-5171956. 
  8. ↑ Mitchell, Richard (April 9, 2009). "Sega: Outrun Online Arcade [sic next week, contest announced"]. Yahoo. https://www.engadget.com/2009-04-09-sega-outrun-online-arcade-next-week-contest-announced.html. 
  9. ↑ Klepek, Patrick (March 5, 2009). "Six-Week "Days of Arcade" Promo Starting On Xbox Live Soon". Ziff Davis. http://www.1up.com/news/six-week-days-arcade-promo-starting. 
  10. ↑ Plunkett, Luke (January 20, 2009). "Outrun Online Arcade A 360 Exclusive (Only In America)". G/O Media. https://kotaku.com/outrun-online-arcade-a-360-exclusive-only-in-america-5135823. 
  11. ↑ Brudvig, Erik (September 24, 2009). "TGS 09: 2GB is the Limit for XBLA". Ziff Davis. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/09/24/tgs-09-2gb-is-the-limit-for-xbla. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Silwinski, Alexander (October 12, 2010). "OutRun Online Arcade removed from PSN; XBLA version coming down Dec. 2011". Yahoo. https://www.engadget.com/2010-10-12-outrun-online-arcade-removed-from-psn-xbla-version-coming-down.html. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "OutRun Online Arcade (PS3)". CBS Interactive. http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/outrunonlinearcade. 
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "OutRun Online Arcade for Xbox 360 Reviews". Fandom. https://www.metacritic.com/game/outrun-online-arcade/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 Mielke, James (April 17, 2009). "Outrun Online Arcade Review (XBOX 360)". Ziff Davis. http://www.1up.com/reviews/outrun-online-arcade. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Edge staff (April 21, 2009). "Review: OutRun Online Arcade". Edge (Future plc). http://www.edge-online.com/features/review-outrun-online-arcade. Retrieved May 22, 2023. 
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Welsh, Oli (April 15, 2009). "OutRun Online Arcade". Gamer Network. https://www.eurogamer.net/outrun-online-arcade-review. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Terrones, Terry (April 22, 2009). "XBLA Review: OutRun Online Arcade". GamePro Arcade (IDG Entertainment). http://gparcade.blogfaction.com/article/107781/xbla-review-outrun-online-arcade/. Retrieved May 22, 2023. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 Reboucas, Eduardo (April 23, 2009). "OutRun Online Arcade Review". CraveOnline. https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/43436-outrun-online-arcade-review. 
  20. ↑ Calvert, Justin (April 17, 2009). "OutRun Online Arcade Review (X360)". Fandom. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/outrun-online-arcade-review/1900-6208172/. 
  21. ↑ "OutRun Online Arcade". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK (Future plc): 105. April 2009. 
  22. ↑ "OutRun Online Arcade". Official Xbox Magazine (Future US): 80. May 2009. 
  23. ↑ Jones, Darren (May 21, 2009). "OutRun Online Arcade (PS3)". Retro Gamer (Imagine Publishing) (64). 
  24. ↑ Jenkins, David (April 2009). "OutRun Online Arcade (360)". Teletext Ltd.. http://www.teletext.co.uk/gamecentral/features-reviews/6f82e1e9213f3247834778927623a85e/OutRun%2BOnline%2BArcade%2B%28360%29.aspx. 
  25. ↑ Langley, Ryan (May 12, 2009). "Analysis: April 2009's Xbox Live Arcade Hits, Misses". Informa. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/analysis-april-2009-s-xbox-live-arcade-hits-misses. 
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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