The Running Man (1989)

by Nish
written by Nish 6 minutes read

Summary

The Running Man (1989)

Released in 1989 for the NES, The Running Man is a side-scrolling action game based on the 1987 film of the same name. The player controls Ben Richards, a wrongfully convicted man forced to compete in a deadly game show for his freedom.

The game is set in a dystopian future where the totalitarian government uses a popular game show called “The Running Man” to control the population. The show pits contestants against deadly obstacles and enemies, and the last man standing wins their freedom.

Ben Richards is an innocent cop who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. He is sentenced to compete on The Running Man, and must fight his way through hordes of enemies to survive.

The Running Man is a challenging and fast-paced game that requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking. The player must use a variety of weapons and power-ups to defeat their enemies and complete the game.

The game was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the best NES games of all time. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and faithfulness to the film.

Gameplay

The Running Man is a side-scrolling action game in which the player controls Ben Richards. The player must fight their way through hordes of enemies, including guards, robots, and mutants. The player can use a variety of weapons and power-ups to defeat their enemies, including guns, grenades, and flamethrowers.

The game is divided into several levels, each with its own unique challenges. The player must complete each level in order to progress to the next one. The final level is a showdown with the game’s main antagonist, Damon Killian.

Graphics

The Running Man’s graphics are impressive for an NES game. The characters and enemies are well-detailed, and the backgrounds are colorful and varied. The game also uses a variety of special effects, such as explosions and fire, to create a sense of realism.

Sound

The Running Man’s sound is also impressive. The game’s music is catchy and upbeat, and the sound effects are realistic and well-suited to the gameplay.

Controls

The Running Man’s controls are simple and easy to learn. The player uses the D-pad to move Ben Richards, and the A and B buttons to attack. The player can also use the Select button to pause the game and the Start button to access the inventory screen.

Difficulty

The Running Man is a challenging game, but it is also fair. The player must use all of their skills and resources to survive. The game’s difficulty can be adjusted by changing the difficulty level in the options menu.

Replay Value

The Running Man has a high replay value. The game is challenging and rewarding, and there are multiple endings to unlock. The player can also try to beat their previous high score or complete the game on a harder difficulty level.

Overall

The Running Man is a classic NES game that is still fun to play today. The game’s challenging gameplay, impressive graphics, and catchy music make it a must-play for fans of action games and 8-bit classics.

Tips for Playing The Running Man

  • Use cover to your advantage. The Running Man’s enemies are deadly, so it’s important to use cover to protect yourself from their attacks.
  • Use a variety of weapons and power-ups. The Running Man offers a variety of weapons and power-ups, so experiment to find the ones that work best for you.
  • Be careful of traps. The Running Man’s levels are full of traps, so be careful not to fall into them.
  • Don’t give up. The Running Man is a challenging game, but it is also fair. If you keep trying, you will eventually beat it.

Fun Facts About The Running Man

  • The Running Man was one of the first NES games to feature a licensed movie property.
  • The game was developed by Altron, a company that was later acquired by Konami.
  • The Running Man was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.
  • The game was followed by a sequel, The Running Man 2, which was released in 1990.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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