Saturn OutRun: The best version of the classic game because: 60FPS + remixed music?

[parallaxscroll]

http://i30.tinypic.com/23phzq.jpg


Would it not be fair to say that, because the Saturn version of OutRun ported by Rutubo Games in 1996 has a 'smooth mode' allowing it to run at 60FPS, twice the framerate of Sega-AM2's original 1986 coin-op arcade machine which indeed was originally 30FPS and also (in the Japanese Saturn version) has completely remixed arranged music, it is the best version of the classic 1986 OutRun available on any format?


The 60FPS smooth mode is acomplished by:
Going to Options, highlight Game Mode,
hold A + C, press Left or Right.

As I said, the original coin-op arcade machine / PCB cannot run at 60FPS, it is locked at 30FPS. And while there have been a number of re-releases of the original sprite-based 2D OutRun on Dreamcast & Xbox (Shenmue II, Yu Suzuki Game Works Vol 1, OutRun2) there is no version that runs at 60FPS, other than the Saturn version... Not counting possible settings in emulators like MAME where it may (or may not) be able to speed things up with the original arcade ROM (I have not looked into this so I don't know).

Thank you Rutubo Games for improving on AM2's classic with a 60FPS mode which looks beautiful and thank you Hiroshi Miyauchi for composing remixed music.

I realize that the U.S. and Euro versions released in 1997 (Sega Ages 3-in-1 ) lost the new remixed music, they only have arcade music, but they still retain the 60FPS framerate, thankfully.


BTW, here is a probably-incomplete list of classic OutRun games released *excluding* the sequels like Turbo OutRun, OutRun 2019, OutRunners, OutRun2 and its many variants etc. If I missed any, let me know so I can update this list.

Arcade
*OUT RUN HARDWARE (SEGA-AM2, 1986)

Consoles
*Master System (1987)
*Master System (OutRun 3-D, 1991)
*PC-Engine (NEC, 1990)
*MegaDrive / Genesis (1991, Sanritsu or Hertz)
*Saturn (Sega Ages, Rutubo Games, 1996, 1997)
*Dreamcast (in Shenmue II, 2001)
*Dreamcast (Yu Suzuki Game Works Vol 1, 2001)
*Xbox (2002, in Shenmue II)
*PlayStation2 (2004, 2005 Sega Ages/3D Ages remake)
*Xbox (2004, classic OutRun in OutRun2)


Computers
*Commodore 64 (1987, Amazing Products)
*Atari ST (1989, Probe)
*Commodore Amiga (1988, Probe)
*IBM PC-DOS (1989, Unlimited Software)
*MSX (1987, Probe)
*MSX 2 (1988, Pony Canyon)
*Amstrad CPC (1987, Probe)
*Sinclair ZX Spectrum (1987, Probe)


Handhelds
*GameGear (1991, Sanritsu)
*GameBoy Advance (Sega Arcade Gallery, 2003, Bits Studios)
*Mobile Phone (2004)

[Zebbe]

There is a guy selling an Outrun arcade machine for 5000 SEK. Should I buy it? Or should I buy the Mega Drive version? I want the 3-D version for Master System.

[j_factor]

Yes, the Saturn version is absolutely the supreme version of Out Run. Same goes for the other Sega Ages releases. Unlike some of the PS2 Ages line, with the Saturn releases they really took their time with each individual game and made them as good as possible.

Incidentally, the Amiga version is absolute garbage.

[parallaxscroll]

There is a guy selling an Outrun arcade machine for 5000 SEK. Should I buy it? Or should I buy the Mega Drive version? I want the 3-D version for Master System.


I don't know if that's worth it to you, I'd rather have the Japanese Saturn version, or at least the 3-in-1 Sega Ages.

The coolest thing about the Mega Drive version is that if you finish certain stages under a certain time, you get to see the F-14 from After Burner and spaceship fighter from Galaxy Force fly over.



Yes, the Saturn version is absolutely the supreme version of Out Run. Same goes for the other Sega Ages releases. Unlike some of the PS2 Ages line, with the Saturn releases they really took their time with each individual game and made them as good as possible.


