Sony & Sega are bringing Outrun 2 exclusively to PS2

[Sonic]

You guys are really taking everything out or proportion. It's not my sole decision of what games come over. And I wasn't being serious when writing this post. I was a little upset of course, but then again I have no solid foundation to be upset about. It's the word exclusive that's really annoying when it comes to a title like Outrun. Why make it eclusive to the PS2 when you can port it and also release an Xbox version (which would cost very little to port from the arcade) and not make money from the extra sales? There's no way that the game wouldn't be published by SEGA. I'm not running the company in any sort of way. I am sorry if I made any statements that made some members think less of me, I wouldn't make a stupid business decision like that. I know it's probably too late for me to detract my original statement although it was said in the heat of the moment. It's just sad that if it's true there is a lack of communication between the different regions. Don't think for one minute I would make a decision that is in overall bad for SEGA. Sometimes people say things are irrational and stupid and I admit I let my temper go right there. I really don't want to defend myself, so all I will say is that I'm sorry for saying something stupid and in the heat of the moment. Come down on me if you want.

And yes that was probably the SEGA fanboy in me coming out. As a SEGA fan I definitely want the game (Outrun 2) to be as true to the arcade as possible when it reaches home. The Xbox just happens to be the hardware best suited for that in terms of ease, power, and compatibility.

Again, I take back what I said. It was uncalled for, and I really didn't mean it. Sorry.

 

[Cyborg]

Here's the origin of the rumor it seems

Found this on TXB forums (shudder).

 

[passerby]

It is just a matter of profits and the bottom line. So much so that "profits" and "bottom line" should be in caps. Besides, one can say that with such a high market penetration, a XB owner may well own a PS2 as well.* So you can say that not a lot of Outrun fans are really missing out. No comments regarding quality of the final product...

* This is likely to be very true in Japan, where figuratively speaking, the number of XB owners who do not own a PS2 is easily countable.

 

[V3]

If it is true then Yu Suzuki is an idiot to do that to all his fans.

Hey

And yes that was probably the SEGA in me coming out. As a SEGA fan I definitely want the game (Outrun 2) to be as true to the arcade as possible when it reaches home.

Than as Sega fan, you should know about Sega and theirs perfect arcade port. Sega doesn't like perfect port from the arcade, it does their arcade division no good. As a Sega fan, you should go to arcade and dunk lots of quaters instead of hoping for home port.

 

[Jov]

Inferior ps2 version? I really really dont see what outrun2 is doing thats so special that PS2 couldnt handle.

Bottom line, either GC or PS2 would be much better financially for sega than xbox. Xbox has only been a freaking disaster for sega, i cant believe someone like you sonic would still prefer sega to continue xbox support when both PS2 and GC have shown much better results. The only excuse i could see is "because our fans are on xbox", but even then.. why the hell arent they buying your games then?

I have to agree with Cyborg on this. If you're running Sega and want to improved the sales of your games, then what best then have it on the PS2. Its a ratio of 6:1 compared to other consoles.

Why isn't the Xbox SEGA games selling as well as they should? They are not crappy games either?

As an old school gamer, the last thing I want to see is Sega disappearing, even tho I am not a strong as a fan as most on this forum. Sega make quality games and they should get the sales for it. PDO was the last game I got and if it was on the PS2 I can put money it would sell a lot more.

On the topic of making it exclusive, well we can't judge since we don't know what the motive behind it (e.g. Sony paying?), but in general they can't go wrong (or any worse) releasing it on PS2.

If you're a Sega fan then you will truly want Sega to do well whatever platofrm they release their games. Sony might have put them out of business in the H/W war, but in the Software battle Sony might be the ride for them.

 

[Sonic]

SEGA put itself out of business concerning home consoles.

 

[Johnny Awesome]

The reason why "Everything to the PS2" is a poor content strategy for Sega: Most diehard Sega fans that owned Dreamcast and bought nearly every Sega game under the sun originally passed on the PS2 to get Dreamcast. Many of them skipped the PS2 and went to Cube (mostly) or Xbox.

