Editing Out Zone

{{About|the 1990 arcade game|the 1991 video game|Outzone}}
{{Short description|1990 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
| title = Out Zone
| image = Out Zone arcade flyer.jpg
| developer = [[Toaplan]]
| publisher = {{vgrelease|JP|[[Tecmo]]|NA|[[Romstar]]|EU|Toaplan}}
| designer = Naoki Ogiwara
| composer = Tatsuya Uemura
| platforms = [[Arcade video game|Arcade]], [[Windows]], [[macOS]], [[steamOS]], [[Linux]]
| released = {{vgrelease|WW|August 1990}}
| genre = [[Shoot 'em up#Run and gun|Run and gun]]
| modes = [[Single-player video game|Single-player]], [[Cooperative video game|co-op]]
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Out Zone'''''|アウトゾーン|''Auto Zōn''||lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a [[Shoot 'em up#Run and gun|run and gun]] [[Arcade game|arcade]] [[video game]] developed by [[Toaplan]] and published in Japan by [[Tecmo]], North America by [[Romstar]] and Europe in August 1990. Set in a [[future]] where an alien race from the fictional planet Owagira are threatening to wipe out humanity after multiple failed attempts to defend [[Earth]] against their attacks, players assume the role of cyborg mercenaries recruited by the [[United Nations]] in a last-ditch effort to overthrow the invaders.

''Out Zone'' received positive reception from critics since its release and has been praised for its visuals, sound design, gameplay, multiplayer, challenge and overall intensity but some lamented the lack of a console release. A [[spiritual successor]], ''[[FixEight]]'', was released for arcades in July 1992. As of 2019, the rights to the title is owned by Tatsujin, a company founded in 2017 by former Toaplan member Masahiro Yuge and now-affiliate of Japanese arcade manufacturer [[exA-Arcadia]] alongside many other Toaplan [[Intellectual property|IP]]s.

== Gameplay ==
[[File:ARC Out Zone.png|thumb|left|Gameplay screenshot showcasing "Night Mare", the game's third boss.]]
''Out Zone'' is a [[science fiction]]-themed [[Vertically scrolling video game|vertically scrolling]] run and gun game reminiscent of ''[[Commando (video game)|Commando]]'' and ''[[Ikari Warriors]]'', where players assume the role of two cyborg mercenaries hired by the United Nations through seven increasingly difficult levels, each with a [[Boss (video gaming)|boss]] at the end that must be fought before progressing any further, in a last-ditch effort to overthrow an alien race from the planet Owagira from invading Earth as the main objective.<ref name="OZhg101">{{cite web|last=Zverloff|first=Nick|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/toaplan/toaplan4.htm|title=Toaplan Shooters (Page 4) - Out Zone|publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101|date=February 5, 2011|access-date=2019-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226140814/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/toaplan/toaplan4.htm|archive-date=February 26, 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="C+V8">{{cite magazine|last=Miccoli|first=Maurizio|url=https://archive.org/stream/computer-videogiochi-8#page/n88/mode/1up|title=Killed Games (Insert Coin): Out Zone|magazine=[[:it:Computer+Videogiochi|Computer+Videogiochi]]|issue=8|publisher=[[:it:Gruppo Editoriale Jackson|Gruppo Editoriale Jackson]]|date=September 1991|pages=89–90|lang=it}}</ref><ref name="OZss">{{cite web|url=http://shootingstar.game.coocan.jp/outzone.html|title=OUT ZONE|publisher=Shooting Star|access-date=2019-10-11|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="OZdamRG">{{cite web|last=Bevan|first=Mike|url=http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~bevhome/oisforoutzone.htm|title=Rogue's Gallery: O is for... - Outzone (Toaplan- Arcade)|website=Destroy All Monsters!|access-date=2019-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119235358/http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~bevhome/oisforoutzone.htm|archive-date=2019-01-19|url-status=live}}</ref> Players fight enemies on foot, moving upward through the level, and are equipped with a number of [[bomb]]s at the start, which obliterates any enemy caught in its [[blast radius]], but [[player character]]s are not rendered invincible for any time period after using a bomb.<ref name="OZss"/>

