Difference between revisions of "Atomic Runner"

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{{OtherPage|desc=the unreleased [[Sega Saturn]] port|page=Atomic Runner (Saturn)}}
 
{{Bob
 
{{Bob
 
| bobscreen=AtomicRunner Title.png
 
| bobscreen=AtomicRunner Title.png
−
| publisher=[[Data East]]
+
| bobscreen2=AtomicRunner MD PAL title.png
−
| developer=[[Data East]]
+
| bobscreen3=Chelnov MD title.png
 +
| tab1=NTSC-U
 +
| tab2=PAL
 +
| tab3=NTSC-J
 +
| publisher={{company|[[Data East]]|region=Japan, US|system=MD}}
 +
{{company|[[Sega]]|region=Europe|system=MD}}
 +
{{company|Paon|system=VC}}
 +
| developer={{company|[[Data East]]|system=MD}}
 +
{{company|[[M2]]|system=VC}}
 +
| distributor={{company|[[Hent Gruppen]]|region=SE rental|system=MD}}
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Virtual Console]]
 
| system=[[Sega Mega Drive]], [[Virtual Console]]
 
| sounddriver=
 
| sounddriver=
 
| peripherals=
 
| peripherals=
 
| players=1
 
| players=1
−
| genre=Action
+
| genre=Action{{fileref|AtomicRunner MD JP Box.jpg}}{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
 
| originalsystem=Arcade boards
 
| originalsystem=Arcade boards
 
| releases={{releasesMD
 
| releases={{releasesMD
−
| md_date_jp=1992-10-16
+
| md_date_jp=1992-10-16{{ref|https://web.archive.org/web/20200702232146/https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html}}
 
| md_code_jp=T-13073
 
| md_code_jp=T-13073
 
| md_rrp_jp=7,800
 
| md_rrp_jp=7,800
 +
| md_date_us=1992-07{{magref|gamepro|35|54}}
 +
| md_rrp_us=49.95{{magref|gamepro|35|54}}
 +
| md_code_us=T-13036
 
| md_date_eu=1992
 
| md_date_eu=1992
−
| md_date_us=1992-07{{fileref|GamePro US 035.pdf|page=54}}
+
| md_code_eu=1144
−
| md_rrp_us=49.95{{fileref|GamePro US 035.pdf|page=54}}
+
| md_date_uk=1993-04{{magref|segapro|19|18}}
−
| md_code_eu=1140
+
| md_code_uk=1144
 
| md_rrp_uk=39.99{{magref|mms|1|58}}
 
| md_rrp_uk=39.99{{magref|mms|1|58}}
−
| md_code_us=T-13036
 
 
| md_date_au=199x
 
| md_date_au=199x
 
| md_date_pt=1992
 
| md_date_pt=1992
 
| md_code_pt=MDJ1144
 
| md_code_pt=MDJ1144
 +
| md_date_se_r=199x
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{releasesWii
 
{{releasesWii
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| vc_rating_jp=a
 
| vc_rating_jp=a
 
}}
 
}}
 +
{{releasesDigital
 +
|projectegg_date_jp=2010-02-09<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20130310102219/http://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/cgi/ecatalog-detail.cgi?contcode=7&product_id=815</ref>
 +
|projectegg_rrp_jp=880
 +
|projectegg_code_jp=PON0001
 
}}
 
}}
−
{{stub}}'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', known as '''''Chelnov''''' (チェルノブ) in Japan, is a 1988 arcade game by [[Data East]] ported to the [[Sega Mega Drive]] in 1992. The Mega Drive version of the game has since been released for the [[Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] service in Japan.
+
{{releasesDigital
 +
|projectegg_date_jp=2020-07-21<ref>https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/game/?product_id=1583</ref>
 +
|projectegg_rrp_jp=880
 +
|projectegg_code_jp=PPD0004
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
'''''{{PAGENAME}}''''', known in Japan as '''''Chelnov''''' (チェルノブ), is a [[Sega Mega Drive]] action platform game developed and published by [[Data East]]. The game is a port of the company's 1988 arcade game ''[[wikipedia:Atomic Runner Chelnov|Atomic Runner Chelnov]]'' but with significantly enhanced graphics and sound. It was first released in Japan, the United States, and Europe in late 1992, and has since been ported to the [[Nintendo Wii]]'s [[Virtual Console]] courtesy of developer [[M2]] in September 2007.
  
