Atomic Robo-Kid
System: Genesis
Release Date: October 1990
Developer: Micronics
Publisher: Treco
Genre: Shoot ‘em Up
You’re the last hope to save the colony in Atomic Robo-Kid! A blast of intense radiation befell Terra-12 several years ago. This has left the colony in shambles with radiation poisoning, mutations, and sterility bringing the population to its knees. But there’s still hope if you can find EVE, a bio-droid filled with fresh human DNA. To free her, the last hope is the ultimate android, Atomic Robo-Kid. 19 levels separate you from saving the human race if you have what it takes.
This scrolling shoot ‘em up is an arcade port that works off of two buttons. Button A fires whatever weapon you have equipped, while Button B switches weapons with a press or keeps you facing a direction when you move the opposite direction with a hold. Fly enemies drop crystals that you use to power up. These can be shot to change them among the available choices. The Fission Gun is a powerful blaster that makes mincemeat of enemies. The Missiles are useful for blocking enemy projectiles in their blast radius. The 3-Way Pistol is best on levels with narrow corridors that move up and down as well as forward. The 5-Way Gun blasts a wide spread in front of you.
There are also yellow utility crystals that are collected to produce a Shield. Once you collect four, you can take a shot that would normally kill you and be fine. There is a speed increasing item, as well as a limited time rapid fire upgrade. There’s apparently a dragon guy that is a merchant you can buy stuff from, but I guess I killed him every time I saw him. Whoops.
Running into most enemies won’t harm you, but their projectiles sure will. Bosses are blasted to bits quickly and easily with the fission shot. Duels with other governors are a crapshoot. Trying to abuse their AI is probably your best bet. Some levels have two exits for you to choose from changing the next level you head to. They all lead to the final boss, which requires some smart movements, but it’s really not that difficult to defeat. Then rejoice as you give birth to a new world.
Graphics: 2.5
The graphics are pleasant enough with decent detail and a lot of colors.
Sound: 1.0
Oooooh is that some badly instrumented music! The compositions might sound good with a different sound engine, but this one is too pitchy and relies heavily on sharps and flats that aren’t pleasant.
Gameplay: 1.5
There are multiple weapons that come in handy in different situations. Enemies reappear if you leave the screen and come back, which creates problems.
Difficulty: 1.5
Levels are short and straightforward, but many levels are the kind that if you die, you’re screwed because you lose your powerups.
Fun Factor: 1.0
It’s enjoyable for a short amount of time, then when it doesn’t progress, it loses its charm.
Overall Rating: 1.5
Atomic Robo-Kid earns a C-. It’s not as good as some of the other shoot ‘em ups I’ve played this month and that makes it a bit disappointing, even if it isn’t terrible.