A unique gameplay feature is the weapon system;<ref name="OZhg101"/><ref name="C+V8"/><ref name="OZss"/><ref name="OZdamRG"/> players are equipped with two main weapons at the beginning that can be upgraded by picking up to two "P" icons in a row and switch between them by picking up a "C" icon. The semi-automatic forward gun shoots forward no matter which way players move, but shoots three bullets in a slight spread each time the fire button is pressed, while the all-direction laser fires in the direction of movement, creating a sweep of bullets as the player character changes direction. The laser also shoots rapidly when tapping the fire button and each weapon is useful in certain situations, as players will often have to switch based on the enemy configuration. Other weapons appear on certain occasions as different colored "SP" icons to acquire, like a [[flamethrower]] and a rotating energy ball capable of piercing walls.<ref name="OZhg101"/><ref name="OZss"/><ref name="OZdamRG"/> Another gameplay feature is the energy bar; similar to ''[[Wonder Boy (video game)|Wonder Boy]]'', players must remain aware of the energy bar, which constantly runs down at a steady pace and can only be refilled by collecting "E" icons scattered throughout the stage.<ref name="OZhg101"/><ref name="OZss"/> The energy bar itself does not act as [[Health (gaming)|health]], as players can still be killed with a single enemy shot.<ref name="OZhg101"/> Various other "SP" [[Item (gaming)|item]]s can also be picked up along the way such as [[1UP]]s, a speed increaser, shield and an energy extender that increases the length of the energy meter.<ref name="OZss"/>

The game hosts a number of hidden bonus secrets to be found, which is also crucial for reaching high-scores to obtain extra lives, as well as cameos of characters from other Toaplan games such as ''[[Flying Shark]]'', ''[[Truxton (video game)|Truxton]]'' and ''[[Zero Wing]]''.<ref name="OZhg101"/> The title uses a [[Saved game#Checkpoints|checkpoint]] system in which a downed single player will start off at the beginning of the checkpoint they managed to reach before dying. Getting hit by enemy fire, colliding against solid stage obstacles, falling off the stage or running out of energy will result in losing a life, as well as a penalty of decreasing the characters' [[firepower]] and speed to his original state and once all lives are lost, the [[Game over|game is over]] unless the players insert more credits into the arcade machine to [[Glossary of video game terms#Continue|continue]] playing. Although there is an ending, the game loops back to the first stage after completing the last stage as with previous titles from Toaplan, with each one increasing the difficulty and enemies fire denser [[bullet]] patterns.

== Synopsis ==
In an advanced space era, humanity encountered, traded and formed alliances with many alien races to ensure security. Humanity had been subject to past invasions from hostile outside forces but the alliances [[Earth]] forged granted victories in the past. In the year 2095, however, Earth had been subjected a to new invasion launched by the alien military force of planet Owagira, with overwhelmingly powerful and sophisticated weaponry than anything Earth's alliance could counter. With the threat of annihilation looming over, Earth's [[United Nations]] receive a message from an alien elder within their alliances about the existence of an ultra-elite mercenary unit named "Out Zone" at a remote region of the [[Milky Way galaxy]]. Known as "Space Entrepreneurs" and renowned for their fighting skills by other alien alliances, Out Zone takes sides with no one and are willing to fight any wars for the proper price. Under desperation and as a last-ditch effort to counterattack Owagira's military force, the UN requests Out Zone's service, guaranteeing the UN member nations' entire annual budget as payment. With negotiations complete, two very powerful cyborg mercenaries belonging to Out Zone volunteer for the mission. Having ties to Earth and realizing that their homeworld is in great peril, the two warriors rise up to save it from doom and destroy the Owagira Forces.<ref>''Out Zone'' arcade flyer (Tecmo, JP)</ref><ref>{{cite video game|title=Out Zone|developer=[[Toaplan]]|publisher=[[Tecmo]]|date=1990|platform=Arcade|level=Introduction}}</ref>

