Runabout (series)

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Runabout is a series of destruction-themed driving video games developed by Climax Entertainment. Games in this series have been released on PlayStation, PlayStation 2, Dreamcast and Nintendo 3DS. Runabout's main missions consist of the player driving from point A to point B in order to pick up or deliver an item. The first game had more than one map to choose from, whereas the later ones utilized one city map modeled after an actual location—San Francisco in Super Runabout (Dreamcast) and New York in Runabout 3 Neo Age (PlayStation 2). Players start off with just a few vehicles. When players complete a mission, destroy as much as they can, or drive without damaging anything, they are rewarded with a new vehicle. In the newer games, players are also rewarded with paint jobs and special abilities for each individual vehicle.

Although made in Japan, all games in the series feature mostly English text and dialogue regardless of the region. Vehicles across all games include a pickup truck, NSR (Honda NSX), F1 car, tank, and various novelty vehicles such as the RCC (radio-controlled car).

Key features and gameplay

• Missions: The main missions involve driving to specific locations to pick up or deliver items. The first game offered multiple maps, while later games focused on a single city map modeled after real locations, such as San Francisco in Super Runabout (Dreamcast) and New York in Runabout 3 Neo Age (PlayStation 2).
• Vehicles: Players start with a limited selection of vehicles. Completing missions, causing destruction, or driving without damage unlocks new vehicles. The series features a variety of vehicles, including a pickup truck, NSR (Honda NSX), F1 car, tank, and novelty vehicles like a radio-controlled car.
• Rewards: In newer games, players can also earn paint jobs and special abilities for their vehicles.

Development and localization

• Japanese origins: Despite being developed in Japan, the games feature predominantly English text and dialogue, making them accessible to a global audience.
• Graphics and mechanics: Over the years, the series has seen improvements in graphics and gameplay mechanics. For example, Runabout 3 Neo Age on PlayStation 2 introduced better reflections, character animations, and higher polygon counts for vehicles and objects.

Games

Music in Runabout

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Felony 11–79 (or Runabout in Japan), Super Runabout and Runabout 3 Neo Age all feature soundtracks performed by Japanese surf band Surf Coasters, who are known for their Dick Dale-esque sound.

References