 
==Story==
 
==Story==
−
The original arcade version's plot was [[wikipedia:Chelnov#History|completely replaced in the Mega Drive version due to the controversy it caused]]. Instead of a coal miner who developed superhuman abilities after getting caught in Soviet nuclear failure and must now fight the evil organization who wants to hire him for his powers, Chelnov is now a scientist living happily with his father and sister Chelmi. One night, he goes out for a jog only to hear an explosion at his house. Racing back home, he finds his father near-death at the hands of the "Deathtarians," a group claiming to be the original intelligent life — and consequently, the true owners — of planet Earth, predating humans.
+
{{ScreenThumb|Atomic Runner, Introduction.png|width=200|Introduction}}
 +
While the original arcade version's plot took significant inspiration from the 1986 [[wikipedia:Chernobyl disaster|Chernobyl disaster]], the home port's story was changed due to the minor controversy it caused in the contemporary Japanese game industry. Instead of a coal miner who developed superhuman abilities after getting caught in a Soviet nuclear failure who must fight an evil organization who wants to hire him for his advanced abilities, Chelnov is now a scientist living happily with his father and sister Chelmi. One night, he goes out for a jog only to hear an explosion at his house. Racing back home, he finds his father near-death at the hands of the "Deathtarians," a group claiming to be the original intelligent life — and consequently, the true owners — of planet Earth, predating humans.
  
 
Chelnov's father had been working to try to stop the Deathtarians, and now he leaves a suit which grants its wearer superhuman abilities and numerous weapons to Chelnov. Chelnov donned the suit to become the Atomic Runner and went on his way to save the world and rescue his now-kidnapped sister, but was overwhelmed by the Deathtarians's numbers. The Deathtarians captured, tortured, and attempted to brainwash the Atomic Runner, but eventually failed, leaving him with one last attempt to stop the Deathtarians.
 
Chelnov's father had been working to try to stop the Deathtarians, and now he leaves a suit which grants its wearer superhuman abilities and numerous weapons to Chelnov. Chelnov donned the suit to become the Atomic Runner and went on his way to save the world and rescue his now-kidnapped sister, but was overwhelmed by the Deathtarians's numbers. The Deathtarians captured, tortured, and attempted to brainwash the Atomic Runner, but eventually failed, leaving him with one last attempt to stop the Deathtarians.
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
−
Chelnov always runs forward. Should there be need for him to stop, hold {{left}}; the screen will continue to scroll to the right and he will start moving again if he touches the edge of the screen. {{A}} jumps. {{B}} fires a laser beam; there is rapidfire when the button is held down and shots can be aimed with the directional pad (but you cannot shoot straight up). Holding {{C}} and pressing {{left}} or {{right}} causes the player to run backward or forward, respectively. The player dies when hit once.
+
The game is a forced side-scrolling action platformer. The screen continually scrolls to the left at a constant speed except during boss fights. Chelnov continues to run with the screen even if the player is not pressing forward. The player can run ahead faster with {{right}} or stop with {{left}}, though Chelnov starts moving again if he touches the edge of the screen. He also stops moving when he crouches with {{down}}. He jumps with {{A}} and somersaults with {{left}}+{{A}} or {{right}}+{{A}}. He shoots his weapon with {{A}}, which has rapid-fire when the button is held down. Shots can be aimed with the D-pad; Chelnov can shoot at diagonal angles but not straight up. He can fire while jumping and while somersaulting. He can also attack enemies by jumping on them, which can be used to bounce off enemies to traverse gaps in the terrain. Chelnov changes the direction he is facing with {{left}}+{{C}} or {{right}}+{{C}}, which lets him shoot enemies behind him but does not change his direction of travel.
 +
 
 +
There are two alternative control schemes. The first scheme shoots with {{A}}, jumps with {{B}}, and changes direction with {{C}}. It is not necessary to hold a direction to turn around since it toggles between forwards and backwards. The second scheme jumps with {{B}}, shoots left with {{A}}, and shoots right with {{C}}.
 +
 
