Playthrough of Square's The 3-D Battles of Worldrunner for the NES.

The 3-D Battles of WorldRunner is a third-person, forward-scrolling action game developed by Square (now Square Enix) for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1987. Known for its fast-paced gameplay and pseudo-3D graphics, the game stands out as an early example of 3D effects on the NES. Players take on the role of Jack the WorldRunner, a hero tasked with saving planets from an alien invasion led by snake-like creatures called Serpentbeasts.

The gameplay revolves around controlling Jack as he runs through various alien landscapes, dodging obstacles, jumping over pits, and shooting enemies. The action is continuous, with Jack automatically running forward while players guide his left and right movements, jumping and shooting as necessary. Timing jumps is crucial as many levels feature large gaps and tricky platforming sections. Each stage ends with a boss battle against a Serpentbeast, where players must avoid attacks and shoot its weak points.

A key feature of the game is its stereoscopic 3D mode, which required special glasses for players to experience a depth effect. While the 3D feature was innovative for its time, it was not essential to gameplay. The game used sprite scaling and fast-moving visuals to create a sense of depth, making it visually distinct from other NES titles of the era.

Graphically, The 3-D Battles of WorldRunner was notable for its colorful, forward-scrolling environments, which ranged from desert landscapes to alien worlds. The soundtrack, composed by Nobuo Uematsu, was energetic and matched the game's intense pace. However, the difficulty level, with its reliance on precise jumps and fast reactions, was often seen as a challenge for players.

Though not as iconic as Square’s later titles, The 3-D Battles of WorldRunner was praised for its innovative use of 3D and remains a unique part of the NES library. It paved the way for other 3D-style games like Rad Racer, showcasing Square’s early experimentation with graphics and technology.

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