Summary
- Release Year: 1996
- Genres: Adventure
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Coktel Vision
- Publishers: Sierra On-Line
Urban Runner: A Gritty FMV Adventure Through the City Streets
Released in 1996 for the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, Urban Runner is a unique and engaging FMV (full-motion video) adventure game that immerses players in a gritty and atmospheric urban environment. The game’s branching narrative and multiple endings keep players on the edge of their seats, and its well-realized characters and setting bring the story to life.
Gameplay
Urban Runner is played from a first-person perspective, with players controlling the protagonist, a young man named Alex, as he navigates the dangerous streets of a crime-ridden city. The game is played using a point-and-click interface, with players interacting with the environment and characters by clicking on objects and people.
The game’s story is non-linear, with players’ choices affecting the course of the narrative. Players can choose to follow different paths, leading to multiple endings. The game also features a variety of puzzles that players must solve in order to progress.
Story
Urban Runner tells the story of Alex, a young man who is framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Alex must clear his name and find the real criminal, all while navigating the dangerous streets of the city. Along the way, he meets a cast of characters, both good and bad, who help and hinder him on his quest.
The game’s story is well-written and engaging, with twists and turns that keep players guessing until the very end. The game’s multiple endings add to its replayability, as players can choose to make different choices and see how the story unfolds.
Characters
The characters in Urban Runner are well-developed and believable. Alex is a sympathetic protagonist, and his determination to clear his name is easy to root for. The supporting cast of characters is also well-rounded, with each character having their own unique motivations and goals.
Setting
Urban Runner is set in a gritty and atmospheric urban environment. The game’s world is well-realized, with a variety of locations to explore, from dark alleys to seedy bars. The game’s visuals are impressive for their time, and the FMV cutscenes help to bring the world to life.
Reception
Urban Runner was released to critical acclaim, with reviewers praising the game’s story, characters, and setting. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. Urban Runner is considered to be one of the best FMV adventure games ever made, and it remains a cult classic among fans of the genre.
Legacy
Urban Runner has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s branching narrative and multiple endings were ahead of their time, and they helped to pave the way for more non-linear games in the future. The game’s gritty and atmospheric setting also helped to set a new standard for FMV adventure games.
Urban Runner is a classic FMV adventure game that is still enjoyed by fans today. The game’s well-written story, engaging characters, and atmospheric setting make it a must-play for fans of the genre.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
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