 +
Chelnov is initially equipped with a laser gun, but he can equip different weapons by finding items. He can upgrade his jump and his attack range, power, and speed by collecting power-ups as well. Chelnov dies with one hit. Touching enemies in any way besides jumping on top of them counts as a hit against Chelnov. He loses his upgrades and reverts to the laser gun upon death. He revives at certain checkpoints within the stages if the player has lives remaining. If the player runs out of lives, the game ends but can be continued. The player can set the starting lives and continues in the options before starting the game. Extra lives are rewarded at certain point thresholds.
 +
 
 +
===Items===
 +
Items are found by shooting the aliens that carry them or sometimes by shooting torches.
 +
 
 +
====Upgrades====
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Jump
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Increases the Atomic Runner's jump height, up to two times.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Yellow Up
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Increases shooting range and bullet speed, up to three times.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Red Up
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Increases bullet size and destructive power, up to three times.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Blue Up
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Increases attack speed, up to three times.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Yen Coin
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Gives the player 2,000 bonus points.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Dollar Coin
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=0}}
 +
| desc=Gives the player 5,000 bonus points.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
====Weapons====
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=50|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Laser
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=0 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Initially equipped. Shoots a laser with long range and good power but small area of effect.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Boomerang
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=16 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Throws boomerangs that return after being thrown. Long-ranged (though less than the full width of the screen) and very fast-firing.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Light Ring
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=32 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Launches destructive bands of light. Large area of effect but relatively slow-firing.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Spiked Balls
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=48 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Throws array of spiked balls forward. Tall area of effect and very strong but the shortest range of all the weapons.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Morning Star
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=64 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Shoots iron spheres. Slow but long-ranged and tall area of effect.
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Homing Missile
 +
| sprite={{sprite | Atomic Runner, Items.png | 2 | crop_width=16 | crop_height=16 | crop_x=80 | crop_y=16}}
 +
| desc=Sends out homing missiles that automatically target enemies. Good range and rapid-firing but relatively weak.
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
===Stages===
 +
{{InfoTable|imagewidths=320|
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Atomic Laboratory
 +
| screenshot=Atomic Runner, Stage 1.png
 +
| screenshot2=Atomic Runner, Stage 1 Subboss.png
 +
| screenshot3=Atomic Runner, Stage 1 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Mutant Plant Zone
 +
| screenshot=Atomic Runner, Stage 2.png
 +
| screenshot2=Atomic Runner, Stage 2 Subboss.png
 +
| screenshot3=Atomic Runner, Stage 2 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Mayan Jungle
 +
| screenshot=Atomic Runner, Stage 3.png
 +
| screenshot2=Atomic Runner, Stage 3 Subboss.png
 +
| screenshot3=Atomic Runner, Stage 3 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Egyptian Desert
 +
| screenshot=Atomic Runner, Stage 4.png
 +
| screenshot2=Atomic Runner, Stage 4 Subboss.png
 +
| screenshot3=Atomic Runner, Stage 4 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Treasure Room
 +
| screenshot=Atomic Runner, Stage 5.png
 +
| screenshot2=Atomic Runner, Stage 5 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=Siberian Snowland
 +
| screenshot=Atomic Runner, Stage 6.png
 +
| screenshot2=Atomic Runner, Stage 6 Boss.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
{{InfoRow
 +
| title=New York
 +
| screenshot=Atomic Runner, Stage 7.png
 +
| screenshot2=Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Subboss.png
 +
| screenshot3=Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Boss 1.png
 +
| screenshot4=Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Boss 2.png
 +
| screenshot5=Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Boss 3.png
 +
| tabs=yes
 +
| desc=
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
 
==Versions==
 
==Versions==
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|jp_rom=
 
|jp_rom=
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 +
==Production credits==
 +
{{multicol|
 +
{{creditstable|
 +
*'''Game Arranged and Designed By:''' Acura Ohtani
 +
*'''Graphic Designed By:''' Mau Yokoi, Mutunori Sato
 +
*'''Programmed By:''' Works Sasamoto
 +
*'''Music & Sound Effects By:''' Koremasa
 +
*'''Sound Driver Programmed By:''' Hiroyasu Fujimaru
 +
Thanks to everyone at Sapporo Satellite
 +
{{creditsheader|Arcade Staff}}
 +
*'''Program:''' Inoue, Akiyama, Haga
 +
*'''Hard:''' Shinozaki
 +
*'''Sound:''' Hara, Kiuchi, Tenno
 +
*'''Graphic:''' M. Tokoro, J. S, Mix Man, Ritsu. T
 +
| source=In-game credits
 +
| pdf=Atomic Runner MD credits.pdf
 +
| console=MD
 +
}}
 +
}}
 +
 +
==Digital manuals==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Chelnov MD JP PEGG Manual.pdf|Project EGG manual
 +
AtomicRunner MD US MDMini2 manual.pdf|Mega Drive Mini 2 US manual
 +
AtomicRunner MD EU MDMini2 manual.pdf|Mega Drive Mini 2 EU manual
 +
Chelnov MD JP MDMini2 manual.pdf|Mega Drive Mini 2 JP manual
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==Magazine articles==
 
