Tetsuwan Atom [Model SHVC-ZB]

鉄腕 アトム © 1994 Zamuse
(Tetsuwan Atom)

Tetsuwan Atom is a side scrolling platform game by Zamuse and published by Banpesto, and is based on the 1960s popular science fiction animated series and manga originally created by Osamu Tezuka. In a near future, technology has advanced such that robots have freed humans from everyday tasks and chores, and they have become active member of the society. One day, the head of the Ministry of Science, professor Ochanomizu, discovers a robot child in a circus and decides to adopt him. The robot boy of mysterious origins, named Atom, soon displays extraordinary abilities, such as his great strength, hidden weapons, rocket boots and an extremely advanced electronic brain displaying human emotions. The professor decides to use these amazing powers for the good of humanity and to send the little robot resolve various types of problems and situations. In the game, Astro Boy must undertake a series of missions such as exploring a large pyramid, wandering through an eerie haunted house or flying at full speed through the narrow corridors of a space station. Of course, each level is infested with enemies and obstacles to impede Atom's progress, as well as an obligatory end of level's boss. The robot boy has a couple of ways to deal with his enemies though - he can use his fists in close-range combat or charge up his rocket boots to hover around, or release a powerful air dash attack. The game also features a couple of special items for the player to collect, such as Energy Containers, Temporary Invincibility or Small Radios that summon Uran, Atom's young sister, who releases various health items or an extra life when called. Additionally, Atom starts his long journey with only three life units (symbolized by hearts) but more can be collected later in the game (up to a maximum of six). Tetsuwan Atom consists of eight levels and although most of them are traditional side-scrolling platform stages, some have completely different gameplay styles (level six, for instance, features a top-down view where Atom must fly through the air and capture a blue bird).