== Development and release ==
''Out Zone''{{'}}s [[Soundtrack#Video game soundtracks|soundtrack]] was composed by Tatsuya Uemura, who also created the [[sound effects]] while Naoki Ogiwara served as [[Video game designer|designer]].<ref name="TFf25v9">{{cite magazine|author1=Iona|author2=VHS|author3=K-HEX|title=東亜プラン FOREVER|magazine=Floor 25|volume=9|date=June 2009|pages=1–70|lang=ja}} ([https://www.gamengai.com/#/cmnt-info?id=2332 Translation] by Gamengai. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010170328/https://www.gamengai.com/#/cmnt-info?id=2332|date=2020-10-10}}).</ref><ref name="TSCa">{{cite web|url=https://sweeprecord.com/srin-1100/|title=東亜プラン シューティングクロニクル|work=SweepRecord|publisher=SuperSweep|date=14 November 2011|access-date=2020-02-27|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021030143/https://sweeprecord.com/srin-1100/|archive-date=2019-10-21|url-status=live}} ([http://shmuplations.com/toaplan-chronicle/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180711134859/http://shmuplations.com/toaplan-chronicle/|date=2018-07-11}}).</ref><ref name="STGv4a">{{cite magazine|last1=Kiyoshi|first1=Tane|author2=hally (VORC)|last3=Yūsaku|first3=Yamamoto|title=東亜プラン特集 - 元・東亜プラン 開発者インタビュー: 上村建也|magazine=Shooting Gameside|volume=4|publisher=Micro Magazine|date=3 February 2012|pages=33–40|lang=ja|isbn=978-4896373844}} ([http://shmuplations.com/toaplan-uemura1/ Translation] by Shmuplations. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906023755/http://shmuplations.com/toaplan-uemura1/|date=2019-09-06}}).</ref><ref name="PAoz">{{cite podcast|host1=Brian Mosley|host2=James Brunner|url=https://pixelatedaudio.com/out-zone/|title=Out Zone with guest Tatsuya Uemura – PA76|publisher=Pixelated Audio|date=March 2017|access-date=2019-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023230947/https://pixelatedaudio.com/out-zone/|archive-date=2019-10-23|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Uemura recounted its development process and history in interviews, stating that it was difficult for him as he could not apply his experience from [[Shoot 'em up#Types|vertical-scrolling shooter]]s with flying ships, as players controlled the game on-foot and could not design its progress.<ref name="PAoz"/> The project was fundamentally different due to the lack of forced scrolling, which did not require skills from vertical shoot 'em ups and players could move or stop freely.<ref name="STGv4a"/><ref name="PAoz"/> Uemura said that the intro was written during creation of the demonstration sequence, as the game's world was already established.<ref name="TSCa"/> The team integrated puzzle elements not found in ship-based shooters, which took time to plan out and Uemura said that the schedule for sound production was constantly being reduced, barely implementing the music during development.<ref name="PAoz"/> For the first stage's music, Uemura revealed in response to a user on [[Twitter]] that the main melody was originally composed based on ''[[Taiyō ni Hoero!]]''.<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1435407156103180288|user=u_brand_|title=良いですね〜元々この曲のメインメロは「太陽にほえろ」のイメージで作ったんだけど、2コーラス目のギターはまさにそんな感じです。ありがとうございます。|date=2021-09-07|access-date=2021-09-08|lang=ja|archive-date=2021-09-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908005835/https://twitter.com/u_brand_/status/1435407156103180288|url-status=live}}</ref> When composing music for the last stage, Uemura wanted to convey the sense of a "decisive battle".<ref name="PAoz"/> Uemura has since regarded the project as "the most difficult product he worked on".<ref name="PAoz"/>

