Sonic the Hedgehog Classic
Sega Genesis / Mega Drive · Platformer
Atomic Runner
| System | Sega Genesis / Mega Drive |
|---|---|
| Released | 1992 |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Data East |
| Publisher | Data East |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Legacy | Deep cut |
Atomic Runner is a platformer released in 1992 for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive, developed by Data East.
It landed about 3 years into the Genesis's life. Other notable Genesis releases from 1992 include Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Lemmings and Streets of Rage 2.
Data East also made Joe & Mac, Captain America and The Avengers and Crude Buster for the Genesis.
Atomic Runner is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you've played the Genesis hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Atomic Runner is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Atomic Runner cheats & codes
18 codes on file (Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Action Replay codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | FFC323:99 |
|---|
If you like Atomic Runner, the Matrix also picks…
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Classic Co-op
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Classic
Joe & Mac Classic
Sonic & Knuckles Classic
The Lost Vikings Classic Co-op
Earthworm Jim Classic
Disney's Aladdin Classic
Playing Genesis games today
Genesis games are fast and immediate, and many are made for two players. Official collections and Nintendo Switch Online carry a big slice of the library, and Rec0m88 can run your own Genesis backups with online netplay.
Atomic Runner FAQ
When did Atomic Runner come out on the Genesis?
Atomic Runner was released for the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive in 1992.
Who made Atomic Runner?
It was developed by Data East.
Is Atomic Runner multiplayer?
No. Atomic Runner is a single-player game.
How long does Atomic Runner take to play?
As a platformer, Atomic Runner typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.