Classic Games Database
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Chelnov: Atomic Runner

Review
Also known as
Atomic Runner Chelnov Video Game Anthology Vol. 2: Atomic Runner Chelnov チェルノブ

Control a miner with radiation powers in this forced-scrolling platformer, shooting enemies from all directions.

Chelnov: Atomic Runner was originally released in arcades in 1988. The Sega Genesis/Mega Drive version, titled Atomic Runner, was released in 1992.


							Chelnov: Atomic Runner cover
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About Chelnov: Atomic Runner

Chelnov: Atomic Runner is a platform game where the screen constantly moves to the right, creating a challenging pace as players must navigate hazards and enemies without being able to slow this automatic progression. The protagonist can turn around to fire at foes approaching from behind, and defeated enemies sometimes leave behind collectible weapons and power-ups.

In the Sega Genesis version, the narrative and visual themes were altered from the original. The story now follows Chelnov, whose scientist father was killed and sister kidnapped by the Deathtarians, an ancient race seeking to control Earth. Using a special suit created by his father, Chelnov gains enhanced abilities, escapes captivity, and flees across the globe.

The core level layouts and enemy placements remain consistent with earlier releases, but the aesthetic is completely different. Each stage is themed around an ancient civilization, with all enemies and bosses redesigned to fit this new concept. Any prior story elements involving a nuclear accident were removed for this iteration.

Chelnov: Atomic Runner Screenshots

12 images
Title
American title
Japanese title
Intro
Story
Stage 1
Flying skulls with power-ups
Get over the gap with the flamejets
An enemy kills Chelnov
Running uphill
Escaping
Throwing fire rings at those pesky bugs