A racing game is a bad fit on Gamecube and it's already on the Xbox hardware in the arcade. It would cost around 500k to bring it to Xbox. Sounds like a financial windfall to me if marketed properly in the US/EU market.

Why did Soul Calibur sell better on Xbox and Cube? More Dreamcast fans (ie. Soul Calibur fans) bought Xbox and Cube than PS2. Many of these fans bought Soul Calibur 2. Even more of them would have it had pushed their systems capabilities at all.

Sega's content strategy needs to be more discerning than this. Sonic on Cube was a no brainer, no sports on Cube was also a smart move in the short run, and F-Zero and Monkeyball worked out fine as well. I think a lot of stuff should go to Cube. JSRF and PDO would have sold better on Cube IMO.

There is also a big line of PS2 Sega failures like Shinobi (underperformed), Gungrave, Virtual On Marz, F355, Rez, Space Channel 5 Part 2, Ecco the Dolphin, that people seem to forget about as well.

I mean, the fact that F355 did poorly on PS2 should be a cause for concern on bringing Outrun 2 to the PS2. Don't you think?

Besides, the whole issue is moot anyway. Sega can't seem to modernize their franchises to appeal to the masses anyway. Outrun 2 should be photo-realistic with actual hot chicks in the game (ala DoA) to broaden it's appeal to casual gamers, not some cartoon crap that no one will buy.

Making niche games for PS2 when most of the diehard Sega fans went elsewhere after DC is just retarded.

 

[passerby]

Shinobi (underperformed), Gungrave, Virtual On Marz, F355, Rez, Space Channel 5 Part 2, Ecco the Dolphin

Rez, SC5 and Ecco are quite unique products(generally speaking), so releasing on the platform with the highest market penetration is likely the best decision. They would likely fare worse on other platforms. As for Gungrave, it seems to be popular enough(at least in Japan) to spawn an anime series and a sequel.

 

[Deepak]

The reason why "Everything to the PS2" is a poor content strategy for Sega: Most diehard Sega fans that owned Dreamcast and bought nearly every Sega game under the sun originally passed on the PS2 to get Dreamcast. Many of them skipped the PS2 and went to Cube (mostly) or Xbox.

Strange theory! ...IMO SEGA should stop caring about these *diehard fans* and look to attract as many casual gamers as possible. Common sense says SEGA should release their games on all consoles if possible or otherwise release it on the console which has max inst base atleast.

A racing game is a bad fit on Gamecube and it's already on the Xbox hardware in the arcade. It would cost around 500k to bring it to Xbox. Sounds like a financial windfall to me if marketed properly in the US/EU market.

It is not that simple.

Why did Soul Calibur sell better on Xbox and Cube? More Dreamcast fans (ie. Soul Calibur fans) bought Xbox and Cube than PS2. Many of these fans bought Soul Calibur 2. Even more of them would have it had pushed their systems capabilities at all.

Bec'se of a SEGA game VF4:Evo which was released at the same time. BTW I would like to see latest SC sales figs for all consoles.

There is also a big line of PS2 Sega failures like Shinobi (underperformed), Gungrave, Virtual On Marz, F355, Rez, Space Channel 5 Part 2, Ecco the Dolphin, that people seem to forget about as well.

Most of these were DC ports....not like PDO/JSRF/SGT which were *new* games in the series.

I mean, the fact that F355 did poorly on PS2 should be a cause for concern on bringing Outrun 2 to the PS2. Don't you think?

And VF4:Evo..?

Besides, the whole issue is moot anyway. Sega can't seem to modernize their franchises to appeal to the masses anyway. Outrun 2 should be photo-realistic with actual hot chicks in the game (ala DoA) to broaden it's appeal to casual gamers, not some cartoon crap that no one will buy.

:?