''Out Zone'' was released in arcades worldwide in August 1990 by [[Tecmo]], [[Romstar]] and [[Toaplan]].<ref name="B!MD7">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/details/beep-megadrive-1990-04/page/99/mode/1up|title=極楽VGブラザーズ: 東亜プラン - Out Zone|magazine=[[:ja:ゲーマガ#BEEP!メガドライブ|Beep! MegaDrive]]|issue=7|publisher=[[SB Creative|SoftBank Creative]]|date=April 1990|page=99|lang=ja}}</ref><ref name="MBASICM99">{{cite magazine|last=Yamashita|first=Nobuyuki|url=https://archive.org/stream/micomBASIC_1990-09#page/n237/mode/1up|title=Super Soft Hot Information - Video Game! (アーケード・ゲーム): アウトゾーン|magazine=[[:ja:マイコンBASICマガジン|Micom BASIC Magazine]]|issue=99|publisher=[[:ja:電波新聞社|The Dempa Shimbunsha Corporation]]|date=September 1990|page=244|lang=ja}}</ref><ref name="ATVGL:JaO1971-2005">{{cite book|last=Akagi|first=Masumi|url=https://archive.org/stream/ArcadeGameList1971-2005#page/n50/mode/1up|title=テクモ（テーカン）Tecmo; 東亜プラン (Toa Plan); Romstar; O|work=アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内•海外編 (1971-2005)|edition=1st|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement News Agency]]|date=13 October 2006|pages=49, 50, 130, 160|isbn=978-4990251215|language=ja}}</ref><ref name="AJARCoz">{{cite magazine|last=Labiner|first=Michael|url=https://archive.org/stream/Amiga_Joker_1990-10_Joker_Verlag_DE#page/n89/mode/2up|title=Coin-Op|magazine=[[:de:Amiga Joker|Amiga Joker]]|issue=10|publisher=Joker-Verlag|date=October 1991|pages=90–91|lang=de}}</ref> On October 21 of the same year, an album containing music from the title and ''[[Snow Bros.]]'' was co-published exclusively in Japan by [[Scitron]] and [[Pony Canyon]], featuring an arranged song composed by Uemura.<ref name="PAoz"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://vgmdb.net/album/642|title=PCCB-00044 &#124; Out Zone • Snow Bros.|work=vgmdb.net|publisher=VGMdb|access-date=2019-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170111195646/http://vgmdb.net/album/642|archive-date=2017-01-11|url-status=live}}</ref> Unlike several other releases by Toaplan, the title remained exclusive to arcades and did not receive any official [[Porting#Porting in gaming|port]] to [[Home video game console|home console]]s.<ref name="RG73oz">{{cite magazine|last=Lambie|first=Ryan|title=The Unconverted: Out Zone|magazine=[[Retro Gamer]]|issue=73|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing]]|date=February 2010|page=57}}</ref><ref name="OZwireframe">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/Wireframe13#page/n51/mode/2up|title=Interface - Developer Profile / Toaplan: Bullet time - A decade of Toaplan|magazine=[[Raspberry Pi Foundation#Magazine|Wireframe]]|issue=13|publisher=[[Raspberry Pi Foundation]]|date=May 9, 2019|pages=52–53}}</ref> By 2020, a new version of ''Out Zone'' by [[M2 (game developer)|M2]] was announced as part of their M2 ShotTriggers publishing label.<ref>{{cite news|last=Romano|first=Sal|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/toaplan-shoot-em-ups-twin-cobra-truxton-ii-flying-shark-and-out-zone-coming-to-consoles|title=Toaplan shoot 'em ups Twin Cobra, Truxton II, Flying Shark, and Out Zone coming to consoles - M2 porting the late 80s and early 90s titles|work=Gematsu|date=April 18, 2020|access-date=2020-04-23|archive-date=2020-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424171500/https://www.gematsu.com/2020/04/toaplan-shoot-em-ups-twin-cobra-truxton-ii-flying-shark-and-out-zone-coming-to-consoles|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/04/m2_is_making_a_stupidly_expensive_shooter_more_affordable_on_home_consoles|title=M2 Is Making A Stupidly Expensive Shooter More Affordable On Home Consoles - Along with some other amazing Toaplan titles|work=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=Nlife Media|date=April 18, 2020|access-date=2020-03-23|archive-date=2020-04-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424212451/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/04/m2_is_making_a_stupidly_expensive_shooter_more_affordable_on_home_consoles|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Wong|first=Alistair|url=https://www.siliconera.com/toaplans-flying-shark-twin-cobra-truxton-ii-and-out-zone-coming-to-modern-platforms/|title=Toaplan's Flying Shark, Twin Cobra, Truxton II, and Out Zone Coming to Modern Platforms|work=[[Siliconera]]|publisher=[[Curse LLC]]|date=April 19, 2020|access-date=2020-04-23|archive-date=2020-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419132733/https://www.siliconera.com/toaplans-flying-shark-twin-cobra-truxton-ii-and-out-zone-coming-to-modern-platforms/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Moyse|first=Chris|url=https://www.destructoid.com/out-zone-twin-cobra-and-other-classic-toaplan-shmups-coming-soon-from-m2-587574.phtml|title=Out Zone, Twin Cobra, and other classic Toaplan shmups coming soon from M2 - Save your quarters|work=[[Destructoid]]|publisher=[[Enthusiast Gaming]]|date=April 20, 2020|access-date=2020-04-23|archive-date=2020-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031000532/https://www.destructoid.com/out-zone-twin-cobra-and-other-classic-toaplan-shmups-coming-soon-from-m2-587574.phtml|url-status=live}}</ref> It was first announced to be released on the [[Nintendo Switch]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ndw.jp/nd200708-315/|title=Switchにくる! 東亜プランの4タイトル|magazine=Nintendo Dream|issue=315|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]|date=July–August 2020|lang=ja|access-date=2020-07-26|archive-date=2020-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200813084259/https://www.ndw.jp/nd200708-315/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2020, the game was made available on the iiRcade arcade console, marking its first appearance outside the arcades.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.iircade.com/pages/all-games|title=all-games|publisher=iiRcade|access-date=2022-08-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423175434/https://www.iircade.com/pages/all-games|archive-date=2021-04-23|url-status=live}}</ref> The game was included in 2022 as part of the Sega Astro City Mini V, a vertically-oriented variant of the Sega Astro City mini console.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202112/17245100.html|title=『アストロシティミニ V』2022年夏発売決定＆予約開始。初移植となる『アウトゾーン』『デザートブレイカー』など22本を収録|magazine=[[Famitsu]]|publisher=Kadokawa Game Linkage|date=December 17, 2021|access-date=2021-12-17|lang=ja}}</ref>