With regard to Space Harrier, OutRun, After Burner II, yes I agree, the Saturn versions are supreme. Rutubo Games did and outstanding job.

In the case of Galaxy Force II, this does not hold true. The PS2 version released in 2007 is absolutely better than the Saturn version of 1998 which was not handled by Rutubo Games, some 3rd-rate developer did that one. It runs at barely half the rate of the 1988 arcade version and looks like it belongs on 32X. The PS2 version is 60fps and seemingly as good as the arcade, even better perhaps, with its enhancements, although I have not played it myself. I was really disappointed by Saturn version, which I do own.



Incidentally, the Amiga version is absolute garbage.

True, it's an absolute joke of a translation by Amiga standards. The PCE version (as discussed in another thread) is really good for that hardware.

[Joe Redifer]

I have Out Run on the US Sega Ages Working Designs collection. It and all the games on it are awesome. I do wish for the arranged music, though. Does After Burner and especially Space Harrier also feature arranged music in Japan? I love how they can be controlled with the Mission Stick. After Burner friggin' rocks with that thing. I do wish the AB music had the extra melodies in the music, though. Instead it is the "bare bones" music like the Genesis and 32X versions. Even the SMS version has the melodies! I know Out Run can be controlled with the Saturn wheel controller. Anyone have any experience with this game and that wheel? Opinions?

Oh, and you forgot to list Shenmue 1 as well.

[parallaxscroll]

I have Out Run on the US Sega Ages Working Designs collection. It and all the games on it are awesome. I do wish for the arranged music, though. Does After Burner and especially Space Harrier also feature arranged music in Japan?


I'm not sure about Space Harrier, as I don't have the seperate Japanese version, I only have it on the U.S. Sega Ages from Working Designs, like you. I do have the seperate Japanese Saturn AfterBurner II, it has 2 arranged versions (melodies I think) of each track, yet not completely new remixes like OutRun does.



I love how they can be controlled with the Mission Stick. After Burner friggin' rocks with that thing.

Yes indeed it does! ^__^



Oh, and you forgot to list Shenmue 1 as well.

Eh, Shenmue I doesn't have OutRun, just Hang-On and Space Harrier, unless I'm mistaken... Shenmue II that has OutRun and AfterBurner II. Correct me if I'm wrong :)

[CRV]

I'm the one that put Sanritsu down for the GG and MD/GEN versions of OutRun on Wikipedia (a long time ago). The OutRun 20th Anniversary Box (http://vgmdb.net/album/5474) credits SIMS (http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Company:Sanritsu/SIMS) with the GG version (given the company's backstory and other factors, there was some uncertainty as to whom received the credit, Sanritsu or SIMS). Hertz (http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Company:Hertz) did the MD/GEN version.


In the case of Galaxy Force II, this does not hold true. The PS2 version released in 2007 is absolutely better than the Saturn version of 1998 which was not handled by Rutubo Games, some 3rd-rate developer did that one.

Appaloosa Interactive did it.

[parallaxscroll]

I'm the one that put Sanritsu down for the GG and MD/GEN versions of OutRun on Wikipedia (a long time ago). The OutRun 20th Anniversary Box (http://vgmdb.net/album/5474) credits SIMS (http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Company:Sanritsu/SIMS) with the GG version (given the company's backstory and other factors, there was some uncertainty as to whom received the credit, Sanritsu or SIMS). Hertz (http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Company:Hertz) did the MD/GEN version.

credit to you then, sir :)




Appaloosa Interactive did it.


Ah thanks, been wanting to know that for some time.
I'm sure Rutubo Games would've done a better job.

[CRV]

Ah thanks, been wanting to know that for some time.
I'm sure Rutubo Games would've done a better job.

The credits (http://d.hatena.ne.jp/video/niconico/sm780421) are full of Hungarians.

[Kollision]

I have the Japanese Saturn Out Run and I can't play it! :(
Does anyone know if the western release has all the goodies of the Jap one?

[KnightWarrior]

You need to buy at ST-Key Cart to play imports

It's in the $30 to $50 range on ebay..Might get it soon

[Rusty Venture]

Does After Burner and especially Space Harrier also feature arranged music in Japan?

