Matrix Runner

From Sega Retro

MatrixRunner MD US gameplay.jpeg

Matrix Runner
System(s): Sega Mega Drive
Developer: ZCT Systems Group
Genre: Adventure
Number of players: 1
Status of prototype(s): Unreleased
Peripheral(s): Sega VR

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Matrix Runner is an unreleased Sega Mega Drive first-person adventure game for use with the Sega VR headset, developed by ZCT Systems Group and slated to be published by Sega. The game, alongside Nuclear Rush, was once considered for the Sega VR’s pack-in game.[1]

Matrix Runner‘s attempt at visualizing a cyberspace called the Matrix in turn appears to anticipate The Matrix.

Plot

The August/September 1993 issue of Sega Visions magazine described the plot as allowing "play [as] an elite superhacker in this unique cyberspace voyage. You have to explore the dark, winding databanks of the Matrix to solve the mysterious disappearance of your colleagues, knowing that you might be the next victim. In your travels, you will collide with strange semi-humans and vulture-like beings."[2]

History

Announced alongside the Sega VR at Summer CES 1993, the game was a cyberpunk adventure game with polygonal 3D graphics, where the player must solve a murder mystery by entering a cyberspace called the Matrix. It was reportedly inspired by Hideo Kojima's Snatcher.[3]

Development

Matrix Runner was developed as a demonstration of the Sega VR’s innovative virtual reality display. ZCT Systems Group began development on the game sometime in 1992, producing an early version of the game that demonstrated animated enemies of various shapes and power. This prototype was the basis for footage appearing in Sega of America promotional videos.[4]

Development continued and the game reached about two-thirds completion before the Sega VR project was cancelled. ZCT Systems Group was required by contract to destroy all code, video, test data, etc., and they did.[5]

Images

Videos

Promotional material

1993 Sega Catalog.pdf

PDF
US trade catalogue
1993 Sega Catalog.pdf

References


Sega VR
Topics Technical specifications | Magazine articles | Promotional material | Ono-Sendai Corporation
Games Iron Hammer | Matrix Runner | Nuclear Rush | Outlaw Racing