The Adventures of 3D World Runner

By Spencer . September 30, 2005 . 1:26am

 

 

In the 80’s 3D graphics didn’t involve polygons. Instead 3D images were created by using stereographic imagery where a different image is mapped on to each eye. Games that supported "3D technology" had two quickly flashing images one in red and one in blue. To see the actual 3D image you would need to wear those goofy red and blue glasses. 3D World Runner was one of those novelty games that used this technology.

 

The 3D effect is pretty cool. This alone makes the game stand out because its one of the few games on the NES with that made good use of this technology. While in 3D mode the enemies, which are smiley faced balls, look like they’re coming closer to you, the jumps look like they’re endless and it feels like your character is moving forward. One thing to note, is that you can’t wear the glasses for a long period of time. After about 15 minutes you’ll get a headache or your eyes will begin to hurt. So the novelty, is rather short lived. Without the glasses, the graphics are pretty poor. There is a lot of use of clashing colors like green and orange, which makes the game not as graphically appealing. The sprites are simply drawn, they consist of spherical smiling balls for enemies and a snake like boss monster. Neither of which is entirely impressive. As you progress to different levels the backdrop changes and you get a new enemy sprite, so there is some graphical variety. However, this game was intended to be played with the red and blue glasses, which is why the graphics are so simple.

 

The gameplay can be stated in three words: run, shoot and jump. Your character’s goal is to literally run through the various "worlds". One common obstruction throughout the levels are pits. Luckily, your character is a world class jumper because he can jump over pits where you can’t even see a place to land. If you reach the end of the level or find the sacred rocket power up your character will gain the ability to shoot bullets. There are some bonus levels in the game that you can reach if you find a balloon, which normally leads to extra lives. Sadly, all of this is a big yawn and if it wasn’t for the 3D effect it would be quite uninteresting.

 

The game does provide some challenge, but its mostly due to the game’s cheapness. The game will place a ridiculous amount of enemies for you to dodge, unless you’re fortunate enough to have the shooting ability to destroy them. Some of the jumps require you to remember where to land since you can’t see that far ahead. These problems force you to memorize what’s going to happen in a level for you to beat it, which will frustrate many gamers.

 

One more gripe with 3D World Runner is the lack of musical variety. There are exactly three songs throughout the entire game. One while your running around in the world, one when you fight the boss, and one when you die. None of these songs are good and end up becoming another annoyance.

 

Even though the game is plagued with severe problems 3D World Runner is fun to play just because of the 3D effect. There are few games that use this effect and this is the only platformer that comes to mind that uses stereographic technology. This game is worth a play through as an experience or a history lesson of 3D, but not for classic gameplay.

 

Hard to find?

Normally not a challenge to find. At Gamestop you can pick it up for 99 cents, which is a good deal.

 

+ Pros: Stereographic 3D graphics

 

- Cons: Boring gameplay, hearing the same song over and over, headaches.. lots of them from playing this in "3D-mode"

 

Overall: If you have a pair of those red and blue glasses this game is worth picking up as a novelty. It will be fun to play through with a few friends and for a few laughs, but if you’re looking for a "good" game look elsewhere.

 

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