Maze Runner 3-D
System: SMS
Release Date: May 1988
Developer: Sega
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Action
Maze Runner 3-D would use the SegaScope 3-D technology if it was available to me. Unfortunately (totally fortunately, I hate 3-D), I am unable to replicate that experience. There were no issues that popped up because of the lack of 3-D, so let’s get into the game!
You are the new Maze Hunter and you’ve been dumped into a labyrinth of 20 levels that must be traversed to escape. Each level has a hidden key that you must reveal and then make your way to the exit to the next floor. Your best friend in the game is the iron bar, which you find immediately when starting a new game. This allows you to press Button 1 and swing at enemies and question mark blocks. Button 2 allows you to jump, which is necessary to avoid certain enemies and obstacles.
There are two suits and three different shoe powerups that you find in the boxes, You can only have one of each equipped at any time. The light suit increases your walking speed. The absorb suit protects against touching the maze creatures three times. The jump shoes increase the height and distance you can jump. The power shoes allow you to stop on enemies from a jump to kill them. The spike shoes keep you from sliding on the ground on ice levels.
After finishing the game, I realized that the balloons that would occasionally fly into the stage weren’t bad things, but actually held items that would have helped me. That’s what I get for not interacting with something!
Graphics: 2.5
Graphics are kind of nice, but not perfect by any means.
Sound: 2.0
Typical chugging Sega tunes. Nothing I have a problem with.
Gameplay: 3.0
I found the gameplay to be tight, responsive, and with enough variety to keep one going.
Difficulty: 2.5
The lightning cloud enemy was my biggest issue, as well as jumps that you’re not totally sure about.
Fun Factor: 3.0
I had fun with this one, I kind of zoned out while playing and before I knew it, the game was done!
Overall Grade: 2.6
Maze Hunter 3-D earns a B-. I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I would put it in the recommend zone. Give it a shot!