The Amiga’s Long-Awaited Drive to the Sun. Out Run AGA is finally here, and here is my review of it. It’s a remarkable release. So, what is it about? What makes it shine, and what do I miss or want more of? Read on…!
World’s most known pseudo-3D Out Run racer out for all Amigas with AGA
For decades, Amiga owners have yearned for a faithful port of SEGA’s iconic arcade racer, Out Run. The classic 1986 title, with its vibrant pseudo-3D graphics, unforgettable soundtrack, and carefree spirit, has remained an elusive holy grail. While previous attempts on the platform offered a taste, they never truly captured the essence of the arcade original. Now, in 2025—a landmark year marking the Amiga’s 40th anniversary—the community’s patience has finally been rewarded.
A new challenger has appeared on the horizon: Out Run AGA. This unofficial, fan-developed port is not just a commendable effort; it’s a revelation, finally giving the Amiga a version of Out Run that is legitimately good.
Out Run with tons of Amiga love in its code
The first thing to understand about Out Run AGA is its unique approach. Unlike previous ports that were built from scratch, this version is a labor of love that requires the original arcade ROM files to function properly.
Developed in finely-tuned Assembler, the game cleverly leverages the Amiga’s hardware to recreate the arcade experience. The result is a game that looks, sounds, and feels like the real deal. The iconic parallax scrolling, the vibrant color palette, and the detailed sprite scaling that defined the original are all present and accounted for. This isn’t just a simple port; it’s a masterful piece of reverse-engineering and optimization that bridges the gap between the arcade and the home computer.
Legendary Out Run soundtrack converted to MODs! Remarkable job!
One of the most impressive feats of this project is the conversion of Out Run‘s legendary soundtrack. The Amiga version’s music has been meticulously converted to MOD files, taking full advantage of the Amiga’s audio capabilities.
“Magical Sound Shower,” “Passing Breeze,” and “Splash Wave” tunes in Out Run have never sounded better on an Amiga, retaining all the energy and charm of their arcade counterparts. This attention to detail extends to the controls as well. Out Run AGA supports a wide range of Amiga input devices, including the Amiga CD32 gamepad and all standard one-button joysticks, ensuring that every Amiga user can jump right into the action. This level of compatibility, combined with the aural fidelity, makes for an incredibly authentic experience.
It does require a 68030, but a 68060 is needed
However, a journey to the sun is not without its bumps in the road, and Out Run AGA is no exception.
The game’s impressive visual fidelity comes at a steep hardware cost. The minimum requirement of a 68030 50MHz processor is a testament to the game’s ambition, but as a player who has witnessed its performance firsthand, I can attest that this requirement is more of a starting point than an ideal. While it is technically playable, the frame rate on a 68030 can feel sluggish, failing to capture the fluid, high-speed sensation that defines Out Run.
On 68060, Out Run AGA shines
The game truly begins to shine on more powerful hardware. Even on a formidable 68060 100MHz setup, the game can still struggle at times. Yet, when it hits its stride, the frame rate stabilizes around a fluid 25 frames per second, a sweet spot where the driving becomes smooth and the sense of speed becomes palpable. It is a testament to the demanding nature of SEGA’s original engine and the complexities of Amiga hardware. It also suggests that with a bit more development time and optimization, this port could become even more fluid, pushing the hardware to its absolute limit.
Today, the hardware issue is less of a barrier for many in the Amiga community. With the widespread adoption of accelerators like the 68060, the Vampire, and even modern solutions like PiStorm, the dream of a truly powerful Amiga is a reality for an increasing number of enthusiasts. This makes the release of Out Run AGA perfectly timed. The game’s demands, while high for a classic setup, are easily met by the average modern-day Amiga rig.
Out Run AGA is a Remarkable Version, but it needs more touches
So, what’s the final verdict? Out Run AGA scores a solid 86% in my book. It is an excellent port that finally delivers the authentic Out Run experience Amiga users have craved for so long. The meticulous work in porting the arcade assets, the stellar sound conversion, and the overall attention to detail are all worthy of high praise.
My only hope is that this isn’t the end of the road for this project. While it is excellent, it has the potential to be truly amazing. Just look at the long-term development of other classic Amiga ports, such as Grind (a Doom engine port for the 68000) and Metro Siege. These projects have taken years to reach their current, highly optimized state. Out Run AGA feels like it’s at the beginning of a similar journey. The Amiga community has consistently demonstrated its dedication to refining and perfecting software. Amitopia, for one, is ready and willing to support the further development of this fantastic version.
To see an Out Run port of this quality released in a year that celebrates the Amiga’s 40th anniversary is a gift to the community. It is a powerful reminder that even after four decades, the Amiga is not just a relic of the past, but a platform with a passionate and vibrant community that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. Out Run AGA is a shining example of this enduring spirit, and a promising start for a new era of classic Amiga development. It’s an excellent port, and with a little more optimization, it could easily become a perfect one.
Out Run AGA Verdict
- Gameplay: 65%
- Graphics: 100%
- Music: 100%
- Sound Effects: 100%
- Lastability: 88%
Total: 86%