==Magazine articles==
 
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Magazine articles}}
 +
 +
==Promotional material==
 +
{{gallery
 +
|{{galleryPrintAd
 +
|sfsw|1993-03|36
 +
}}
 +
}}
  
 
==Physical scans==
 
==Physical scans==
−
{{ratings
+
{{ratings|MD}}
−
| icon=MD
 
−
| bemega=73
 
−
| bemega_source={{num|1992-08|page=26|pdf=BeepMD_JP_1992-08.pdf|pdfpage=28}}
 
−
| bemega_r=81
 
−
| bemega_r_source={{num||page=83|pdf=SSM_JP_19950901_1995-09.pdf|pdfpage=85}}
 
−
| consolesplus=79
 
−
| consolesplus_source={{num|13|page=72-73}}
 
−
| esg=91
 
−
| esg_source={{magref|esg|1|23}}
 
−
| gamepro=95
 
−
| gamepro_source={{magref|gamepro|35|54|printpage=52}}
 
−
| hippons=60
 
−
| hippons_source={{num|1992-08|page=39|pdf=}}
 
−
| joypad=92
 
−
| joypad_source={{num|13|page=50-53}}
 
−
| joystick=90
 
−
| joystick_source={{magref|joystick|32|151}}
 
−
| mdag=40
 
−
| mdag_source={{magref|mdag|2|40|printpage=40-41}}
 
−
| mega=45
 
−
| mega_source={{magref|mega|16|87}}
 
−
| megatech=80
 
−
| megatech_source={{magref|megatech|10|38|printpage=38-40}}
 
−
| mms=91
 
−
| mms_source={{magref|mms|1|58|printpage=58-61}}
 
−
| playerone=85
 
−
| playerone_source={{magref|playerone|28|80|printpage=80-81}}
 
−
| segapower=88
 
−
| segapower_source={{num|36|page=34-35}}
 
−
| segapro=79
 
−
| segapro_source={{num|12|page=58-59}}
 
−
| sfuk=66
 
−
| sfuk_source={{magref|sfuk|10|70}}
 
−
}}
 
 
{{Scanbox
 
{{Scanbox
 +
| console=Mega Drive
 +
| region=JP
 +
| cover=AtomicRunner MD JP Box.jpg
 +
| cart=Chelnov MD JP Cart.jpg
 +
| cartback=Chelnov MD JP Cart Back.jpg
 +
| carttop=Chelnov MD JP CartTop.jpg
 +
| manual=Chelnov md jp manual.pdf
 +
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=US
 
| region=US
 
| cover=AtomicRunner MD US Box.jpg
 
| cover=AtomicRunner MD US Box.jpg
 
| cart=AtomicRunner MD US Cart.jpg
 
| cart=AtomicRunner MD US Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=AtomicRunner MD US Manual.pdf
 +
| item1=AtomicRunner MD US pcb.jpg
 +
| item1name=PCB
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
Line 98: Line 269:
 
| cover=AtomicRunner MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cover=AtomicRunner MD EU Box.jpg
 
| cart=AtomicRunner MD EU Cart.jpg
 
| cart=AtomicRunner MD EU Cart.jpg
 +
| manual=Atomic Runner MD EU Manual.jpg
 +
| item1=AtomicRunner MD EU pcb.jpg
 +
| item1name=PCB
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
−
| region=JP
+
| region=PT
−
| cover=AtomicRunner MD JP Box.jpg
+
| cover=
−
| cart=Chelnov MD JP Cart.jpg
+
}}{{Scanbox
−
| cartback=Chelnov MD JP Cart Back.jpg
+
| console=Mega Drive
−
| carttop=Chelnov MD JP CartTop.jpg
+
| region=SE Rental (HENT orange)
−
| manual=Chelnov md jp manual.pdf
+
| front=Atomic Runner MD SE Rental Cover.jpg
 +
| spine=Atomic Runner MD SE Rental box side.jpg
 +
| back=Atomic Runner MD SE Rental box back.jpg
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
}}{{Scanbox
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| console=Mega Drive
 
