Developed by need1D
Released for Xbox Live Indie Games (1/2012)
Ocean Drive Challenge is a racing game presented with scaling 2D sprites, similar to many popular arcade games back in the '90's. The game takes it's inspiration from Sega's classic OutRun. After selecting from one of three cars (each with its own driver), you have a radio selection of three tracks to listen to while you drive, just like OutRun. Though of course the music can't compare to OutRun's, it's still rather good.
Unlike OutRun which had branching paths, Ocean Drive Challenge is presented as a linear course though it does still use the time restoring checkpoints between areas. This takes a little bit away from the replay value as it's essentially the same game every time you play, but I can understand working on a limited to no budget how this wasn't possible. The graphics all look decent, with a '90's digitized graphic look to them. While the images look good enough and scale very smoothly, the animation is very limited. Cars are represented by 2D sprites, with maybe one other variation of the sprite from a kind of a side-view. If you're driving well and not hitting stuff you'll hardly notice though. When you do collide into something at 265 mph, you lose a lot of speed but rather than flip or sustain any damage you just kind of stop momentarily. This could have used some work because who can forget going top speed and flipping your car over in OutRun!?
The controls for the game are responsive and simple. You have an option for automatic or manual, and manual only consists of a high and low setting. You have an option to turn on or off the comment bubbles where your character will pop up from time to time revealing their motivation for driving at top speed. These are nice but I found myself turning them off rather quickly as they were a bit distracting. After hitting a checkpoint you'll be granted a change of scenery, ranging from beach side to Easter Island complete with Moai heads! Upon game over, the game shows an overview map to show how far you made it through the course. The traffic layouts will keep you constantly shifting lanes, though it can be hard to tell which lane the car sprites are in at times. The game saves your high scores, adding a nice bit of replay value. Ocean Drive Challenge certainly isn't the best racer, but what used to retail for 80 Microsoft points ($1) is a solid throwback to the racers of long ago. Those nostalgic for old-school racers like OutRun and Rad Racer would definitely enjoy this one.
Final Verdict: Since Sega de-listed OutRun 2 from XBLA, Ocean Drive Challenge is the closest you're going to get to it on the 360.
Related Links:
Ocean Drive Challenge - GameFAQs
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