LYNX: S.T.U.N. Runner










From: Robert Jung (ap803@cleveland.Freenet.Edu)

Date: 11/25/91-08:22:23 PM Z









From: ap803@cleveland.Freenet.Edu (Robert Jung)
Subject: LYNX: S.T.U.N. Runner
Date: Mon Nov 25 20:22:23 1991


  Okay, so it took a while to come out in the States. Was it worth the wait?

============================================================================
S.T.U.N. RUNNER
1 player, horizontal game
Atari Corp., for the Atari Lynx
$34.95
Stereo? No


OVERVIEW:
    Take the New York subway system, throw in a hovercraft cruising at 900
MPH, and you have S.T.U.N. RUNNER, the latest Atari Games' arcade sensation
adapted for the Lynx. The game starts off simple enough: just drive your
S.T.U.N. sled up, down, and around a twisting course of tunnels and walkways,
trying to finish it in the brief amount of time given. Complicating the matter
are the other cars in the passages, trying to ram and slow you down, as well
as passing jets trying to bomb your craft. While firing back, you must keep an
eye on the track, for reckless driving will slow you down, which can cost you
the race. There are over 20 levels, each with its own variety of twists,
branches, jumps, and obstacles.

GAMEPLAY:
    S.T.U.N. RUNNER on the Lynx is both a thrilling action game and another
shining translation. In terms of action, the gameplay is fast and furious,
requiring you to negotiate the twisting track, deal with opponents, and go for
bonuses all at the same time. Enemies may be dodged or destroyed, though you
can unleash a road-clearing Shockwave if things get too thick. The only time
you really get to relax is while examining the map between races.

    As a conversion, S.T.U.N. RUNNER offers all of the game features found in
the original. Each of the arcade courses have been faithfully duplicated, with
the same combination of narrow tunnels, jump ramps, and other track features.
Similarly, the opposing vehicles are as varied and tenacious as ever, blocking
your path in the most annoying ways. Finally, challenge stages are scatted
throughout the game for extra points.

    There are a few imperfections, but they are very minor. The steering
controls are a little sensitive, and beginning players will tend to oversteer.
The problem is not critical, however, and players will adapt to them in a
short time. The Lynx version is also harder than the arcade game: turning
improperly into a curve will slow down your craft significantly. Coupled with
the tight time limits on each track, this can cost you the race.

GRAPHICS/SOUND:
    S.T.U.N. RUNNER on the Lynx exploits the graphics engine completely.
While the original game drew everything with filled polygons, this version
duplicates it with scaled sprites. The end result is not as refined, but the
action is incredibly fast -- you really get the sensation of flying at
supersonic speeds. Distinctive-looking enemies, sharp backgrounds, and
intermissions round out the sensational effects.

    Sounds are also very good, with a constant barrage of blasts, screeches,
and explosions pulling you into the action. Even better, sound effects and
voices are digitized from the original game, giving strategies, tips, and
encouragement throughout.

SUMMARY:
    This game is a high-quality production from beginning to end, retaining
all of the action, thrills, and speed of the original game. The Lynx's
abilities are exploited to the fullest, making this version of S.T.U.N.
RUNNER a fully-loaded action extravaganza and the best adaptation now
available for any machine.


                GAMEPLAY:        9
                GRAPHICS:        9.5
                SOUND:           9
                OVERALL:         9

  Rating values  10 - 8   Great! This game can't get much better.
                  7 - 5   Good. Average game, could be improved.
                  4 - 2   Poor. For devotees only.
                      1   Ick. Shoot it.

============================================================================

  Yeah, this version was DEFINETELY worth it! This is how you do an arcade
conversion on the Lynx...

                                                --R.J.
                                                B-)

//////////////////////////////////////|\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\
   Send whatevers to rjung@usc.edu    |    If it has pixels, I'm for it.
--------------------------------------+------------------------------Lynx up!
       "If it moves, shoot it. If it doesn't move, shoot it anyway."









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