31 December 2009
Updated 15 October 2011
Eventually the graphical power of arcade machines and computers got to the point where they were no longer limited to displaying the abstract spaceships that defined the shoot 'em up and could actually create convincing humanoid forms. Take this, along with the birth of the platformer, and the run 'n gun—in all its perspectives—is born.
In the console world, you'd be hard pressed to find an earlier or more significant run 'n gun than Contra, which created the template for the platformer run 'n gun in the same way that Street Fighter II did for fighting games. Running, shooting, jumping, powering up—Contra fuses these elements with a skill and elegance that never gets old or shows its age, especially if you're shooting the Red Falcon hordes with a friend.
The overhead run 'n gun is quite similar, merely changing the perspective and eschewing platform elements. Though the classic and often-cited example is Ikari Warriors, Guerilla War (also by SNK) has aged much more gracefully. Attacking and being attacked in 360 degrees is pretty standard, but at least you don't need to worry about deadfalls.
Despite its simple premise, run 'n guns cover a surprising breadth. You can have hybrids that feature both side-scrolling and overhead views (Blaster Master), and some titles focus on mastering deep gamplay in order to operate a complicated mech to its fullest potential (Cybernator, Metal Warriors). The basis for run 'n guns is simple, yet the skills to master them require much practice and a deep understanding of gameplay. |
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#1 |
Gunstar Heroes |
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Developer: Treasure |
Publisher: Sega |
Released: 1993 |
That this game represents one of the finest demonstrations of Mega Drive's hardware is impressive enough. In addition you have unusually deep combat (jump kicks and throws!), phenomenal level design, wondrous explosions (complete with excellent sound effects), a simple yet clever weapon system that provides 14 unique choices, a musical score that impresses and complements each level, plus one of the best boss fights ever (against Seven Force). Treasure made it, and that's exactly what this title is. |
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#2 |
Contra |
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Developer: Konami |
Publisher: Konami |
Released: 1988 |
This title is a member of the elite club of games where the arcade port actually surpasses the original, an astonishing achievement given the disparity between arcade and console hardware during this era. The controls are much tighter at home, and somehow the music sounds better, too. In fact, Contra's soundtrack rivals that of Hard Corps and even Contra III—both excellent entries in the franchise that should basically share this slot in the top 10. Super Contra is also good, but the graphics aren't nearly as colorful and the music isn't as memorable either. Like Gunstar Heroes, Contra represents one of the best demonstrations its respective hardware. That Konami achieved such a feat so early in the NES's life cycle is phenomenal. |
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#3 |
Blaster Master |
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Developer: Sunsoft |
Publisher: Sunsoft |
Released: 1988 |
Your pet frog escapes and stumbles upon a radioactive package. After mutating the frog jumps down an enormous hole, and you follow suit. What you find is an amazing suit of armor and an even cooler tank; so your adventure beings. One of the best openings in video game history! Fortunately, the actual game is just as impressive. Sunsoft melds the side-scrolling and overhead run 'n gun perspectives brilliantly. The graphics are colorful and top-notch, plus you've got some of the best music in any NES game. Blaster Master also places such an emphasis on exploration, collecting new powers (i.e. hover!), and retracing your steps that it's practically an action-adventure title. One of the most underappreciated NES games ever. |
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#4 |
Guerilla War |
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Developer: SNK |
Publisher: SNK |
Released: 1988 |
Think of Ikari Warriors (also by SNK), only superior in every possible way. Much faster gameplay. Unlimited bullets and grenades. More interesting level designs. The same totally explosive two-player cooperative play. Even the tank combat is superior. While graphically you probably won't be impressed, the music is very good, the sound effects are even better, and the gameplay is fantastic. Boss battles can be a little cheesy and underwhelming, but the non-stop action and responsive controls make for extremely fun and fast-paced non-stop action. Not only is this one of the most impressive arcade ports you can find on the NES, the console version even proved to be more popular than the original. |
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#5 |
Super Turrican |
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Developer: Factor 5 |
Publisher: Seika (US), Tonkin House (Japan), Hudson Soft (EU) |
Released: 1993 |
Factor 5 is responsible for three different 16-bit Turrican games (this one plus Super Turrican 2 and Mega Turrican). The latter are quite good and distinctive in their own right, but the emphasis on exploration—homage to the original Turrican's gameplay—combined with the brilliant colors and rocking soundtrack help Super Turrican edge out its rivals. The freeze ray that you can fire in a continuous arc is also very interesting weapon option. For fans of Turrican, I also recommend Rendering Ranger R2, but be prepared for an unusually linear Turricanesque experience. |
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#6 |
Twinkle Tale |
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Developer: Zap |
Publisher: Toyo Records |
Released: 1992 |
I have no idea who Zap is, but this game reminds me a lot of TechnoSoft's Elemental Master, and that's a good thing. Three different weapons, each with three different power levels, special attacks, medieval enemies, and beautiful scenery that can be deadly (boulders, statues, etc.). Between weapon choice and the quality level design this is a shooting romp that proves to be quite memorable. If only it had been released outside of Japan... |