I've got all the Japanese versions of all three, "Space Harrier" just contains the arcade music in redbook form.

[j_factor]

With regard to Space Harrier, OutRun, After Burner II, yes I agree, the Saturn versions are supreme. Rutubo Games did and outstanding job.

In the case of Galaxy Force II, this does not hold true. The PS2 version released in 2007 is absolutely better than the Saturn version of 1998 which was not handled by Rutubo Games, some 3rd-rate developer did that one. It runs at barely half the rate of the 1988 arcade version and looks like it belongs on 32X. The PS2 version is 60fps and seemingly as good as the arcade, even better perhaps, with its enhancements, although I have not played it myself. I was really disappointed by Saturn version, which I do own.

I've never played the Saturn version of Galaxy Force II, but I think Fantasy Zone, Columns Arcade Collection, Tant-R, Ichidant-R, etc. etc. were ported very well.

[Joe Redifer]

What else did Appaloosa do?

Sounds like the only thing that was sacrificed for the US version of Space Harrier, Out Run, and After Burner on the WD collection was the arranged music for Out Run and the ability to select between the melody and non-melody versions of the music in After Burner. I'm not sure why they couldn't squeeze the music on there for Out Run as I'm sure Space Harrier and After Burner don't take up a ton of space, but what do I know?

[The Coop]

I've never played the Saturn version of Galaxy Force II, but I think Fantasy Zone, Columns Arcade Collection, Tant-R, Ichidant-R, etc. etc. were ported very well.

GF2 on the Saturn runs between 20 and 30 fps. It fluctuates a bit as you play, but graphically and aurally, it's a very accurate port. It's just hindered by an iffy frame rate.




The coolest thing about the Mega Drive version is that if you finish certain stages under a certain time, you get to see the F-14 from After Burner and spaceship fighter from Galaxy Force fly over.

I believe you bring those out by not hitting any cars or crashing. Perhaps they changed it for the US release?

And I thought the coolest parts about the Genesis version was that it has a fourth music track that no other version contains ("Step On Beat"), and that there was a sixth ending if you beat all five final sections in one sitting.

[parallaxscroll]

GF2 on the Saturn runs between 20 and 30 fps. It fluctuates a bit as you play, but graphically and aurally, it's a very accurate port. It's just hindered by an iffy frame rate.




Yes, this has been my experience with the port. Saturn GFII graphics appear to be just as detailed as the arcade, unlike the MD/Gen and FM Towns Marty versions. It's just the framerate is usually 1/2 (30fps) and sometimes 1/3 (20fps) of the arcade.

[JFLY]

One thing that should be noted about Out Run on the Saturn is that it doesn't work with any of the Skeleton Saturn models. It works great with any of the previous models though. Anyone know why?

[Kollision]

You need to buy at ST-Key Cart to play imports

It's in the $30 to $50 range on ebay..Might get it soon

I have the cart to play imports - and I own LOTS of imports.
The only one that doesn't work is exactly Out Run....
Thread: http://www.sega-16.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6397

[Joe Redifer]

Doesn't the Saturn Galaxy Force 2 have slightly decreased draw distance as well compared to the arcade? When you turn corners in tunnels it gets pretty bad and right before you go into the tunnel the BG will redraw to a solid color on the Saturn. What is the difference between Galaxy Force 1 and 2? After Burner 2 was a shitty sequel to After Burner 1. The majority of the game is identical.

I once got the Panzer Dragoon thingy to fly overhead between stages in Out Run 2. How'd I do that?

[parallaxscroll]

I'll have to check the Saturn version against the MAME or Final Burn emulated arcade version to see about draw-distances. I wouldn't be surprised if you were absolutely right. It's just that the framerate is an overwhelming disappointment and the first thing that jumps out at you. I always thought it looked more pixelated as well, but, how could that be if they were running in the same resolution, which is pretty low to begin with (I mean the arcade).

I don't know what Galaxy Force I was, assuming it even was released. My guess is, if it exists, it may have been an early version of Galaxy Force II, much like AfterBurner I was kind of an unfinished AfterBurner II with no throttle control, different order of stages, and minor differences to graphics.


