This is one of those tough-as-nails 2-D platformers that’s becoming so popular right now, kind of like Super Meat Boy.  You play as a dude in a jetpack racing in a sci-fi world with a dying sun.  It’s available on mobile, PC, and now Nintendo Switch (reviewed on Switch here).

For such a tough game, the controls are very simple.  Hold down the L button to fire up your jetpack, similar to Jetpack Joyride.  So really you do more flying than jumping.  But I guess RunFlyGunFly doesn’t have the same ring to it.  Hold down the R button to fire your weapon so you can shoot down any obstacles in your way.  Using these two moves, you’ll dodge spikes, sawblades, missiles, and more as you tackle dozens of automatically scrolling stages.

As you play, you can pick up these little atom-looking doo-dads called Atomiks.  Collect these to unlock new worlds, but they’re in precarious places and just getting through the stages was enough for me!  These super-difficult platformers really aren’t my cup of tea, but I did like the retro graphics and if you’re looking for a challenge, you’ll find it here!

Kid Factor:

Violence is minimal.  You can shoot obstacles with your space gun that just explode into pixels when defeated.  And when you get hit, you just warp back to the last checkpoint indefinitely.  Reading skill is helpful for some of the text, but not necessary just to play.  But I think many kids, and most adults as well, may find this game a little too hard and frustrating.  Atomik: RunGunJumpGun is rated E for Everyone.

Tags: Game Reviews