Genesis - Atomic Runner Review

Atomic Runner is the console version of an arcade game where you play a Russian called Chelnov who helps his father in research when one day aliens attack and fatally injure Chelnov's father. Apparently your father knows about these aliens and has been working on a suit which will destroy them. Which is where you come in, you have to don the suit and destroy all the aliens and save your kidnapped sister.

Gameplay: 9/10

The gameplay is very similar to side-scrolling aeroplane games except on the ground. As the atomic runner, you're constantly moving forward with an unlimited ammo to shoot everything. You can collect power-ups to increase your attack or change your attack amongst other things. The attack they have you collect is usually the best one for the next section of the level which is good. You can only shoot diagonally up and forwards however. This may not seem ideal but it works well most of the time because you can jump and shoot while sommersaulting as well as bounce on enemies to damage them. Finally you can about face, useful against enemies appearing from behind you and crouch to attack which may or may not be useful depending on the weapon you use.

The only real problem lies when you have to jump onto platforms. This is a real hassle because you are constantly moving forward so not only do you have to compensate for this as you jump, you can't wait on the platform either otherwise you'll be pushed off as the screen catches up with you.

Graphics: 5/5

The graphics for such an old game are not only excellent but based on real life artifacts. Basically, the aliens have taken over ancient places and give it a technological spin. So for example, you'll find yourself in South America in an Aztec-style level with wires growing out of the walls or in Eygpt with the Sphinx in the background with a half-metal face.

Sound and Music: 5/5

The sound and music are weird and not recognisable as any style of music very appropriate for this game. There's no much that can be said except to listen to them yourselves.

Game design: 4/5

The game is designed for most part fairly well except for the platform jumping parts as mentioned earlier, the difficulty with some of the bosses and the fact that you die straight away if you get touched by an enemy or get hurt. It's actually a rather step learning curve for beginner's to pick up because of the different controls and limited movement compared to similar. Nontheless, once you get used to the controls it's really fun. The difficulty increases as the game goes on naturally and most should find the later levels challenging enough.

Longevity: 4/5

This game is challenging and a great arcade action game. You'll probably be playing it to see how well you can do before dying. It does get tough so be prepared to spend some time mastering this game.

For: Well balanced gameplay for most part. Weird cool graphics. Interesting sound and music.

Against: Jumping problems. Some of the later bosses too hard. Too easy to die.

Genre: Action

Produced by: Data East

Year: 1992

Platform: Sega Genesis/Megadrive

Runs on: Gens

Scoring Summary

Gameplay: 9/10

Graphics: 5/5

Sound and Music: 5/5

Game design: 4/5

Longevity: 4/5

Total: 27/30

Rating:

90%

Platinum Award!

-Reviewed by Barnabas