Whoa! I forgot all about the dragon from Panzer Dragoon flying by, found a vid of it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qZjdncBo7c

Here's MD/Genesis OutRun:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifM4iSZRXYA
@ 2:17 you see the F-14 cameo from After Burner.




One thing that should be noted about Out Run on the Saturn is that it doesn't work with any of the Skeleton Saturn models. It works great with any of the previous models though. Anyone know why?


I wouldn't know why, except that I saw this tonight, and this just might be the answer:


There is one point of problem here, the NTSC-J OutRun saw two releases. The reason for this is since the first release had a problem booting on revision 2 (round button) Sega Saturns so they had to address the bug and set on a re-release. The revision saw release around the time of the US/C and European release of the Sega Ages set.

This post should help you figure out which Japanese OutRun you have:
http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1583757&postcount=11

more info:
http://madroms.free.fr/db/db.php?titlewith=OutRun&titlebegin=&countrywith=&countrybegin=&jptitlewith=&jptitlebegin=&snwith=&snbegin=&listprint=&realsn=

[The Coop]

Doesn't the Saturn Galaxy Force 2 have slightly decreased draw distance as well compared to the arcade? When you turn corners in tunnels it gets pretty bad and right before you go into the tunnel the BG will redraw to a solid color on the Saturn. What is the difference between Galaxy Force 1 and 2? After Burner 2 was a shitty sequel to After Burner 1. The majority of the game is identical.

I once got the Panzer Dragoon thingy to fly overhead between stages in Out Run 2. How'd I do that?

If it is decreased, it's only slightly. The PS2 port (which is basically arcade perfect) does the same things going around turns and such through tunnels ("log" graphics pop up as you go around turns, etc.).

[parallaxscroll]

I'm kicking myself right now because I don't have the ability to play the PS2 GFII since I only have a stock U.S. PS2 that I got in 2002.

What is the easiest way to play Japanese PS2 games, pick up a pre-modded PS2, a Japanese PS2, or what?



Back to OutRun for a moment -- The Sega Ages / 3D Ages remake on PS2
(sold seperately in Japan as Sega Ages 2500 Vol. 13 Outrun) and on SEGA Classics Collection here in the U.S. has an arrange mode with newly-created tracks! It's like a whole new OutRun1, and not too shabby. I've had it for about 3 years but never realized it, always chosing to play arcade mode. I Just discovered what the arranged mode was all about tonight after messing around with 3D Ages Virtua Racing, which BTW is also 60FPS, twice the rate of the Model 1 arcade version from 1992.

The entire 3D Ages OutRun is 60FPS also, but I did not mention that in my OP since it isn't the original sprite-based game. The Saturn version is still the only classic sprite-based version to run at 60FPS, to be clear.

[The Coop]

I'm kicking myself right now because I don't have the ability to play the PS2 GFII since I only have a stock U.S. PS2 that I got in 2002.

What is the easiest way to play Japanese PS2 games, pick up a pre-modded PS2, a Japanese PS2, or what?

Swap Magic 3.6. It allows you to play import Ps2 DVD and CD-based games. Pop in the proper disc, let it do it's thing, manually slide out the CD tray using the funky tool that comes with the package, put in your game, slide the tray back in, and play. No soldering, no mod chips.

Watch it here...

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=PS2+%2B+Swap+Magic&hl=en&emb=0&aq=f#

[parallaxscroll]

Swap Magic 3.6. It allows you to play import Ps2 DVD and CD-based games. Pop in the proper disc, let it do it's thing, manually slide out the CD tray using the funky tool that comes with the package, put in your game, slide the tray back in, and play. No soldering, no mod chips.

Watch it here...

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=PS2+%2B+Swap+Magic&hl=en&emb=0&aq=f#



Thanks.

However, this looks like it's best used with the flip-top PS2 slim, not the old, fat PS2 like I have, even though you can still use them... Might as well get a slim.

[Joe Redifer]

I just use the hard drive and copy the ISO to the computer using a special program. Then I copy that ISO to an attached hard drive and put it in the fat PS2 and load it up with HD Loader. Most Japanese games work fine. Don't have nor do I know where to acquire Galaxy Force 2, though.

