Let's All Play-Current challenge: Beat Outrun - end in one of the bottom 3 goals

[Leo_A]

Well that was easy, first I fired up the GBA port and easily beat the challenge at Goal E, then I did it for all 4 remaining goals since I love this portable version of this classic. Then I fired up the Japanese Sega Ages port on the Saturn with it's 60fps mode and original music and beat it there at Goal E, since it's a more accurate port by far (It's too easy on the GBA).


This weeks challenge:

OUTRUN (any version)
- You must beat Outrun ending in one of the three bottom goals. You cannot finish in the top two goals.
- If settings can be adjusted, you must use all the default settings.

You really should restrict this one in my opinion. Only the Xbox (An unlockable in Outrun 2 and Shenmue II), the Saturn (The standalone Japanese Sega Ages version and the Sega Ages compilation elsewhere), and the Dreamcast (Shenmue II and Yu Suzuki Game Works) are faithful to the original. You also should be aware that the way the routes are laid out are different between Japan and most international releases of the game.

Everything else beyond those ports I listed above, even the nice ports that the Genesis and Game Boy Advance recieved, are too different and don't represent the same challenge that the arcade release and arcade accurate ports of it have. There are many original Out Run ports that barely even resemble the arcade title.

Might as well make it a do whatever you want to do challenge if it's going to be that wide open. You have to work hard and intentionally try to lose with any route in the GBA release, and that's a very nice portable take on this classic. The many classic computer ports, the classic ports on home consoles (SMS, Game Gear, TG16, and the Genesis), the 3d Playstation 2 Sega Ages release, and Sega Arcade Gallery on the GBA are very different from the arcade game. And the mobile phone port is scaled back to just three routes and makes 20 year old attempts to port this look amazingly accurate in comparison.

[Ed Oscuro]

You really should restrict this one in my opinion.
Unfortunately I've already had this discussion...doubtful that beer really cares. I don't know what the point of a competition is if there isn't a level playing field.

[c0ldb33r]

Yeah sorry guys, I don't really care all that much about one version being easier than another. I like the idea of people playing and discussing different versions of a game. If other people want to choose difficult achievement-style challenges, that's cool too.

[betamax001]

This weeks challenge:

OUTRUN (any version)
- You must beat Outrun ending in one of the three bottom goals. You cannot finish in the top two goals.
- If settings can be adjusted, you must use all the default settings.

What about the button config settings? Can I change those?

[c0ldb33r]

yeah sure, button config isn't a concern

[betamax001]

Good. I'll go for it tommorrow before i go to my Grandma's!

[Leo_A]

Unfortunately I've already had this discussion...doubtful that beer really cares. I don't know what the point of a competition is if there isn't a level playing field.

I agree, I don't see how it's a competition at all if it's that wide open.

I lost interest early on since I thought some of the challenges were illconcieved and could've been better thought out. But noticed one of my favorite games in the title on this thread stickied at the top a couple of nights ago and gave this competition another go (I thought this had died out after just 3 or 4 games).

Can't say this new revelation is going to do much to help me keep interested (Not that it matters much as long as everyone else is having fun, it's just my personal feelings on the matter).

On the positive side, whoever picked Outrun has good taste in games. :)

[c0ldb33r]

I beat the SMS version and forgot to post it until now! DAMNIT. It's after the cutoff time.

[kupomogli]

I just beat the Genesis version on the very bottom goal.

10:45CST here.

*edit*

Why does my time on DP say 11:45? I had to go look at all my clocks which are all an hour ahead and then look at the time on the cable just to make sure that it was really 10:45. So yeah. My time is set right on the options, but it's saying the wrong time on here.

---

Isn't it Leo Ames turn to choose a game?


I beat the SMS version and forgot to post it until now! DAMNIT. It's after the cutoff time.

Why not do what XYXZYZ said. The game wasn't picked at full week interval so give an extra two days for Outrun?