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#7 |
Ranger X |
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Developer: Gau Entertainment |
Publisher: Sega |
Released: 1993 |
There's something to be said for elegant running and shooting action. Then there are the more complicated scenarios, where you have jets that provide temporary flight, and an independent vehicle that fights on your behalf. This title represents the latter. The brilliant graphics would be enough to attract the average fan, but the gameplay goes so far beyond. Secondary weapons? Of course! But you need to jump into your vehicle to switch. Yet another brilliant element that's crucial to play this game. An incredible game from a rather unknown developer. |
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#8 |
Zombies Ate My Neighbors |
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Developer: Lucasarts |
Publisher: Konami |
Released: 1993 |
Armed with a gun that fires holy water, you're off to rescue all sorts of goofy neighbors from the most persistent undead monsters ever. This is clearly the most lighthearted entry here, and it's a welcome change of pace. In terms of music, you'll have a tough time finding a stronger contender. In contrast to the visuals, the music is creepy, gloomy, and even scary at times. Maniacal laughs and chainsaw effects are layered on top expertly. The gameplay is very simple, but it's quite polished—easy to figure out, yet hard to master. As you progress you'll find all sorts of bizarre alternate weapons, like ice cream and lawnmowers. Remember this is LucasArts! |
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#9 |
Cybernator |
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Developer: NCS Corp |
Publisher: Konami |
Released: 1992 |
Considering how cool giant robot games are, it's amazing how few quality such titles have been released. What makes this title stand out is the variety of gameplay. In the majority of levels, you can hover in the air, defying gravity at will. There are also zero-gravity stages and even ones that play resemble traditional Gradius-style shoot 'em ups. In addition to hovering and the typical arsenal of weapons, another really neat gameplay feature is the ability to defend with your shield. Hold the R button when you're on the ground and out it comes, making you nearly invinsible. The very deep gameplay helps make up for the lackluster musical score. Perhaps the smartest run 'n gun on this list. |
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#10 |
Soldiers of Fortune (aka The Chaos Engine) |
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Developer: BitMap Brothers |
Publisher: Virgin Interactive, Spectrum Holobyte (US) |
Released: 1992 |
Here is a worthy spiritual successor to Gauntlet. You can play as six different characters (from Thug to Scientist); and if you're playing alone then computer AI handles the second character. You tackle four worlds, each with four different levels. Between levels you can distribute experience points to boost various attributes of each character. Aside from the standard shooting of enemies and their spawning pods, you also gain special attacks. In short, a fabulous blend of classic run 'n gun with RPG elements. |
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Honorable Mention |
Jackal (a.k.a. Akai Yousai) |
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Developer: Konami |
Publisher: Konami |
Released: 1988 |
The graphics are rather bland; calling them washed out might even be a compliment. While the music is decent, it's nothing remarkable. Sounds effects are nothing above and beyond the call of duty. Konami, however, delivers BIGTIME in the gameplay department to offset these mediocre aspects. Unlike most run 'n guns, you spend the whole game in a heavily armed jeep. One button fires your machine gun, which always fires straight up. The other one is for your grenade attack, which can be aimed in any direction. Since you're a tank, running over soldiers is just as effective as shooting them. You can also save officer POWs, which upgrades your grenade attack to various missile strengths. Simple, yet highly playable and entertaining. |
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Honorable Mention |
Super Smash TV |
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Developer: Beam Software |
Publisher: Acclaim |
Released: 1992 |
Robotron: 2084 received one its first great upgrades here. There's a very dark humor penetrating the entire atmosphere: A silly game show host encourages you to explore new rooms, along with saying: "Good luck; you'll need it!" As the enemy masses flood game show rooms, you're only hope is to grab the numerous power-ups, which range from rockets to spread shots to razor barriers. All of these are quite effective at inflicting death, and it's a miracle that lobbyists obesessed with reigning in the "violence that video games encourage" did not take greater issue with Smash TV After all, playing the game entails many a bloody explosion, and the sound effects for it are quite good. |
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Other Recommendations |
Title |
Console |
Developer |
Perspective |
Release |
|
Genesis |
Treasure |
Side-Scrolling |
1995 |
|
TG-16 |
Hudson Soft |
Overhead |
1989 |
|
SNES |
Konami |
Side-Scrolling & Overhead |
1990 |
|
Genesis |
Konami |
Side-Scrolling |
1994 |
|
SNES |
Omiya Soft |
Side-Scrolling |
1996 |
|
TG-16 |
Irem |
Side-Scrolling |
1992 |
|
NES |
Sunsoft |
Overhead |
1990 |
|
NES |
Data East |
Side-Scrolling |
1990 |
|
NES |
Sunsoft |
Side-Scrolling |
1990 |
|
TG CD |
Laser Soft |
Overhead |
1989 |
|
TG-16 |
Namco |
Overhead |
1990 |
|
Genesis |
Factor 5 |
Side-Scrolling |
1994 |
|
SNES |
LucasArts |
Side-Scrolling |
1995 |
|
SNES |
Natsume |
Overhead |
1992 |
|
SNES |
Natsume |
Overhead |
1994 |
|
SNES |
Manfred Trenz |
Side-Scrolling |
1995 |
|
NES |
Konami |
Side-Scrolling |
1990 |
|
SNES |
LucasArts |
Side-Scrolling |
1993 |
|
SNES |
LucasArts |
Side-Scrolling |
1995 |
|
SNES |
Factor 5 |
Side-Scrolling |
1995 |
|
SNES |
Beam Software |
Overhead |
1995 |
|
TG-16 |
Namco |
Overhead |
1990 |
|
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