Running Battle

Overview

Developed by Opera House and released in 1991 to the Sega Master System console, Running Battle is a single-player and side-scrolling brawler in which the player controls Grey, a lone cop seeking revenge against the gang responsible for the death of his partner, Brody, in a decadent city that has been taken over by a criminal known only as “M.” and his organization, the “Soldiers of Darkness”.

Unlike most games of the genre, Running Battle restricts the player’s movement to the horizontal axes (left and right), without allowing vertical movement through the scenario. In fact, it is very similar to Vigilante and, especially, Black Belt/Hokuto no Ken, although with very different controls. The available actions are limited to punches, jumps, flying kicks and crouches (with attacks). The gameplay is simple and straightforward, focusing on the constant elimination of armed enemies that appear in successive waves. There are considerable platforming sections, where you have to jump over gaps, etc.

During the levels, it is possible to find items that restore the character’s energy, grant a temporary increase in physical strength or allow the use of firearms for a limited time. Interestingly, you can change the direction of the flying kick in mid-air, which helps you fight the bad guys.

Running Battle consists of five main stages, each divided into smaller sections that culminate in boss battles. Although it is possible to cross entire sections without defeating all the enemies, progress is only possible after eliminating the opponents on the screen.

Synopsis

A neighboring city has fallen into the hands of the sinister “M” and his “Soldiers of the Darkness.” Get inside the “Dark Zone” and punch, kick and blast your way through to the final conflict!

Controls

• Arrow Keys (D-Pad) – Move left and right and crouch
• Button 1 – Z (Jump)
• Button 2 – X (Punch)
• Jump + Punch to make a flying kick.
• You can punch crouched as well.
• Attention – These controls are default. Hover your mouse into the lower part of the screen and a control bar will show up. Click on the gamepad icon if you want to change the default key configurations.

More info and beat ’em up

• Running Battle @ Gaming Room – Source, with more info and media. In Portuguese.
• Undead End
• Vigilante [Master System]
• Barnacle Brawl
• Retro Street Fighter
• Tribot Fighter
• Zombie Logan
• Mutant Madness
• The Lair
• Black Belt

Running Battle gameplays, tips or walkthroughs

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