Elevator Action Returns
A run and gun sequel with elevator-based gameplay and three characters.
Elevator Action Returns, also known as Elevator Action II, is a 1994 run and gun arcade game developed and published by Taito. It is the sequel to the 1983 Elevator Action, replacing the original's spy motif with a paramilitary team fighting a terrorist group. The game was ported to the Sega Saturn in Japan in 1997 and later included in the Taito Legends 2 compilation for Windows, PlayStation 2, and Xbox in 2006. In 2022, it was included as one of the built-in games on the Taito Egret II Mini arcade cabinet.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Taito
- Publisher
- Taito; Ving (Saturn)
- Designer
- Yusuke Tsuda; Koji Terada
- Artist
- Toshiyuki Takenami
- Composer
- Yasuhisa Watanabe
- Series
- Elevator Action
- Genre
- Run and gun
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Characters
Three characters are selectable at the start. Kart Bradfield, age 23, is the fastest and most agile, with a Glock 18 default gun upgradeable to an AK-47 or MM-1 grenade launcher. His sub-weapons are hand grenades that clear the whole floor. He has moderate health, runs fastest, jumps best, but shoots slowest with his default weapon, and can perform three consecutive melee attacks instead of two. Edie Burret, age 21, is the fastest shooter, using a Beretta M92F upgradeable to an MP5K or ARWEN 37 launcher. Her sub-weapons are incendiary grenades that create a pool of flame harming enemies but not the player. She has the lowest health, moderate speed, and fires her default gun faster than any other character. Jad the Taff, age 32, is the strongest and most durable, with a Desert Eagle upgradeable to an M60 or 80mm recoilless rifle. His sub-weapons are sensor bombs that explode when enemies approach. He has the most health, middling fire rate, slowest walking speed, and tackles enemies or crushes objects while running.
Release
A home version for the Sega Saturn was released in 1997 under the title Elevator Action/Elevator Action Returns, including the original Elevator Action. It was ported by Ving. The game later appeared in Taito Legends 2 for Windows, PlayStation 2, and Xbox in 2006; the PS2 and Xbox versions run at upscanned 640x448 resolution, causing slight flickering and a blurrier image. An enhanced port, Elevator Action Returns S-Tribute, was released for Windows, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on December 1, 2022, adding features like Rewind, Slow Mode, Quick Save/Load, Unlimited Credits, Stage Select, Increased Healing, and more lives.
Reception
In Japan, Game Machine listed Elevator Action Returns as the ninth most popular arcade game in their May 1, 1995 issue. Next Generation rated the arcade version three stars out of five, describing it as fun for those with a frenzied shooting impulse but easy to pass up. A 1997 import review by GameSpot gave a score of 5.2/10, stating the game was not bad but not worth the import price, suggesting it would be a perfect rental if released in the US. Seventeen years later, Jeremy Parish of USgamer called it a well-made game out of its time, conceptually baffling but fun. Hardcore Gamer retrospectively called it an overlooked classic deserving the same acclaim as its predecessor. Darren Jones of Retro Gamer praised it as an outstanding sequel that blew away the original, highlighting its superb visual style with derelict, graffiti-covered buildings and enemies resembling 2000AD comic strips, as well as violent animations of blood and burning enemies. He noted the Saturn conversion was flawless and included the original game. In 2005, IGN listed the Saturn port among the best classic co-op games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed Elevator Action Returns?
Elevator Action Returns was designed by Yusuke Tsuda and Koji Terada.
Who composed the music for Elevator Action Returns?
The music for Elevator Action Returns was composed by Yasuhisa Watanabe.
Is Elevator Action Returns single-player or multiplayer?
Elevator Action Returns offers single-player and multiplayer play.
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