The Running Man

The Running Man is the computer game adaptation of the famous 1987 sci-fi movie with Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Developed by Emerald Software and published by Grandslam in 1989, this video game adaptation is loosely based on the 1987 film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, which itself was adapted from a novel by Stephen King (written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman). The game was released on several home computer platforms, including Commodore 64, Amiga, ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, and MSX.

While the movie focused on a dystopian reality TV show where condemned criminals fight for survival in a deadly game arena, the video game took a more straightforward action-platform approach. Players control Ben Richards, the protagonist, as he fights his way through enemy-infested levels with only his fists and occasional weapons. Unlike the film, the game abandons the more satirical and narrative-driven elements of the story, opting instead for a side-scrolling beat-'em-up format with light platforming and some shooting sections.

The Amiga version is the most graphically advanced of all, featuring detailed sprites, smooth animation, and a moody soundtrack that attempts to capture the film's atmosphere. Backgrounds are varied, representing the different zones of the game environment, though the gameplay itself remains quite repetitive. Controls are responsive but not particularly deep, with limited moves and basic attack mechanics.

The Commodore 64 version is significantly simplified, with chunkier graphics and more sluggish controls, but it retains the core structure of the game. Sound is respectable for the platform, with a decent title tune and functional in-game effects. The gameplay is more difficult due to less precise collision detection and a more limited field of vision.

The ZX Spectrum version is perhaps the most stripped-down, using monochrome graphics and lacking the fluidity and detail of the other ports. Enemy patterns are repetitive, and animations are rudimentary, though the game remains playable and retains the general structure of its counterparts. The MSX version is nearly identical to the Spectrum one, following the same limitations in both color and performance, due to the similarities in hardware.

What stands out across all versions is the lack of connection to the movie’s story beyond superficial references. The gladiatorial theme and the central character are retained, but there are no boss fights against memorable "stalkers" from the film, and the game's level design does not reflect the movie's settings or narrative progression. This disappointed many fans who expected a more faithful adaptation.

Despite these issues, The Running Man has a place in the history of late-80s licensed games. It represents a common trend of the era: adapting big movie properties into action games with minimal narrative depth, often due to technical limitations and tight development cycles. The Amiga version remains the most visually impressive, while the C64 version is considered the best-balanced in terms of gameplay and performance. All versions, however, fell short of delivering the tension and uniqueness of the original film.