| region=AU
 
| region=AU
 
| cover=
 
| cover=
−
| cart=
+
| cart=AtomicRunner MD AU Cart.jpg
−
}}
+
| cartback=AtomicRunner MD AU Cart Back.jpg
−
 
+
| carttop=AtomicRunner MD AU Cart Top.jpg
−
==Unreleased versions==
+
}}{{Scanbox
−
{{UnreleasedBob
+
| console=Mega Drive
−
| bobscreen=
+
| region=AU (Silver)
−
| title=
+
| cover=
−
| publisher=
+
| cart=AtomicRunner MD AU silver cart.jpg
−
| developer=
 
−
| development=
 
−
| date=1997
 
−
| system=[[Sega Saturn]]
 
−
| genre=Action
 
−
| players=1
 
−
| status=
 
−
| sounddriver=
 
 
}}
 
}}
−
''Atomic Runner'', in its original arcade form was once set to appear for the [[Sega Saturn]]. It appeared at the [[Tokyo Game Show]] and various game stores in the Akihabara district of Tokyo in 1997, though was canceled for unknown reasons. A prototype has since been leaked onto the internet.
 
−
{{-}}
 
  
 
==Technical information==
 
==Technical information==
−
===ROM dump status===
+
{{mainArticle|{{PAGENAME}}/Technical information}}
−
{{romtable|
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=8a6e868fe36f2e5ac01af2557d3798a892e34799|md5=6ddf32102f20c6f91b0d97bb5da5caad|crc32=0677c210|size=1MB|date=1992-03|source=Cartridge (US)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=ac1ae7b38f6498472bc4f072726a4ca069e41204|md5=d769a45255a31638e336f77f33aba822|crc32=b2fe74d8|size=1MB|date=1992-03|source=Cartridge (JP)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
−
{{rom|MD|sha1=ab84274bc98a1f8f808bee3f41645884c95cc840|md5=b953ab20d7bd508bd15d369339c67256|crc32=b3c05418|size=1MB|date=1992-03|source=Cartridge (EU)|comments=|quality=good|prototype=}}
 
−
}}
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
−
* Sega of Japan Virtual Console pages: [http://vc.sega.jp/vc_chelnov/ Mega Drive]
+
*Sega of Japan Virtual Console pages: [http://vc.sega.jp/vc_chelnov/ Mega Drive]
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
 +
 +
{{AtomicRunnerOmni}}
 +
[[Category:Mega Drive Mini 2 games]]

Revision as of 05:34, 9 October 2024

For the unreleased Sega Saturn port, see Atomic Runner (Saturn).

n/a

  • NTSC-U
  • PAL
  • NTSC-J

AtomicRunner Title.png

AtomicRunner MD PAL title.png

Chelnov MD title.png

Atomic Runner
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Virtual Console
Publisher:
Sega Mega Drive
Data East (Japan, US)
Sega Mega Drive
Sega (Europe)
Wii Virtual Console
Paon
Developer:
Distributor:
Sega Mega Drive
Hent Gruppen (SE rental)
Original system(s): Arcade boards
Genre: Action[1][2]

















Number of players: 1
Release Date RRP Code
Sega Mega Drive
JP 		¥7,8007,800 T-13073
Sega Mega Drive
US 		$49.9549.95[3] T-13036
Sega Mega Drive
EU 		1144
Sega Mega Drive
PT 		MDJ1144
Sega Mega Drive
UK 		£39.9939.99[5] 1144
Sega Mega Drive
SE
(Rental)
Sega Mega Drive
AU
Wii Virtual Console
JP ▼ 		600pts600[7]
CERO: A
Project Egg
JP ▼ 		¥880880 PON0001
Project Egg
JP ▼ 		¥880880 PPD0004

Atomic Runner, known in Japan as Chelnov (チェルノブ), is a Sega Mega Drive action platform game developed and published by Data East. The game is a port of the company's 1988 arcade game Atomic Runner Chelnov but with significantly enhanced graphics and sound. It was first released in Japan, the United States, and Europe in late 1992, and has since been ported to the Nintendo Wii's Virtual Console courtesy of developer M2 in September 2007.

