"One of the most original games out there."

Grid Runner was released in November of 1996 for the Sega Saturn. GR was developed by Radical Entertainment and was published by Virgin Interactive Entertainment. Grid Runner has one of the most unique gameplay concepts I’ve ever seen; you play a game of capture the flag in a grid, the first person to collect the number of flags needed in that level wins. Now this may not sound terribly original, or exciting, but when you actually play the game, you’ll see just how innovative this concept is when it is executed.

The gameplay may quite shallow if you look at the game only as I have described it above. However, when you dig deeper into the game, you will find that the gameplay is actually quite complex. For example, if an enemy has tagged you “It”, you must touch him back, and make him “It” before you can resume collecting flags. The capture the flag aspect of the game is thereby expanded into a game of “You’re it.” Throughout the game’s 57 levels (or grids) you’ll be challenged by obstacles within the level itself that add to the challenge of making your opponent “It.” If you are “It”, you cannot collect a flag. In order to become “Not It”, you must touch your opponent. Likewise, your opponent must touch you to become “Not It.” Obstacles such as holes in the ground, and lava, will impede your progress through the grid. In order to get past obstacles such as these, you will have to make use of your ability to create makeshift grid pieces that will allow you to pass. Creating grid pieces takes a few seconds, so be sure to only use it when it is absolutely necessary, if you take too much time, you will allow your opponent to obtain enough flags to win, also, these pieces disappear after a few seconds, you’ll have to be quick about creating and using them, or else you could end up stuck. There are numerous ways to obtain flags in the game. You can simply touch a flag to add it to your total, or you can capture your opponent’s flag. Doing this will also take a flag away from his total, but, he can do this to you as well. Grid Runner also enables you to use spells to prevent your opponent from obtaining a flag. Say you have been made “It”, well, all you have to do is use a spell on your opponent to slow him down, and make making him “It” easier. You can also make a spell that causes your speed to increase. Again, this spell uses up your magic meter, so use it sparingly. Be forewarned, your use of spells is limited by your magic meter , so don’t waste them. Only use them as a last-resort. Now this description of the gameplay may come off as a bit too complex. Maybe it has scared you a little bit. Don’t worry, the complex gameplay is refreshingly addictive. The gameplay never becomes a chore despite it being so complex. When you’re playing the game, the more complex aspects of the game become second-nature. amd the more addictive the game becomes. You have to make use of all of your gaming skills in this game, because it keeps you on your toes constantly. As a resulf of this, the game is extremely rewarding. You feel as if you’ve really accomplished something after you have beaten an opponent.

The controls in the game are as complex as the gameplay, but, just like the game itself, they become second-nature as time goes on. The game makes use of nearly every button on the Saturn controller, but the layout is very intuitive. It was definitely made with gameplay in mind. However, if you think you can improve upon the control scheme, you can simply reconfigure the controls to your liking. No matter how you prefer the controls, they will be rock-solid no matter what. The controls are extremely responsive and they never get in the way of your enjoyment of the game.

The graphics are the weakest aspect of the game. The characters are made of chunky rendered graphics that look very sloppy, and the grids themselves aren’t much to look at. However, the saving grace of the graphics lies in the backgrounds. The backgrounds are full of detail and really help to give each individual level a feel all its own. They do a great job at setting the mood for the game.

The sounds of the game also do a tremendous job at setting a mood for the game. The game’s music changes depending on what level you’re playing in, and this really helps to give each level a fell all it’s own. Just like the unique backgrounds. This also helps to create a certain atmosphere for a level that sticks with you. The game’s sound effects are diverse and fit their actions about as well as could be expected. I really love how the sound helps to compliment the graphics in creating a mood for the game, it really helps separate this game from the pack.

The replay value of Grid Runner is astronomical. The game’s 57 levels will keep you on your toes for weeks on end. The complex gameplay helps to insure that there is always something new to learn each time you play the game. The addictive gameplay never gets old because of this.

All in all, Grid Runner is one of the most fun games on the Saturn. The game is a breath of fresh air in gaming and deserves to be played by everyone. Be sure to give this game a shot if you see it in stores. If you don’t have a Saturn, a PlayStation version of the game is also available.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/29/02, Updated 01/29/02