Classic arcade games are a completely different breed of gaming. They are designed differently than games intended for the home market. They are fast paced, and action focused. The independent homebrew industry often reminds gamers of those good old days. VLADR, one such independent homebrew developer is working on a Stunrunner clone, a new game for the Atari Jaguar console.
So far, the only thing we have is a YouTube video showing off a bit of the gameplay as it currently stands. So far, VLADR’s Stunrunner clone is already fast paced with flat shaded polygons flying by at a decent clip.
Also, this Stunrunner clone only features a straight corridor with some hills and a few enemies. What can we derive from this video?
A few things.
While the Atari Jaguar is still one of the newer platforms to see homebrew created for it, it is already being pushed farther than expected at such a preliminary period of development.
VLADR has already gotten a decent 3D engine running on the Atari Jaguar. A 3D engine that shows off a decent draw distance as well. Unfortunately, there is not a lot else to go on from this video. There is no sound available.
Things that would be nice to see in this Stunrunner clone is the addition of textures and such to those flat shaded polygons. Like how Namco updated Starblade on the 3DO console – both versions were included (original and updated graphics).
Sound, of course, would be a nice addition. Surely this is already on the developers “to do” list.
There is no word on if we will see this Stunrunner clone finished and if it is, what type of release it will enjoy – cart or free digital ROM online.
We will keep our eye on this one. Who else is excited for new games for the Atari Jaguar console?
Starblade on 3DO was entirely FMV-based and not realtime 3D like the arcade original, so unlike adding textures, etc. to realtime graphics, playing back a fancier FMV doesn’t require any more power.
Ah, good point. I did not think about that when writing the article. Thanks for pointing that out.