When I received the beta of “Runaway: A Road Adventure,” I did not know what to expect. Prior to receiving the beta, I had seen some impressive game screens from Pendulo Studios, and I found it very interesting that they chose to deviate from today’s norm and developed a 2D adventure game. In my opinion, the very best adventure games are the 2D ones, although I must admit that I did enjoy the “Myst” series.
To give a little background information about “Runaway,” the main character is Brian, a college student who is suddenly attacked by gangsters. If that weren’t bad enough, you soon get teamed up with a striptease dancer … and the adventure begins.
If you have played LucasArts games before (and if you have not, where on earth have you been?!), you will feel right at home. It’s a point and click adventure with all of its benefits. The last adventure game that I reviewed was “Gilbert Goodmate” from Swedish Prelusion, in which I stated it couldn’t get so much better than this (while Gilbert was an awesome game, we 2D adventure lovers were STARVING), but Pendulo Studios has proven me wrong.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
“Runaway: A Road Adventure” is just brilliant. Although it is just a beta release, the quality of the game graphics kept getting better and better. The game’s sharp graphic quality is a blessing for your eyes.
For those who are new to 2D adventure point-and-click genre (bah!), I can reveal that it will be a lot of point-and-clicking. Solving some of the puzzles will make you use certain items in ways that you normally couldn’t fathom. As usual, solving a puzzle will most probably make you smile a goofy “king of the world” kind of grin. Another charming aspect of the game is that it’s filled with humorous situations, comments and scenes.
While playing, you will find many different items, some totally worthless and some absolutely necessarily in order to continue in the game. All of the items that you pick up will end up in your huge inventory pockets (which are easily accessible, I might add).
Even though I am just playing a beta version of the game, this is the best 2D adventure game out there. “Runaway” beats any adventure games on the market, which is not as simple of a task as it may seem. With 2D adventure games such as “Monkey Island,” “Sam & Max,” and “Indiana Jones,” just to name a few, competition is very fierce, but Pendulo Studios has worked hard on this game, and I can guarantee you that no one will be disappointed.
“Runaway: A Road Adventure” is scheduled for a UK release on February 14th, 2003.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)