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Book Review: Run ’n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters

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Don’t miss out on this explosive journey through gaming history. Grab your copy of Run ’n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters today and relive the glory days of on-foot shooters!

If you’ve ever felt the adrenaline rush of dodging bullets in Contra (it’ll always be Gryzor to us!), or the intense thrill of blasting through waves of enemies in Metal Slug, then Run ’n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters by Bitmap Books is the ultimate nostalgic treasure trove you’ve been waiting for. This book isn’t just a collection of game titles; it’s a vivid journey through the explosive history of one of gaming’s most beloved genres.

Opening with forewords by Mega Man’s legendary producer, Keiji Inafune, and Cuphead creators Chad and Jared Moldenhauer, you know you’re in for a treat. Their insights set the stage for an epic journey that starts with 1975’s Gun Fight, widely considered the birth of the run ’n’ gun genre, and marches through over 300 iconic games spanning decades.

Written by award-winning video game journalist and comic book author Dave Cook, Run ’n’ Gun brings to life 40 years of gaming history with flair and expertise. Cook’s engaging narrative is peppered with incredible behind-the-scenes stories, fascinating quotes, and mind-blowing trivia that will captivate both veteran gamers and newcomers alike. The expert gameplay tips scattered throughout the book offer an added bonus, giving readers a chance to revisit their favorite games with a fresh perspective.

The visual appeal of this book is nothing short of stunning. Lithographically printed to the highest standards, each page bursts with vibrant colours and high-quality screenshots that almost leap off the page. The luxurious feel of the hardback edition, with its spot-varnished fascia featuring artwork by the talented Jorge M. Velez, makes it a beautiful addition to any coffee table or bookshelf.

One of the standout features of Run ’n’ Gun is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia while also providing a comprehensive look at the evolution of the genre. From the pixelated charm of early arcade games to the sophisticated graphics of modern shooters, this book covers it all with meticulous detail and passion.

Run ’n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters is more than just a book; it’s a celebration of a genre that has given gamers countless hours of excitement and adventure. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of run ’n’ gun games or simply love video game history, this book is a must-have. Dive in, and let the memories and discoveries unfold!

Specs:

Disclaimer: Run ’n’ Gun: A History of On-Foot Shooters book was kindly provided by PixelCrib for this review.

Same Same But Different Name

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Why, oh why do publishers change names of games for different regions of the world?

That is the million dollar question. They will give you all sorts of reasons and excuses, but it all boils down to the marketing teams and what they think will work in their segment.

We think these games would have an identity crisis if they were human. Actually, some games are known by more than two different names ! C’mon, that is absurd, no matter where you are from.

Here is a list of well known classic video games that are known by various names around the world. You be the judge of which region names you prefer. If you know of others that aren’t on the list, hit us up on Twitter or Facebook:

Game Name Also Known As (AKA)
Bare Knuckle Streets of Rage
Life Force  Salamander
Contra Gryzor, Probotector
Bad Dudes  DragonNinja, Bad Dudes vs DragonNinja
PC Kid Bonk
Jet Set Radio  Jet Grind Radio
Devil Crash Devil’s Crush, Dragon’s Fury, Devil Crash MD
Another World  Out of this World, Other World
Ninja Gaiden Shadow Warriors
Two Crude Dudes Crude Buster
Buggy Boy Speed Buggy
Green Beret  Rush’n Attack
International Karate  World Karate Championship
Stunt Car Racer Stunt Track Racer
Winter Olympiad 88  Winter Challenge
Slap Fight Alcon
International Karate +  Chop ‘n Drop Karate
Microprose Soccer  Keith van Eron’s Pro Soccer
Driller  Space Station Oblivion
The Sentinel  The Sentry
Nebulus  Tower Toppler
Pipemania  Pipe Dream
Rock ‘n Wrestle  Bop ‘n Wrestle

 

 

Game Over: Hardest Video Games Ever

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Even though I have been gaming for over three decades, I am still your average gamer. The 80s arcade games definitely toughened me and sharpened my skills, but there were some games that no matter how sharp I was, I could never beat them.

The following list of wickedly difficult games is an admission of sorts that I never got to see the end credits. Heck, I don’t even think I saw more than a few levels (without cheating) on any of these games.

What are some of your most hardest games ever played? Let us know via Twitter or Facebook.

OUR HARDEST GAMES LIST

Contra / Gryzor / Probotector

Ghosts’n Goblins

Mega Man

Battletoads

Bionic Commando

Green Beret / Rush’n Attack

Impossible Mission

Robotron:2084

Rolling Thunder

Defender

Robocop

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels

ESWAT: Ciyt Under Siege

Slap Fight

Hellfire

Rick Dangerous

Airwolf

Paperboy

Game Over

 

Contra: Celebrating 33 Years Of Rock Hard Awesomeness

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Contra, Gryzor or Probotector. No matter what name you know this classic Konami run and gun game by, you will definitely remember it as one tough mother of a game!