[XYXZYZ]

Wow, I did it! I suck at racing games, and I've been practicing like mad all week. I managed to hit goal C in 5:16:80 just this morning.

I used the Genesis version since I don't have a wheel to play the arcade version, and I wanted to use something that was programmed for digital controls.

[c0ldb33r]

Oh yeah, you guys are right. It was extended to Tuesday. Awesome :)

Whoever picks the next mission, pick something more challenging.

[j_factor]

Finally, another challenge I can do. Did it last night with the Saturn version, route E.

[Scissors]

I did it yesterday playing on the Sega Master System at goal C. I wound up playing again today, finishing at goals E and D.

[fahlim003]

Finally, another challenge I can do. Did it last night with the Saturn version, route E.

Oh, E is a tough route, all to the right. Nice one.

I just did it on the Saturn version as well, import version. Finished at D, started from left (Easy) and took every right path from there. It's a great to run this at 60fps. Thanks Rutubo Games!

[j_factor]

New challenge, anyone?

[kupomogli]

I'd say whoever finished the Outrun one should get to choose one. I did but at work right now. I'll choose a game once I get home if no one chose one yet.

[Leo_A]

I was the first to complete it, so I guess I'll give it a go. I'll edit in my suggestion in a few minutes, I have a couple of ideas I'm going over.

If this meets with approval from everyone, this weeks challenge will be the excellent CBS Electronics arcade port for the Atari 2600 of a underlooked Midway gem from the early 1980s, Solar Fox.

You must clear all 20 racks in the game, not including challenge racks. If you're skilled/lucky enough to complete a rack before the "Skip-A-Rack" timer ends, that's fair game. So feel free to take advantage of the timer to skip a rack on your way to finishing the 20th rack.

You must play on Game 1, which offers the standard 1 player game. You can set the difficulty switch for fast or slow cruise speed, whichever you prefer.

The game was only ported to 1 home console, the Atari 2600. Most people with a 2600 collection should have this gem in their library, and setting up a 2600 emulator with the rom for Solar Fox should take well under 5 minutes for anyone that doesn't own it (Go to AtariAge for the files such as 2600 emulators that you'll need if you lack the original game and a 2600).

Because of significant differences, the Commodore 64 port and the arcade original aren't elligible for this contest (Although they're great games in their own right). I doubt anyone would be utilizing either release anyways.

I think this provides a fair challenge for those unfamiliar with the game and for those that haven't played it in years. It can also be done pretty quickly, so multiple attempts to complete it shouldn't be discouraged. It's also an attractive and entertaining game, so I think even those that usually don't play the Atari 2600 will be able to enjoy their time trying to complete this challenge. It's graphics and audio are superior to most 2600 releases, in my opinion.

Here are some helpful links:

AtariAge's database entry for Solar Fox, providing any information you'd need, including the manual.

http://www.atariage.com/software_page.html?SoftwareLabelID=448

AtariAge's emulation listing for Atari 2600 emulators, offering links to several popular 2600 emulators.

http://www.atariage.com/2600/emulation/index.php?SystemID=2600

[Ed Oscuro]

No punches pulled here, folks! I have a VCS but not this cartridge, so I guess this will be another attempt to foray into the wooly world of VCS emulation for me. Hopefully a successful one. Any tips? I'm sure I can find the image easily.

[j_factor]

Wow, I actually have that game. Time to hook up the old Atari -- haven't played it in months.

[kupomogli]

How about we make a high score thread instead? No need to complete within a week. Just aim for the highest score at whatever game you choose. If someone beats that high score you can attempt to outscore them to retain the highest score, or maybe beat your own high score and stick that up there.

[Leo_A]

I think this is clearly dead and can be unsticked by a moderator.

If anyone else does read this though, I still say Solar Fox on the Atari 2600 is a underappreciated gem and urge people to give it a go.

[Windancer]

Can I use my PCengine version to do this? or is it just genny?

[Leo_A]

The Outrun competition ended a while ago and this thing is now defunct. It just hasn't been unsticked yet by a moderator.