Game Journal: Elevator Action (1 Loop Clear, Hardest)

I cleared the first loop Elevator Action, a 1993 run 'n gun' maze game from Taito, on the hardest difficulty.

Elevator Action is a fantastic run 'n' gun with maze game influences. Every playthrough feels different thanks to the randomised red door locations and enemy behaviours, even though on the surface it looks like you're just playing the same stage over and over again.

The game constantly puts you in hectic and stressful situations. It's all about ducking under or jumping over enemy shots and playing vertical elevator footsies, all while doing your best to avoid being put in a spot where enemies will be able to spawn near you and punish your fixed-arc jumps.

You start with 2 extra lives and you get another one at 10,000 points. The scoring system is simple; go in all the red doors (which you have to do anyway), clear as many stages as you can, shoot as many enemies as you can, and get extra points for jumping into enemies, dropping light fixtures onto them, or shooting them while the lights are out.

This might be my favourite run 'n' gun that I have ever played, and I still can't believe how much it does with so little. If you don't mind the odd unfair death and the game constantly generating slapstick comedy scenarios at your expense, I highly recommend it!