[The Coop]

Play Asia still has them, though it ships within one week. $30, and you got the Master System version, the Genesis version, the original arcade version, and a "Neo" version (the arcade game with higher resolution graphics, some transparency effects, and other assorted goodies). Sound tests for all the games is in the package as well, as is a remixed soundtrack.

http://www.play-asia.com/paOS-13-71-r-77-1-49-en-15-Galaxy+Force+II-70-1zez.html

[CRV]

What else did Appaloosa do?

The Ecco games, Kolibri, Contra: Legacy of War, and a bunch of other stuff. It was originally called Novotrade.

[parallaxscroll]

Was Appaloosa also responsible for the Saturn version of Power Drift ?

[JFLY]

Was Appaloosa also responsible for the Saturn version of Power Drift ?
No. I remember during the credits mentioning a Japanese developer (not Robuto though). I can't remember the name though.

[Black_Tiger]

What is the easiest way to play Japanese PS2 games, pick up a pre-modded PS2, a Japanese PS2, or what?

I just had a modchip installed into my slim PS2 to play the one japanese game I got the system for. It was quick and cheap and is convenient to operate. Most of the games I've bought since are japanese, so it's really been worth it, even though I've never played any bootlegs on it and don't plan to.

Retro collection like the ones discussed alone make the purchase of a new PS2 and having modded worthwhile.

[cj iwakura]

Somehow I never knew Working Designs released a Sega Ages game in the US.

Then I saw the Spaz logo on the cover. :P

[Da_Shocker]

What about a modded PS3? 60GB of course.

[parallaxscroll]

Joe, well it seems Galaxy Force 1 did exist:

http://i27.tinypic.com/2a5yq94.jpg

Don't know what the difference between GF and GFII are, though.

[Zz Badnusty]

I know Out Run can be controlled with the Saturn wheel controller. Anyone have any experience with this game and that wheel? Opinions?



The Saturn wheel isn't bad, but it isn't good either. I don't like the minimal resistance it offers so it seems to me that the wheel just flops from left to right. It doesn't have analog gas or break abilities either, so that is really a game breaker. Thankfully OutRun on Saturn is optimized to play with the 3D analog pad, so you can have an analog gas "pedal" (er, well trigger).

[parallaxscroll]

That Saturn wheel, I remember I saw it in Toys 'R' US in the early days of the Saturn. I think I may have even tried it, somewhere, don't remember though.

[CRV]

No. I remember during the credits mentioning a Japanese developer (not Robuto though). I can't remember the name though.

http://www.sega-16.com/forum/image.php?u=116&dateline=1225882593


I'm the one that put Sanritsu down for the GG and MD/GEN versions of OutRun on Wikipedia (a long time ago). The OutRun 20th Anniversary Box (http://vgmdb.net/album/5474) credits SIMS (http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Company:Sanritsu/SIMS) with the GG version (given the company's backstory and other factors, there was some uncertainty as to whom received the credit, Sanritsu or SIMS). Hertz (http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Company:Hertz) did the MD/GEN version.

I should probably add a sentence. "I'm the one that put Sanritsu down for the GG and MD/GEN versions of OutRun on Wikipedia a long time ago. Since then, new information has come in. [...]"

[JFLY]

http://www.sega-16.com/forum/image.php?u=116&dateline=1225882593

http://i534.photobucket.com/albums/ee347/userloser43/cat-with-sideways-head.jpg

[parallaxscroll]

Hertz (http://gdri.smspower.org/wiki/index.php/Company:Hertz)




X68000

* Out Run (unreleased) (Hertz)

OMG wow there was apparently an unreleased X68000 version of Out Run? I'd have liked to have seen that in action....Damn.

Now while there's no way X68K could've done an exact port, because X68K lacks a 2nd 68000 CPU and 'super-scaler' capabilities, but, no doubt it could've been VERY good, much better than the MD/Gen version, and at least as good as X68K Thunder Blade, which kicked the shit out of Super Thunder Blade.

[Joe Redifer]

There is no way that ANY game could kick the shit out of Super Thunder Blade.

[parallaxscroll]

There is no way that ANY game could kick the shit out of Super Thunder Blade.

Hah! You have a sense of humor.