Classic Games Database
ClassicGames DB

Turbo Out Run

Review
Also known as
Turbo OutRun ターボ アウトラン

Race across 16 US stages, using turbo boosts and upgrades to beat the clock while avoiding police and obstacles.

Turbo Out Run was originally released in arcades in 1989. The Sega Genesis/Mega Drive version was released in 1990 (Japan and North America). The legacy year 1989 refers to the arcade original, not the Genesis port.


							Turbo Out Run cover
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About Turbo Out Run

Turbo Out Run presents a cross-country racing challenge across sixteen distinct stages, visually representing a journey from the eastern to western United States. The player must navigate each segment within a strict time limit, with the penalty for failure being the loss of one of five available continues.

Gameplay retains a behind-the-car perspective where contact with obstacles or other vehicles can result in spins, slowdowns, or flips, each costing precious seconds. The course design incorporates branching paths and introduces environmental variables like changing weather, night conditions, and track obstacles. A persistent hazard comes from police cars that interfere with progress.

Vehicle performance is managed through a shop interface accessed after every four stages, where upgrades can be selected. A defining mechanic is the turbo booster, which provides a burst of speed but risks engine overheating if used excessively and is only replenished at these shop intervals. The game offers an optional automatic transmission to simplify gear changes.

Turbo Out Run Screenshots

9 images
Title screen
Start of the race; there is one opponent that will bug you the entire time.
Course map
The meter in the top right corner builds up a boost.
Sunset in Indianapolis
After a few courses, you get the chance to upgrade some parts.
Start of the Chicago course at night
If you don't use your boost regularly, the cop car will drive you nuts.
Highscores screen