Urban Runner
| Company type | Video game |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video games |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Coktel Vision |
| Products | Urban Runner (video game) |
Number of employees | 50 (1995) |
Urban Runner is a French video game created by Coktel Vision and distributed by Sierra On-line.
This interactive movie is spread across four CD-ROM discs and centers on an American reporter in Paris who becomes falsely accused of murder amid an investigation. Brandon Massey, recognized for his role in Police Quest IV: Open Season (1993), stars as the protagonist.
At launch, the game operated at a resolution of with support for 8-bit or 32-bit color, representing a significant technical demand for its time.
Plot
Max Gardner (portrayed by Brandon Massey) is an American journalist probing into a drug trafficking operation shielded by a political figure in Paris. After presenting incriminating photographs to the trafficker, Max discovers the dealer murdered and is subsequently suspected of the crime.
On the run from law enforcement, Max allies with Adda—the trafficker’s partner—to expose the conspiracy fueling the killings.
Gameplay
The mouse serves as the primary control method, blending inventory management, character dialogue, and puzzle challenges. Players collect Clues—critical pieces of information distinct from inventory items that cannot be dropped or transferred.
Three Jokers are provided at the start to offer hints aiding player progress.
Control shifts between Max and Adda, occasionally allowing players to choose which character to operate. Progression requires solving puzzles related to both characters.
Gameplay is divided into Clue segments focused on puzzles without time constraints, and Action sequences demanding rapid decisions where incorrect moves often result in character death.
Development
The development team for Urban Runner consisted of 50 individuals, working with a budget of 15 million French francs (roughly 3.6 million € as of 2023). Following 18 months of development culminating in December 1995, three additional months were devoted to filming live-action sequences. Due to substantial production expenses, achieving break-even required sales of half a million copies, underscoring the project's considerable financial risk.