Drift Out

Drift Out

Overview & History

Released by Visco in 1989, Drift Out: 0-hyaku Rally is a pioneering overhead-perspective racing arcade game that predates the drift-craze popularized later in the 90s. Developed during an era when driving games were dominated by sit-down pseudo-3D racers, Visco opted for a top-down, micro-machine style viewpoint that emphasized precise tactical navigation over pure speed. While the original Japanese subtitle translates roughly to "Zero-Hundred," highlighting rapid acceleration, the international release simply became known as Drift Out. Players select from a fleet of heavily modified real-world-inspired rally vehicles, including the legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Celica, and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The game takes you on a grueling global tour across diverse, perilous terrains—ranging from dusty African deserts and slippery snowy tundras to treacherous mountain passes and dense forests. Success requires mastering weight distribution, cornering inertia, and split-second braking.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard arcade racers where holding the accelerator guarantees victory, Drift Out demands a calculated approach to traction and momentum. The game introduces a distinct handling model where players must tap the brake before entering a turn to initiate a controlled slide, hence the titular "drift." Each vehicle boasts distinct performance statistics categorized by top speed, acceleration, and steering grip, forcing racers to adapt their driving style to the terrain. For example, ice-covered stages reduce friction drastically, turning every turn into a high-stakes physics puzzle, while loose dirt tracks demand aggressive counter-steering. You are racing against a strict countdown timer rather than traditional AI opponents, though rival ghost cars clutter the narrow tracks. Along the way, players must skillfully avoid roadside hazards like boulders, trees, wooden fences, and deep water traps that instantly sap precious seconds. Reaching checkpoints extends the clock, culminating in grueling endurance stages that test even the most seasoned arcade veterans.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Steer Vehicle Left / Right, Accelerate / Reverse
• Action Keys: Brake / Handbrake for Drift Initiation
• Enter: Start / Pause