== Reception and legacy ==
{{Video game reviews
|CVG = 80%<ref name="CVGoz">{{cite magazine|last=Rignall|first=Julian|author-link=Julian Rignall|url=https://archive.org/details/c-vg-111-1991-02_202203/page/n91/mode/1up|title=Arcade Action - Out Zone|magazine=[[Computer and Video Games]]|issue=111|publisher=[[EMAP]]|date=February 1991|page=92}}</ref>
|SUser = 85%<ref name="SUoz">{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/sinclair-user-magazine-105/SinclairUser_105_Nov_1990#page/n53/mode/2up|title=Coin Ops - Out Zone - Toaplan|magazine=[[Sinclair User]]|issue=105|publisher=[[EMAP]]|date=November 1990|pages=54–55}}</ref>
|YSinclair = 84° / 100°<ref name="YSoz">{{cite magazine|last=Wilson|first=David|url=https://archive.org/stream/your-sinclair-60/YourSinclair_60_Dec_1990#page/n69/mode/1up|title=Slots Of Fun - Out Zone (Taito)|magazine=[[Your Sinclair]]|issue=60|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|date=December 1990|page=70|access-date=2019-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610135431/http://archive.org/stream/your-sinclair-60/YourSinclair_60_Dec_1990#page/n69/mode/1up|archive-date=2016-06-10|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Zero = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name="Zoz">{{cite magazine|last=Wilson|first=David|url=https://archive.org/stream/zero-magazine-14#page/n85/mode/1up|title=Dosh Eaters: Out Zone (Taito/50p a go)|magazine=[[Zero (video game magazine)|Zero]]|issue=14|publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]]|date=December 1990|page=86}}</ref>
}}

