Microsoft release Outrun 2 details

With added Xbox Live

After a wait of seventeen years the first true sequel to this seminal 80's arcade racer is almost upon us. With an October release still on track Microsoft has released a fact sheet to whet our appetites that little bit more.

First amongst the promises are over 15 tracks, 'set against spectacular massive environments inspired from locations throughout the world including ancient desert, snowy mountains, foggy hills and tropical city'. Gamers are also promised the opportunity to choose from eight different Ferrari driving experiences. With cars as diverse as the 360 Spider, F50, Enzo Ferrari and the original Testarossa both the player and their gorgeous passenger should be thrilling themselves across those locations with a distinct disregard for speed limits and safety.

To top it all of will be the Xbox Live options. These include online racing and the ability to up- and download the ghosts of the best racers out there for a more intense racing experience. And while these features may seem a little thin, what really made the original Outrun stand head and shoulders above the competition was the sheer enjoyment that it offered for your 50p. If the sequel retains this pickup and play fun then we are all in for a treat come October.

By Sam Gibson