OutRun 2

OutRun 2 is a game released by Sega in 2003. Although this is the first official sequel to Out Run, it is the fifth title in the series, (preceded by OutRun Europa, Turbo Outrun, and OutRunners).

In 2004, after numerous rumours, OutRun 2 was ported to the Xbox. The task of coding this port was shared by Sega-AM2 and UK-based developers Sumo Digital, who were left with the unenviable job of condensing a game for a 512MB platform into one for a system with only 64MB. They succeeded in doing so (to critical acclaim), with a European release on October 1, 2004 followed by the U.S. release on October 25, 2004. As of June 12, 2007, this game was added to the Xbox 360 Backward Compatibility List.

An update entitled OutRun 2 SP SDX was shown at a privately held Sega show on July 7, 2006. This updated version of OutRun 2 does not run on the Sega Chihiro, but rather the Sega Lindbergh. This iteration is displayed at a resolution of 800×480 rather than the previous versions' 640×480 and features co-operative play involving both players sitting next to each other in replica Ferraris, taking turns driving the same car with their own set of controls. The 2-Player cabinet is designated as DX (Deluxe), and the 4-Player cabinet is designated as SDX (Super Deluxe).

OutRun 2 stays true to the format laid down by the 1986 original, in which the player drives a Ferrari sports car with a young lady in the passenger seat through 5 of 15 stages. As before, the player can choose their course and the soundtrack.

OutRun 2 takes this basic concept and expands on it. As well as the Testarossa of the original, seven other Ferraris are driveable, thanks to an official Ferrari license. Each car has different handling characteristics, but the eight cars are sorted into four groups based on difficulty - novice, expert, a lower intermediate group of cars with better handling and higher top speed, and a higher intermediate group of cars with better acceleration.

The soundtrack has also been broadened. The original's three tracks are present, rendered in broader, more realistic instrumentation than the older versions. In addition to the original three, four more tracks are available, with styles ranging from instrumental rock to upbeat ballad. The original 1986 music is also unlockable.

Finally, the game received a complete graphical overhaul with 3D graphics and fully rendered environments. It was also given a network connection system, allowing multiplayer races.