Konami had an instant hit on their hands when they released the arcade machine on this day [February 20] in 1987. Happy 33rd anniversary Contra, you irresistible force!

For those that have been away from Earth since early 1987, here is the lowdown on Contra:

Midnight, September 12 2631. The Marines catch sight of a small-sized meteorite that is fast approaching Earth. The meteorite plummets 20km north-east of New Zealand, at the Gal Mosquito Archipelago. The command keep watch of the meteorite.

Two years later, in December 2633, an intruder known as the Red Falcon is occupying the Gal Mosquito Archipelago and is planning the fall of mankind. Command orders confidential investigations at the enemies’ front base. The marine post orders for two “Contra” soldiers, Private First Class Bill “Mad Dog” Rizer and Private First Class Lance “Scorpion” Bean on a mission. The mission being: penetrate the insides of the enemy, destroy the front base and the entire centre of operation.

 

CONTRA: Celebrating 32 Years of the Irresistible Force

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Contra, Gryzor or Probotector. No matter what name you know this classic Konami run and gun game by, you will definitely remember it as one tough mother of a game! Konami had an instant hit on their hands when they released the arcade machine on this day [February 20] in 1987. Happy 30th anniversary Contra, you irresistible force!

For those that have been away from Earth since early 1987, here is the lowdown on Contra:

Midnight, September 12 2631. The Marines catch sight of a small-sized meteorite that is fast approaching Earth. The meteorite plummets 20km north-east of New Zealand, at the Gal Mosquito Archipelago. The command keep watch of the meteorite.

Two years later, in December 2633, an intruder known as the Red Falcon is occupying the Gal Mosquito Archipelago and is planning the fall of mankind. Command orders confidential investigations at the enemy’s front base. The marine post orders for two “Contra” soldiers, Private First Class Bill “Mad Dog” Rizer and Private First Class Lance “Scorpion” Bean on a mission. The mission being: penetrate the insides of the enemy, destroy the front base and the entire centre of operation.

 

Contra: Celebrating 30 Years Of Awesomeness

By

Contra, Gryzor or Probotector. No matter what name you know this classic Konami run and gun game by, you will definitely remember it as one tough mother of a game! Konami had an instant hit on their hands when they released the arcade machine on this day [February 20] in 1987. Happy 30th anniversary Contra, you irresistible force!

For those that have been away from Earth since early 1987, here is the lowdown on Contra:

Midnight, September 12 2631. The Marines catch sight of a small-sized meteorite that is fast approaching Earth. The meteorite plummets 20km north-east of New Zealand, at the Gal Mosquito Archipelago. The command keep watch of the meteorite.

Two years later, in December 2633, an intruder known as the Red Falcon is occupying the Gal Mosquito Archipelago and is planning the fall of mankind. Command orders confidential investigations at the enemy’s front base. The marine post orders for two “Contra” soldiers, Private First Class Bill “Mad Dog” Rizer and Private First Class Lance “Scorpion” Bean on a mission. The mission being: penetrate the insides of the enemy, destroy the front base and the entire centre of operation.

image source: GameFAQs

 

Contra: 7″ Bill and Lance Action Figures

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Contra-1Oh my gawd! Just in time for Christmas, well, they aren’t available just as yet, but anyway, where were we? Oh yeh, those awesome people at NECA (creators of cool toys and collectibles!) have announced that they will release (April 2016) a special edition 2-pack action figure tribute set of fan favourite Contra video game characters, Bill ‘Mad Dog’ Rizer and Lance ‘Scorpion’ Bean!

For those of you that don’t know, Contra was also known as Gryzor and Probotector. Anyway, this Bill and Lance 2-pack action figure set will be the first appearance of non-movie-based characters in the NECA series, which will pay homage to Konami’s 8-bit glory days. Standing approximately 7” tall, the figures have all new head sculpts and “pixelated” paint deco. The set includes custom-designed weapons based on the classic game; detachable blast effects for the weapons; and that infamous power-up capsule with a clear support stand for “floating” effect.

For those collectors among you that will not open their packaging, a special window box package will be used to recreate the look of the classic game cartridge – which will look damn fine on your shelf!

April 2016 can not come fast enough! Here are a few more pics to whet your insatiable appetite:

Contra-2

Contra-3

Contra-6

Contra-4

Contra-5

Contra-7image source: NECA