Making niche games for PS2 when most of the diehard Sega fans went elsewhere after DC is just retarded.

they really shouldn't be considered hardcore fans then?

 

[V3]

The reason why "Everything to the PS2" is a poor content strategy for Sega: Most diehard Sega fans that owned Dreamcast and bought nearly every Sega game under the sun originally passed on the PS2 to get Dreamcast. Many of them skipped the PS2 and went to Cube (mostly) or Xbox.

Come on, Dreamcast died because there aren't enough of diehard Sega fans, that bought nearly every Sega game under the sun.

 

[Almasy]

Why did Soul Calibur sell better on Xbox and Cube? More Dreamcast fans (ie. Soul Calibur fans) bought Xbox and Cube than PS2. Many of these fans bought Soul Calibur 2. Even more of them would have it had pushed their systems capabilities at all.

FYI, SC2 sold more on PS2 than on any other system....

 

[gmoran]

Sega IS stupid enough to do this though. May as well put the final nail in the diehard Sega fan's coffin just so they can sell 100k copies on PS2 instead of 80k copies on Xbox.

Well since when have Sega fan boys been anything other than masochists? I mean from Sega CD onwards they have been giving their most loyal fans a right good going over. And Sega fans flocking to Xbox's banner: whats all that about? A company that can finally do unto Sony as Sony did unto Sega? I mean its a viewpoint that forgets that Sega wasn't murdered but committed suicide (metaphorically of course). And also forgets that MS had a deal with Sega over OS, but then came into the console market full on as a competitor; I'm sure Sega were grateful for the extra competition! But I think the very best, was the way MS made Sega drop Shenmue 2 on DC in the US, so they could have that exclusive.

 

[rabidrabbit]

I believe SC2 reached it's highest position on GC charts, then on PS2 and last on XB. And initially it sold best on GC.
That doesn't tell anything though what version sold the total most (PS2).

Outrun2 on PS2 exclusive. If Sony didn't pay Sega more than they'd estimated to get from xbox sales (minus xbox development costs), I see no reason why they shouldn't release it for XB also.

 

[Fafalada]

Maybe someone up there just sadistically enjoys seeing disgruntled fans torn between criticising horribly downgraded arcade graphics and praising the game at the same time (much like what consistently happened with forum posts about both VF4 releases).

Inferior ps2 version? I really really dont see what outrun2 is doing thats so special that PS2 couldnt handle.

Perhaps, but that's hardly an indication of anything when you're looking at a port.
Especially seeing how their ports from older hw have a habit to look worse then originals on PS2 too.

Outrun 2 should be photo-realistic with actual hot chicks in the game (ala DoA)

DOA girls are photorealistic?
Anyway screw the masses, the stylistic look to O2 appeals a whole lot more to me then photorealistic one would.
Hell even EA made NFS:U nice and colorfull and NPR (though, they do include hot chicks ), and they certainly seem to know how to appeal to masses usually.

 

[Magnum PI]

SC II did good on NGC because there was a demand for a good conventionnal fighter and a total lack of it. and xbox and PS2 didn't suffer of a comparative lack.

sales numbers show there is no such demand for a conventionnal racer.

yes the xbox audience like racer, but xbox already have a lot of racers. maybe there is more room for outrun 2 in the PS2 library than in the xbox library ?

 

[Deepak]

I thought PS2 has most racing games....btw, huge PS2 installed base ensures that you have more chance of hitting bull's eye. If your product is good and your promotion is good too then there is no reason why it shouldn't sell..

 

[cybamerc]

Johnny Awesome:

> Many of them skipped the PS2 and went to Cube (mostly) or Xbox.

Because PS2 support was bad initially. Now that Sega has scaled back Xbox support and increased PS2 support sales are finally getting better.

> A racing game is a bad fit on Gamecube

There's really no way to know until you make one. Of the few traditional racers that are out for Cube only a couple are any good. Outrun 2 being a classic Sega franchise certainly stands a chance. Crazy Taxi for GameCube did very well and Burnout 1 for Cube sold better than the Xbox version.