''Out Zone'' received positive reception since its release, becoming a well regarded title from Toaplan in recent years.<ref name="OZPostback">{{cite web|author=Recapitulador|url=http://postback.geedorah.com/revisiones/arc_out_zone_01.htm|title=Out Zone (ARC)|website=Postback|access-date=2019-09-06|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180119060552/http://postback.geedorah.com/revisiones/arc_out_zone_01.htm|archive-date=2018-01-19|url-status=live}}</ref> In Japan, ''Game Machine'' listed it on their August 15, 1990 issue as being the fifth most-popular arcade game at the time.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Game Machine's Best Hit Games 25 - テーブル型TVゲーム機 (Table Videos)|magazine=[[:ja:ゲームマシン|Game Machine]]|issue=386|publisher=[[:ja:アミューズメント通信社|Amusement Press, Inc.]]|date=15 August 1990|page=25|lang=ja}}</ref> In Australia, ''Leisure Line'' magazine reported the game to be the fifth most-popular Japanese coin-op game in their September 1990 issue.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://archive.org/stream/Leisure_Line_1990-09_Leisure_Allied_Industries_AU#page/n37/mode/1up|title=Test Reports: Japanese Game Machines - Table Videos|magazine=Leisure Line|publisher=Leisure & Allied Industries|date=September 1990|page=38}}</ref> In the November 1990 issue of Japanese publication ''Micom BASIC Magazine'', the game was ranked on the number fifteenth spot in popularity.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Yamashita|first=Nobuyuki|url=https://archive.org/stream/micomBASIC_1990-11#page/n227/mode/1up|title=Super Soft Hot Information: Video Game! (ビデオゲーム) - Hot 20|magazine=[[:ja:マイコンBASICマガジン|Micom BASIC Magazine]]|issue=101|publisher=[[:ja:電波新聞社|The Dempa Shimbunsha Corporation]]|date=November 1990|page=238|lang=ja}}</ref> Likewise, ''RePlay'' reported ''Out Zone'' to be the fourteenth most-popular arcade game at the time in North America.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The Player's Choice - Top Games Now in Operation, Based on Earnings-Opinion Poll of Operators: Best Software|magazine=RePlay|volume=16|issue=2|publisher=RePlay Publishing, Inc.|date=November 1990|page=4}}</ref> In May 1991, UK magazine ''[[Zero (video game magazine)|Zero]]'' ranked it on their number nine spot in popularity.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Wilson|first=David|url=https://archive.org/stream/zero-magazine-19#page/n39/mode/1up|title=Dosh Eaters: Slotties Chart|magazine=[[Zero (video game magazine)|Zero]]|issue=19|publisher=[[Dennis Publishing]]|date=May 1991|page=40}}</ref>