Story

Atomic Runner, Introduction.png

Introduction

While the original arcade version's plot took significant inspiration from the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, the home port's story was changed due to the minor controversy it caused in the contemporary Japanese game industry. Instead of a coal miner who developed superhuman abilities after getting caught in a Soviet nuclear failure who must fight an evil organization who wants to hire him for his advanced abilities, Chelnov is now a scientist living happily with his father and sister Chelmi. One night, he goes out for a jog only to hear an explosion at his house. Racing back home, he finds his father near-death at the hands of the "Deathtarians," a group claiming to be the original intelligent life — and consequently, the true owners — of planet Earth, predating humans.

Chelnov's father had been working to try to stop the Deathtarians, and now he leaves a suit which grants its wearer superhuman abilities and numerous weapons to Chelnov. Chelnov donned the suit to become the Atomic Runner and went on his way to save the world and rescue his now-kidnapped sister, but was overwhelmed by the Deathtarians's numbers. The Deathtarians captured, tortured, and attempted to brainwash the Atomic Runner, but eventually failed, leaving him with one last attempt to stop the Deathtarians.

Gameplay

The game is a forced side-scrolling action platformer. The screen continually scrolls to the left at a constant speed except during boss fights. Chelnov continues to run with the screen even if the player is not pressing forward. The player can run ahead faster with Right or stop with Left, though Chelnov starts moving again if he touches the edge of the screen. He also stops moving when he crouches with Down. He jumps with A and somersaults with Left+A or Right+A. He shoots his weapon with A, which has rapid-fire when the button is held down. Shots can be aimed with the D-pad; Chelnov can shoot at diagonal angles but not straight up. He can fire while jumping and while somersaulting. He can also attack enemies by jumping on them, which can be used to bounce off enemies to traverse gaps in the terrain. Chelnov changes the direction he is facing with Left+C or Right+C, which lets him shoot enemies behind him but does not change his direction of travel.

There are two alternative control schemes. The first scheme shoots with A, jumps with B, and changes direction with C. It is not necessary to hold a direction to turn around since it toggles between forwards and backwards. The second scheme jumps with B, shoots left with A, and shoots right with C.

Chelnov is initially equipped with a laser gun, but he can equip different weapons by finding items. He can upgrade his jump and his attack range, power, and speed by collecting power-ups as well. Chelnov dies with one hit. Touching enemies in any way besides jumping on top of them counts as a hit against Chelnov. He loses his upgrades and reverts to the laser gun upon death. He revives at certain checkpoints within the stages if the player has lives remaining. If the player runs out of lives, the game ends but can be continued. The player can set the starting lives and continues in the options before starting the game. Extra lives are rewarded at certain point thresholds.

Items

Items are found by shooting the aliens that carry them or sometimes by shooting torches.

Upgrades

Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Jump
Increases the Atomic Runner's jump height, up to two times.
Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Yellow Up
Increases shooting range and bullet speed, up to three times.
Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Red Up
Increases bullet size and destructive power, up to three times.
Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Blue Up
Increases attack speed, up to three times.
Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Yen Coin
Gives the player 2,000 bonus points.
Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Dollar Coin
Gives the player 5,000 bonus points.

Weapons

Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Laser
Initially equipped. Shoots a laser with long range and good power but small area of effect.
Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Boomerang
Throws boomerangs that return after being thrown. Long-ranged (though less than the full width of the screen) and very fast-firing.
Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Light Ring
Launches destructive bands of light. Large area of effect but relatively slow-firing.
Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Spiked Balls
Throws array of spiked balls forward. Tall area of effect and very strong but the shortest range of all the weapons.
Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Morning Star
Shoots iron spheres. Slow but long-ranged and tall area of effect.
Atomic Runner, Items.png
 Homing Missile
Sends out homing missiles that automatically target enemies. Good range and rapid-firing but relatively weak.