Xbox may have a lot of racers but none of them have sold particularly well aside from Project Gotham Racing.

> It would cost around 500k to bring it to Xbox.

And several millions to advertise.

> Why did Soul Calibur sell better on Xbox and Cube?

Well, SCII didn't sell better on Xbox, not even close. The PS2 version did best in Japan while the Cube version leads in the West. The Xbox version is far behind.

> There is also a big line of PS2 Sega failures like Shinobi
> (underperformed)

Shinobi did ok. Much better than Sega's Xbox games.

> I mean, the fact that F355 did poorly on PS2 should be a cause for
> concern on bringing Outrun 2 to the PS2. Don't you think?

F355 caters to a special audience. Initial D did well.



Magnum PI:

> SC II did good on NGC because there was a demand for a good
> conventionnal fighter and a total lack of it... sales numbers show there is
> no such demand for a conventionnal racer.

There aren't enough racers on the Cube to make such a statement. By that logic SCII should've bombed but it didn't.

 

[Magnum PI]

J

Magnum PI:

> SC II did good on NGC because there was a demand for a good
> conventionnal fighter and a total lack of it... sales numbers show there is
> no such demand for a conventionnal racer.

There aren't enough racers on the Cube to make such a statement. By that logic SCII should've bombed but it didn't.

i can say that there is no big demand on GC because sales of multiplateform racers are usually lower on GC.
if there isn't more racers on GC it's because there is not enough sales potential.

similarily you could say that demand for fighters is low on GC if SCII sales bombed.

 

[Gollum]

Outrun2 on PS2 exclusive. If Sony didn't pay Sega more than they'd estimated to get from xbox sales (minus xbox development costs), I see no reason why they shouldn't release it for XB also.

I guess SEGA's management burnt their fingers on their first batch of Xbox exclusives not selling well enough and thus have taken a very carefull approach towards publishing any of their games other than sports titles on that platform. I might not like it as I'm both a big SEGA fan of old and an Xbox owner, but their recent lack of support for the Xbox leaves no other conclusion. I try not to think about it to much as it depresses me a little, I'd like to purchase several of their upcoming titles, but I'm not gonna get another console because of them. Pitty, I got Xbox mainly because of the SEGA X-Mas bundle, but now I'm relying more and more on MS to bring out the good games, who would've thought...

I thought PS2 has most racing games....btw, huge PS2 installed base ensures that you have more chance of hitting bull's eye. If your product is good and your promotion is good too then there is no reason why it shouldn't sell..

There still are many good games that don't get the sales they deserve on PS2 though, just having a good product is obviously not enough. Yes, there are more PS2 units out there, but there are also already dozens of games out there in pretty much every genre and more coming out every other day. To "hit the bullseye" in that market is not as easy as you might think. On GCN and Xbox you've theoretically got more of a chance of meeting a demand as they are both not as oversaturated with games in all genres (Cube is lacking multiple good games in several genres like racing and fighting, also Xbox could badly need a few great platformers and RPGs). If you want to go exclusive you decision is never as easy as just saying "hey which console has the biggest userbase", its a lot more complex than that...

I think the shit hit the fan in this case because porting costs for the Xbox would have been pretty minimal compared to re-developing much of the game's core for the PS2. I think I am not the only one who doubts that those added costs are something SEGA can just swallow should such an exclusive turn into a flop, whereas low Xbox sales wouldn't be quite as big a financial desaster. Not saying Outrun 2 exclusive on PS2 will flop, but I'd be surprised if it sold really well too, if a pearl like VF4 doesn't get the attention it deserves then what will?

 

[London Geezer]

HA!!
reasons why SC2 didn't do "as well" on ps2 than it did on Xbox and GC:
-VF4
-VF4EVO
-TekkenTag
-Tekken4
-Mortal Kombat