''[[Sinclair User]]'' praised the fast-paced gameplay and frenetic action, stating that "''Outzone'' is one hell of a challenge, particularly past the initial stages, but is sure to set the pulse racing if you've got the reactions to match it!".<ref name="SUoz"/> Likewise, David Wilson of ''[[Your Sinclair]]'' praised the frenetic gameplay, although he drew comparison with ''[[Mercs]]''.<ref name="YSoz"/> ''[[Retro Gamer]]''{{'}}s Mike Bevan gave positive remarks to the presentation but lamented the lack of a console release.<ref name="OZdamRG"/><ref name="RGoz">{{cite web|last=Bevan|first=Mike|url=https://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games90/outzone/|title=Outzone|publisher=[[Retro Gamer]]|date=October 1, 2008|access-date=2019-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803042247/http://www.retrogamer.net/retro_games90/outzone/|archive-date=August 3, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Computer and Video Games]]''{{'}}s [[Julian Rignall]] scored the game with an overall 80% rating.<ref name="CVGoz"/> Nick Zverloff of ''[[Hardcore Gaming 101]]'' gave it an overall mixed retrospective.<ref name="OZhg101"/> Similarly, Malcolm Laurie from ''SHMUPS!'' lamented the lack of a console port but praised the visuals, sound design, gameplay and multiplayer.<ref name="OZshmups!">{{cite web|last=Laurie|first=Malcolm|url=http://www.shmups.com/reviews/outzone/index.html|title=Out Zone|website=www.shmups.com|publisher=SHMUPS!|access-date=2019-10-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709161907/http://www.shmups.com/reviews/outzone/index.html|archive-date=2018-07-09|url-status=live}}</ref>

''Out Zone'' was included as one of the titles in the 2010 book ''[[1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die]]''.<ref name="1001vgympbyd">{{cite book|last=Mott|first=Tony|title=[[1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die]]|publisher=[[Universe Publishing]]|date=2010|isbn=978-0-7893-2090-2}}</ref> A spiritual sequel, ''FixEight'', was released in July 1992 for arcades.<ref name="OZhg101"/> In more recent years, the rights to the game, its spiritual follow-up and many other IPs from [[Toaplan]] are now owned by Tatsujin, a company named after ''Truxton''{{'}}s Japanese title that was founded in 2017 by former Toaplan employee Masahiro Yuge, and is part of [[Embracer Group]] since 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tatsujin.tokyo/custom.html|title=ライセンス事業|publisher=TATSUJIN Co., Ltd.|date=2019|access-date=2019-10-11|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181225203847/http://tatsujin.tokyo/custom.html|archive-date=2018-12-25|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bravo|first=Roberto|url=https://www.gamercafe.cl/2018/09/12/nueva-compania-tatsujin-asegura-tener-gran-parte-de-las-ips-de-la-extinta-toaplan/|title=Nueva compañía "Tatsujin" asegura tener gran parte de las IPs de la extinta Toaplan|publisher=Gamercafe|date=September 12, 2018|access-date=2019-10-11|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021030437/https://www.gamercafe.cl/2018/09/12/nueva-compania-tatsujin-asegura-tener-gran-parte-de-las-ips-de-la-extinta-toaplan/|archive-date=October 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/408/G040821/20190125146/|title=［JAEPO2019］TATSUJINやナツメアタリの参入が発表されたexA-Arcadia。出展コーナーの模様を紹介|work=[[4Gamer.net]]|publisher=Aetas Inc.|date=January 26, 2019|access-date=2019-10-11|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021031252/https://www.4gamer.net/games/408/G040821/20190125146/|archive-date=October 21, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Embracer Group Announces the 11[th] Operating Group: Embracer Freemode |url=https://embracer.com/releases/embracer-group-announces-the-11th-operating-group-embracer-freemode/ |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=Embracer Group |language=en-US}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Portal|1990s|Japan|Video games}}
* [https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/arcade/568401-out-zone ''Out Zone''] at [[GameFAQs]]
* [https://www.giantbomb.com/out-zone/3030-37493/ ''Out Zone''] at [[Giant Bomb]]
* [https://www.arcade-museum.com/game_detail.php?game_id=8940 ''Out Zone''] at [[Killer List of Videogames]]
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/out-zone ''Out Zone''] at [[MobyGames]]
* [http://privat.bahnhof.se/wb831590/toaplansite/allyourbase/outzone/index.html ''Out Zone''] at The Toaplan Museum

{{Toaplan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Out Zone}}
[[Category:1990 video games]]
[[Category:Arcade video games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Romstar games]]
[[Category:Run and gun games]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Tecmo games]]
[[Category:Toaplan games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Tatsuya Uemura]]
[[Category:Video games set in the 2090s]]