Stages

Atomic Runner, Stage 1.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 1 Subboss.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 1 Boss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 1.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 1 Subboss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 1 Boss.png

Atomic Laboratory

Atomic Runner, Stage 2.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 2 Subboss.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 2 Boss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 2.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 2 Subboss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 2 Boss.png

Mutant Plant Zone

Atomic Runner, Stage 3.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 3 Subboss.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 3 Boss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 3.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 3 Subboss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 3 Boss.png

Mayan Jungle

Atomic Runner, Stage 4.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 4 Subboss.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 4 Boss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 4.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 4 Subboss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 4 Boss.png

Egyptian Desert

Atomic Runner, Stage 5.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 5 Boss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 5.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 5 Boss.png

Treasure Room

Atomic Runner, Stage 6.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 6 Boss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 6.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 6 Boss.png

Siberian Snowland

Atomic Runner, Stage 7.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Subboss.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Boss 1.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Boss 2.png

Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Boss 3.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 7.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Subboss.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Boss 1.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Boss 2.png

  • Atomic Runner, Stage 7 Boss 3.png

New York

Versions

Localised names

Also known as
Language Localised Name English Translation
English Atomic Runner Atomic Runner
English (US) Atomic Runner Atomic Runner
Japanese チェルノブ Chelnov

Production credits

  • Game Arranged and Designed By: Acura Ohtani
  • Graphic Designed By: Mau Yokoi, Mutunori Sato
  • Programmed By: Works Sasamoto
  • Music & Sound Effects By: Koremasa
  • Sound Driver Programmed By: Hiroyasu Fujimaru

Thanks to everyone at Sapporo Satellite

Arcade Staff
  • Program: Inoue, Akiyama, Haga
  • Hard: Shinozaki
  • Sound: Hara, Kiuchi, Tenno
  • Graphic: M. Tokoro, J. S, Mix Man, Ritsu. T
Source:
In-game credits
Atomic Runner MD credits.pdf
[10]

Digital manuals

  • Project EGG manual

  • Mega Drive Mini 2 US manual

  • Mega Drive Mini 2 EU manual

  • Mega Drive Mini 2 JP manual

Magazine articles

Main article: Atomic Runner/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Logo-pdf.svg
Print advert in Sega Force (SE) #1993-03: "3/93" (1993-05-13)
Logo-pdf.svg

Physical scans

Sega Retro Average 
Publication Score Source
{{{{{icon}}}|L}} Division by zero.
Based on
0 review
Sega Retro Average 
Publication Version Score
1700 igr dlya Sega (RU)
40
[11]
Aktueller Software Markt (DE)
58
[12]
Beep! MegaDrive (JP) NTSC-J
73
[13]
Consoles + (FR)
79
[14]
Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US)
75
[15]
Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 4 (RU)
40
[16]
Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide (UK)
91
[17]
Game Mania (UK) NTSC-J
91
[18]
GamePro (US) NTSC-U
95
[3]
Hippon Super (JP) NTSC-J
60
[19]
Joypad (FR)
92
[20]
Joystick (FR) NTSC-U
90
[21]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK)
40
[22]
Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming (UK) NTSC-U
40
[23]
Mega (UK) PAL
45
[24]
Mega Fun (DE) NTSC-U
77
[25]
MegaTech (UK) NTSC-J
80
[26]
Marukatsu Mega Drive (JP) NTSC-J
85
[27]
Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL
91
[5]
Player One (FR)
85
[28]
Play Time (DE)
75
[29]
Power Up! (UK)
83
[30]
Sega Power (UK) NTSC-U
88
[31]
Sega Pro (UK) PAL
79
[32]
Sega Pro (UK) NTSC-U
59
[33]
Sega Force (UK) PAL
66
[34]
Sega Saturn Magazine (JP) NTSC-J
81
[35]
Supergame (BR) NTSC-U
93
[36]
Tricks 16 bit (RU)
50
[37]
Video Games (DE)
64
[38]
Sega Mega Drive
 72
Based on
30 reviews

Atomic Runner

Mega Drive, JP
AtomicRunner MD JP Box.jpg
Cover
Chelnov MD JP CartTop.jpg
Chelnov MD JP Cart Back.jpgChelnov MD JP Cart.jpg
Cart
Chelnov md jp manual.pdf
Manual
Mega Drive, US
AtomicRunner MD US Box.jpg
Cover
AtomicRunner MD US Cart.jpg
Cart
AtomicRunner MD US Manual.pdf
Manual
AtomicRunner MD US pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, EU
AtomicRunner MD EU Box.jpg
Cover
AtomicRunner MD EU Cart.jpg
Cart
Atomic Runner MD EU Manual.jpg
Manual
AtomicRunner MD EU pcb.jpg
PCB
Mega Drive, PT

