Cyborg Hunter

Cyborg Hunter
Cover art
Developer(s)	Sega
Publisher(s)	JP Sega NA Activision EU Sega
Designer(s)	Hirohiko Yoneda Yasushi Yamaguchi Kamereon Aki
Platform(s)	Sega Master System
Release date(s)	Sega Master System 1988[1]
Genre(s)	Action
Mode(s)	Single-player
Media/distribution	8-bit cartridge

Cyborg Hunter is a horizontal scrolling, action video game released in 1988^[1] on the Sega Master System. It was both developed and published by Sega in Japan and Europe, and published by Activision in the US.^[2]

Story

It is the year 2242. You are Paladin, the galaxy's toughest bounty hunter. Cyborgs are about to take complete control of the universe under the direction of Vipron, their evil leader. You are sent to the cyborg fortress to get rid of all the chief cyborgs in each of the seven areas. You are not alone in this mission. You also have Adina, your contact back at headquarters. Follow her instructions carefully and you may survive.^[3]

Gameplay

Screen layout showing 3D radar, map and action panes.

The game screen is divided into three sections. This includes a first-person view of the map, in which you can see objects that are coming your way. There are two types of objects: red objects indicate the lower cyborgs, while white ones indicate the chief cyborgs. Next to it is a map of the area, your life and psycho power count. Below these is the main action screen, which is a side on perspective of Paladin negotiating the environment and taking on enemies.

In each of these seven areas, there are several floors which can be reached via the elevator. At the beginning of the game, your only weapons are your fists, but weapons can be collected throughout each area, which include psycho punch, ray gun, light gun, and bombs. Power-ups like extra life and psycho power can also be collected. If you use the psycho punch or psycho gun, your psycho power gets depleted, and when it is empty, you must stock up on some more. You can also get shields that will protect you from laser beams, and jet engines so that you can fly over hazards. In some areas, you defeat a boss which leaves an ID card, which you can use to access other areas of the fortress.

Story is advanced by simple cut-scenes showing Adina talking, accompanied by text below. Adina will also provide gameplay tips at pre-determined points in the game.

Development

The game was originally developed as a title called Chōonsenshi Borgman(超音戦士ボーグマン),^[3] and was based on an animated TV series of the same name. For non-Japanese territories the game was marketed as Cyborg Hunter.^[4] The Japanese version of the game has a storyline more resemblent of the anime series. The original game was designed by Hirohiko Yoneda^[5] who would later work on Shenmue,^[6] and Yasushi Yamaguchi^[5] who is also credited for design on Sonic The Hedgehog 2.^[7] Music was composed by Nav and Key.^[5]

Reception

Cyborg Hunter was labelled as unoriginal,^[8] but still "addictive and challenging".^[8] Computer and Video Games magazine rated the game at 76%.^[8]
Game Freaks 365 called the game easy as the player can "waste the majority of cyborgs in a few hits",^[9] and lacking in creativity. The reviewer gave the game 6/10.

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "Cyborg Hunter release information". Moby Games. http://www.mobygames.com/game/sega-master-system/cyborg-hunter/release-info. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 
2. ^ "Cyborg Hunter data". GameFAQs. http://www.gamefaqs.com/console/sms/data/588052.html. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 
3. ^ ^{a b} "Cyborg Hunter for Sega Master System". Moby Games. http://www.mobygames.com/game/sega-master-system/cyborg-hunter. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 
4. ^ "Chōonsenshi Borgman for Sega Master System". Moby Games. http://www.mobygames.com/game/chonsenshi-borgman. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 
5. ^ ^{a b c} "Cyborg Hunter credits". Moby Games. http://www.mobygames.com/game/sega-master-system/chonsenshi-borgman/credits. Retrieved 2009-09-09. 
6. ^ "Hirohiko Yoneda biography". Moby Games. http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,92634/. 
7. ^ "Yasushi Yamaguchi biography". Moby Games. http://www.mobygames.com/developer/sheet/view/developerId,81482/. 
8. ^ ^{a b c} Rignall, J (1989). "Cyborg Hunter". CVG. ftp://ftp.worldofspectrum.org/pub/sinclair/magazines/C+VG/Issue090/Pages/CVG09000102.jpg. 
9. ^ Stan. "Cyborg Hunter Review". Game Freaks 365. http://www.gamefreaks365.com/review.php?artid=871. Retrieved 2009-09-09.