This is my most favourite game ever. I originally became a fan 'back in the day' when it came out in the arcades. With its dual joystick control for each player, it was an original and innovative control mechanism (first seen in the Robotron: 2084) game, and one that would prove frustratingly difficult to initially get to grips with. However, it just had you coming back for more and more. When this game was announced for release on the home console I was ecstatic. If you're a fan of the movie The Running Man then this is the game that should have been developed for the film (unlike the poor actual tie-in that was developed).
The game adopts a top-person shooter point-of-view, where you have to exterminate literally thousands of enemies in each section of the gaming arena before being allowed to progress to the next round. You are given short visuals of the mapped out arena so you can plan your route, which also hosts a number of hidden bonus rooms in each of the four seperate arenas. The collision detection is fantastic, and it needs to be considering the close proximity of the oncoming adversaries. Eight way directional fire really brings the game into its own, along with a host of satisfying weaponary and power-ups for the trigger-happy amongst you. Throw in some random bonus prizes into the equation - toasters, cash, cars, etc (it is a gameshow set in the future remember), humongous end bosses that require a ridiculous amount of firepower to destroy, and a quirky gameshow host throwing in some amusing voiceovers randomly mid-game - you are left with a well rounded game that will keep you coming back for more.

The 2 player cooperative part of the game is also exceptional. Playing alongside your mate as you try to fend of the hordes of bad guys coming your way, whilst cunningly trying to out-do them at the same time by snapping up all the prizes and power-ups before they can leads to a nice level of competitiveness that can also leave a somewhat sourness in the air if you keep snagging all the good stuff before them. Tee hee hee indeed!

My advice, use this review to find yourself a copy of this awesome game (there should be links not too far away), picking up a SNES along the way to play it if you don't already own one, and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

A parting thought - imagine this as a 4 or 8 player online game. Come on Williams, you've got a legendary game here, get your finger out and breath some new life into it. I'd certainly buy that for a dollar!