Mega Drive, SE Rental (HENT orange)
Atomic Runner MD SE Rental box back.jpgAtomic Runner MD SE Rental box side.jpgAtomic Runner MD SE Rental Cover.jpg
Cover
Mega Drive, AU

AtomicRunner MD AU Cart Top.jpg
AtomicRunner MD AU Cart Back.jpgAtomicRunner MD AU Cart.jpg
Cart
Mega Drive, AU (Silver)

AtomicRunner MD AU silver cart.jpg
Cart

Technical information

Main article: Atomic Runner/Technical information.

External links

References

  1. ↑ File:AtomicRunner MD JP Box.jpg
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 https://sega.jp/history/hard/megadrive/software_l.html (Wayback Machine: 2020-07-02 23:21)
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 GamePro, "June 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 54
  4. ↑ Sega Pro, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-04-08), page 18
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Mean Machines Sega, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-xx), page 58
  6. ↑ https://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/vc/software/04.html (Wayback Machine: 2018-03-05 23:40)
  7. ↑ http://vc.sega.jp:80/vc_chelnov/ (Wayback Machine: 2007-09-15 16:31)
  8. ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20130310102219/http://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/cgi/ecatalog-detail.cgi?contcode=7&product_id=815
  9. ↑ https://www.amusement-center.com/project/egg/game/?product_id=1583
  10. ↑ File:Atomic Runner MD credits.pdf
  11. ↑ 1700 igr dlya Sega, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 23
  12. ↑ Aktueller Software Markt, "November 1992" (DE; 1992-10-09), page 147
  13. ↑ Beep! MegaDrive, "August 1992" (JP; 1992-07-08), page 28
  14. ↑ Consoles +, "Octobre 1992" (FR; 1992-xx-xx), page 72
  15. ↑ Electronic Games (1992-1995), "October 1992" (US; 1992-xx-xx), page 68
  16. ↑ Entsiklopediya luchshikh igr Sega. Vypusk 4, "" (RU; 2001-xx-xx), page 13
  17. ↑ Mean Machines: The Essential Sega Guide, "" (UK; 1993-11-18), page 23
  18. ↑ Game Mania, "May 1993" (UK; 1993-xx-xx), page 80
  19. ↑ Hippon Super, "August 1992" (JP; 1992-07-04), page 39
  20. ↑ Joypad, "Octobre 1992" (FR; 1992-10-xx), page 50
  21. ↑ Joystick, "Novembre 1992" (FR; 1992-1x-xx), page 151
  22. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-xx-xx), page 40
  23. ↑ Sega Mega Drive Advanced Gaming, "January 1993" (UK; 199x-xx-xx), page 90
  24. ↑ Mega, "January 1994" (UK; 1993-12-16), page 87
  25. ↑ Mega Fun, "08/92" (DE; 1992-08-18), page 25
  26. ↑ MegaTech, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-20), page 38
  27. ↑ Marukatsu Mega Drive, "September 1992" (JP; 1992-08-xx), page 119
  28. ↑ Player One, "Février/Mars 1993" (FR; 1993-02-10), page 80
  29. ↑ Play Time, "11/92" (DE; 1992-10-07), page 90
  30. ↑ Power Up!, "Saturday, April 03, 1993" (UK; 1993-04-03), page 1
  31. ↑ Sega Power, "November 1992" (UK; 1992-10-01), page 34
  32. ↑ Sega Pro, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-10), page 58
  33. ↑ Sega Pro, "April 1993" (UK; 1993-03-11), page 64
  34. ↑ Sega Force, "October 1992" (UK; 1992-09-10), page 70
  35. ↑ Sega Saturn Magazine, "September 1995" (JP; 1995-08-08), page 85
  36. ↑ Supergame, "Outubro 1992" (BR; 1992-10-xx), page 22
  37. ↑ Tricks 16 bit, "Tricks Sega Gold 800 igr" (RU; 1998-03-20), page 16
  38. ↑ Video Games, "10/92" (DE; 1992-09-30), page 100


Atomic Runner

AtomicRunner Title.png

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