Chelnov (also known as Atomic Runner), released by Data East in 1988 for the arcades, is an intense and distinct run-and-gun action game where movement is constantly forced forward. You play as Chelnov, an ordinary miner who gains superhuman abilities from a specialized suit, battling through hordes of enemies, mutants, and mechanized bosses. What sets it apart from traditional side-scrollers is the forced auto-scrolling mechanic, demanding quick reflexes as you constantly advance while jumping, shooting, and turning to deal with threats from all directions.
How to Play
Your objective is to survive the auto-scrolling levels, defeating bosses at the end of each stage while collecting weapon upgrades and power-ups. Since the game forces you forward, positioning and timing your jumps are critical. In the browser, the default arcade controls are mapped to your keyboard. Press Shift to insert a coin, and Enter to start. Use the Arrow Keys to maneuver left or right. Use Z to fire your equipped weapon, X to jump, and C to turn Chelnov around to shoot enemies attacking from behind.
Tips
- Master the turn-around jump: Since the screen pushes you forward, enemies will often spawn behind you. Practice jumping and turning mid-air to clear out pursuers without losing your footing.
- Prioritize weapon upgrades: The default laser is weak. Keep an eye out for flying power-up pods and prioritize grabbing the boomerang or spiked ball, which offer much better damage and screen coverage for the relentless swarms.
- Control your pace: While you cannot stop running, holding left slows your advance slightly, and holding right speeds it up. Use this to create space when dealing with large enemy clusters or tricky platforming sections.
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