Mean Machines Sega
1st December 1993
Categories: Review: Software
Publisher: Sega
Machine: Sega Game Gear (EU Version)
Published in Mean Machines Sega #15
Desert Speedtrap Starring Road Runner And Wile E. Coyote
Aaah, welcome to The Living Desert. All manner of life thrives in these arid, hostile conditions: scorpions, cacti... er, Road Runners... um, intelligent coyotes. Yes, these two remarkable species show the quirkiness of evolution. One is like an ostrich, which has developed a mating cry like a car-horn, and gets a good 56 miles to the gallon: (Roadrunneris Speedius). The other one has evolved in such a way as to employ tools in his predatory behaviour (Coyotus Stupidus) (which he buys mail-order from the Acme company).
Step into the lives of these two strange creatures...
With an animal like the Road Runner to control, the emphasis is on speed, as much for necessity as choice. He's under a strict time limit but can regain time by picking up stars which are each worth an extra second. Running out of time costs a life.
Every third round you race Coyote in a strange contraption. Road Runner ducks his rocket attack and jumps his lorry attack. Reach the exit and the mongrel comes unstuck.
The bowls of seed are essential supplies, but Coyote has booby-trapped some with bombs.
You may come across a strange silver mushroom in the desert. This warps Road Runner to a secret location, filled with stars. However, an alien guards this mysterious landmark.
Gus
C-rash! Road Runner has clearly recognisable characters, so if you're a fan of the cartoon and the assorted antics of Wile E. Coyote, you'll greatly appreciate this and, although it's yet another platform game, it's fast and nice-looking and well worth the asking price.
Lucy
There's not much to Road Runner, but it's still an enjoyable little game. The action moves very fast and is demanding, partly because of the tiny area shown on screen.
The neat graphics save this from being a turgid platform rehash, and Probe have made it all quite jolly. Not bad for the Game Gear.
Verdict
Presentation 72%
Three skill levels and some nice cartoon shots.
Graphics 78%
Small but good characters and the desert graphics work fine.
Sound 74%
Pretty weedy music, but the sound FX seem to suit the game.
Playability 79%
Initially quite off-putting with tricky controls, but it grows on you.
Lastability 73%
Not a vast amount of levels, but this is a fun game to sit with.
Overall 77%
Another platform game for the handheld, but Road Runner is no waste of anyone's time.