Metro-Cross

Metro-Cross is a 1985 platform video game developed and published by Namco for arcades. It was released in Japan in May 1985 and in North America by Kitkorp in November 1985. It was later ported to the Amstrad CPC, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Family Computer, and ZX Spectrum.

Gameplay

The player takes control of a man known only as Runner, who is given a time limit to run through each of the game's thirty-two rounds while avoiding obstacles and collecting drink cans. The actual running happens automatically and the goal of the player is to avoid the obstacles and collect the cans by moving the Runner with the stick and adjusting his speed accordingly.

If the Runner finishes the round within the time limit, the remaining time will be awarded to him as bonus points and he will proceed to the next round. Every fourth round is special, using the remaining time from the three previous ones as additional time. However, if the Runner has not finished the round before the time limit runs out, he will be electrocuted and the game will immediately end.

Obstacles along the way include Slip Zones which will slow the Runner down if he tries to cross over them, Pitfalls which will break under the Runner's weight and drop him into the holes underneath, and Crackers which will launch the Runner up into the air and cause him to land on his back. Later rounds also feature Jumbo Tires that bounce towards the Runner, Walls that move up and down from the ground, Cubes that move through particular columns of tiles, Mice that attempt to jump onto the Runner and slow him down, and Chess Knights and Kings that bounce from one tile to another.