ATOMIK: RunGunJumpGun Review

The very definition of run’n’gun.

ATOMIK: RunGunJumpGun is an auto-running 2D action platformer that will test you with it’s tough as nails design that is, without a doubt, fantastic. The title creates the feeling of “One more try!” which is a great match for the Nintendo Switch. Players are thrown into a galaxy where the star is dying and it is up to you to travel through, overcoming the challenges that await.

You see, in ATOMIK: RunGunJumpGun you only need to do one of two things; shoot forward or shoot downwards to propel yourself into the air. These two actions are all a player need to focus on as they progress through the wild levels, picking up the collectibles known as atomiks along the way. The two button gameplay might sounds simple which in function it is but to master them is the real task.

Understanding the speed at which your bullets travel, how much distance they cover, how much damage obstacles take and what speed you fly and fall at all factor into how effective you will be able to play this title. The moment to moment action is down to the wire with every second counting in how you perform the two actions that will, in the end, see you succeeding or failing.

Though you have a shield which saves you from one hit it does come at the price of not getting that extra tick at the end of a level. It is a safety net that encourages you to try and fail but ultimately rewards you for precision and mastery. Sure, you will die often and plenty but it is never a setback thanks to the checkpoint system which puts you right back into the action. It might be a loss of progress but it is only ever a few seconds meaning you can inch closer to clearing a level in next to no time.

The challenge within ATOMIK: RunGunJumpGun never stops you from enjoying it. You have the option to skip a level and tackle them in any order you want, earning enough atomiks to unlock the next world or completing a level flawlessly. ATOMIK: RunGunJumpGun never makes you feel like it is punishing but rather pushing you closer and closer to overcoming each challenge, honing your skills with every play.

Visually speaking the title is a trip into a hyperactive collideoscope of bright colours and rainbow trails that are matched with additive music setting the title apart of others. Every moment, including the menus, are standing out with style that makes ATOMIK: RunGunJumpGun a joy to experience. Between each level players will be greeted with crazy characters that will deliver some fun and creative dialog that help to flesh out the (dying) worlds that you are visiting.

ATOMIK: RunGunJumpGun is a fantastic title that is able to create hours of enjoyment with only a few button presses. With hard gameplay that will push you to keep playing, this is a title that sits up there with the greats including the likes of Super Meat Boy and is worth being in your collection. All of this is complete with a flawless framerate that means I cannot recommend this title enough.