Atomic Robo Kid Special: Appreciation Thread

[lukester]

Anybody ever play this fine game? I understand the Genesis/Arcade versions are kinda obscure or known for their brutal one-hit difficulty, but the PCE version is definitely a lot more manageable.

Facts: 25 levels, 5 sets of 5, 4 weapons, claustrophobic mazes, big chunky sprites

Some changes are automatic rapid fire, a lengthy health bar, and re-arranged stage order. The 3rd boss was replaced with something much easier.

I think plenty of people on PCEFX are familiar with Gomola Speed. You'll be happy to know this game has the same art style. Some characters are shared too, such as Ninja-Kun from the arcade series.

If you're a Mr. Heli fan, you'll like this one too. Mr. Heli is definitely easier (well, PCE Mode that is) and a little more polished, but I like the style and sense of urgency in Atomic Robo Kid Special.

I think the only real flaw is the final boss is rough if you die on him, you are pretty screwed. But he is possible even on the slow speed with a weapon. Just gotta lure him to those corners. Also, when you get good enough you can speed through the game very quickly. It's a lot better than having to restart Super Star Soldier.

Ikermel Manual Scan: http://www.videogameden.com/hucard/extra/ark.pdf

Sunteam_Paul Overview: http://www.pcengine.co.uk/HTML_Games/Atomic_Robo-Kid_Special.htm

[exodus]

I am so bad at this game! It's the first import PCE game I got, in maybe 1994 or 1995, and I think I played it for an hour cumulatively before giving up. Robo Kid is so huge, I find it really hard to avoid stuff! Maybe I should try again as an adult, but something tells me I'm not any better at it now...

[Otaking]

I like it, like you say memories of it are intertwined with memories of playing Mr Heli.

[NightWolve]

Huh, nice, another shooter I didn't know about that looks great! I thought it was for the SNES at first glance!

[PunkicCyborg]

If you like this game, UPL has more unique games like Space Battleship Gomorrah aka BioShip Paladin for arcade and Sega and  Mutant Night for arcade

[nectarsis]

I nabbbed this from matti at MGC this year...one of the few games I'm keeping...damn fun.

[esteban]

The only reason I ever gave this game a chance is because Sunteam_Paul always gave it a lot of love...

Yes, it is a fun, quirky little game...but it ain't no Gomola Speed

[SavagePencil]

I was so wretched at this game (for some of the same reasons exodus calls out) that it was one that I gladly traded away years ago.  I should fire it up on the ol' TED and see if perhaps I have improved?

[sunteam_paul]

It's great, one of those games you have to learn your way through. I completed it which means that anyone should be able to with a little practice because I'm rubbish.

[Vimtoman]

Going to have another crack at it. One to beat when I've upgraded my GT to 3.5"