Cyborg Hunter

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 for the North American market.[2]

Cyborg Hunter
Cover art
Developer(s)Sega
Publisher(s)
Designer(s)Hirohiko Yoneda
Yasushi Yamaguchi
Kamereon Aki
Platform(s)Sega Master System
Release
Genre(s)Action
Mode(s)Single-player

Plot

Set in the year 2242, the player controls 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. The player is sent to the cyborg fortress to get rid of all the chief cyborgs in each of the seven areas. They are not alone in this mission. They also have Adina, their contact back at headquarters. The player must follow her instructions carefully to 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 the player can see objects that are coming their 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, the player's 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, the player's only weapons are their fists, but weapons can be collected throughout each area, which include a psycho punch, a ray gun, a light gun, and bombs. Power-ups like extra life and psycho power can also be collected. If the player uses the psycho punch or psycho gun, their psycho power gets depleted, and when it is empty, they must stock up on some more. They can also get shields that will protect them from laser beams, and jet engines so that the player can fly over hazards. In some areas, they defeat a boss which leaves an ID card, which the player can use to access other areas of the fortress. The equipment menu is accessed using the A or B buttons on the second controller.

The story is advanced by simple cutscenes showing Adina talking, accompanied by text below. Adina also provides 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 resemblant 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. Retrospective reviews have compared the game to Metroid.[10]

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References
  1. "Cyborg Hunter release information". Moby Games. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
  2. "Cyborg Hunter data". GameFAQs. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
  3. "Cyborg Hunter for Sega Master System". Moby Games. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
  4. "Chōonsenshi Borgman for Sega Master System". Moby Games. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
  5. "Cyborg Hunter credits". Moby Games. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
  6. "Hirohiko Yoneda biography". Moby Games.
  7. "Yasushi Yamaguchi biography". Moby Games.
  8. Rignall, J (1989). "Cyborg Hunter". CVG.
  9. Stan. "Cyborg Hunter Review". Game Freaks 365. Archived from the original on 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2009-09-09.
  10. Tatlock, Lee (August 21, 2010). "Cyborg Hunter". Retro Gamer. Retrieved July 9, 2016. Straight of you will be sent off to Sector A in search of shield that will help you get through the laser barriers that block your way into zone B, and the game continues in a similar fashion until you have retrieved jet packs, laser pistols, light guns and ever more powerful additions to your growing arsenal. It’s a truly organic process that is reminiscent of Metroid but pulled off with so much more panache and graphical flair.
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