Xbox OutRun 2: First Screens & Details

Sega finally confirms OutRun 2 is on its way exclusively to Xbox in time for E3. First details and screens inside!

As was reported earlier in the week, OutRun 2 will be on show at this year's E3 - exclusively on Xbox. Sega announced the conversion this morning, finally confirming its Los Angeles debut, and releasing these first screenshots.

The home version will feature enhanced modes, and a playable 2 to 4-player networked link-up mode to emulate the awesome arcade setup. Fans can also look forward to Xbox Live support and an extensive new single-player mission-mode, as well as unlockable elements. It's unclear whether "Xbox Live support" means full-blown online racing, but we see no reason why it shouldn't.

First ever Xbox OutRun 2 screens - looking good!

The conversion duties have been carried out by Sumo Digital, a small UK development outfit that grew out of Infogrames Studios and Gremlin Interactive. The developer revealed it is working closely with AM2 in order to do justice to the phenomenal arcade original.

Our Sega contact enthused the quality of the conversion was "mint", stating: "It was a very special moment when we saw the Xbox code running for the first time." The conversion team, brought into the key deal with the assistance of Sega's European office, started work with the direct Chihiro arcade code, and the results look breathtaking.

Sega served up some fresh quotes to celebrate. First off, Sega Europe's Matthew Woodley said: "OutRun2 is one of our most exciting games this year, and after months of speculation, we're delighted to be able to announce its development for Xbox. OutRun is an all-time classic, and OutRun2 is perfectly positioned to build on this legacy and capture a big share of the racing game market.

"The title delivers a unique driving experience, which we are confident gamers will find hard to resist. The game is looking amazing on Xbox and we're extremely proud to be able to showcase it at this year's E3."

And Carl Cavers, Director, Sumo Digital Ltd, added: "For SEGA to choose Sumo to work on OutRun2 is a great honour. I believe our professionalism and passion won us this opportunity and we're enjoying every minute of being involved. We're working hard with both SEGA and AM2 to ensure that the console version of OutRun2 does the arcade original justice and expands its classic gameplay for the home user."

The announcement comes as extremely good news for Sega fans - from their point of view the importance of the conversion really can't be emphasised enough. We'll be bringing you in-depth impressions of OutRun 2 the moment E3 kicks off - and frankly, we can't wait to take this promising Xbox version for a test drive. In the meantime, check out our massive hands-on and unbeaten video coverage of OutRun 2 here.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com