Atomic Robo-Kid

UPL

Industry	Video games
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Atomic Robo-Kid

is a side-scrolling shooter created and distributed by UPL in 1988 for arcade platforms. In North America, Nikom released it in February 1989, marking their sole arcade launch. The TurboGrafx-16 adaptation, named Atomic Robo-Kid Special, is based on the original arcade version.

Plot

Set in the 21st century, Terra-12, an Earth outpost situated in deep space, experiences mutations caused by cosmic radiation. Following this, alien forces invade and eradicate all intelligent beings. After prolonged battles, a lone hero emerges to seek justice for the fallen colonists.

Gameplay

Players guide Robo-Kid across six demanding levels, each culminating in a battle against a gigantic alien "governor" boss that may extend over several screens, succeeded by combat with similarly large robotic foes. The stages feature branching paths leading to various zones, increasing the game's replay value.

Throughout the game, Robo-Kid acquires four distinct weapons (which are lost upon death) alongside a standard gun, as well as power-ups enhancing shields, firing rate, and movement speed. Additionally, a dinosaur-like robotic ally offers weapons and shield upgrades in exchange for extra lives.

Ports

This title was adapted for multiple systems including TurboGrafx-16, Sega Genesis, Commodore 64, Atari ST, Amiga, and X68000. Although a ZX Spectrum version was planned with a demo released, it was ultimately cancelled.

Reception

According to Japan's Game Machine publication dated March 1, 1989, Atomic Robo-Kid ranked eighth among table arcade units in terms of success.

Legacy

The rights holder Hamster Corporation reissued Atomic Robo-Kid as part of their Arcade Archives collection on PlayStation 4 in 2016 and later on Nintendo Switch in 2018.

External links

• Atomic Robo-Kid at Arcade History