OutRun is a racing game that allows the player to race across varied terrain in a readily available Ferrari, complete with a female passenger, over a series of short tracks. The goal is to complete each section without losing too much time.
The gameplay is viewed from just above and behind the car. The roads are full of sharp bends and hazards that can cause the car to roll if hit, resulting in lost time. On each track section, there's a choice between two paths, allowing the player to decide which direction to take. Completing five out of fifteen tracks overall is required to win.