The Running Man
Video Archive
The Running Man – Could Schwarzenegger Survive the C64 Game Show?
️ The Running Man (1989) – Commodore 64 Action Movie Tie-In Survival Challenge Released in 1989 by Grandslam and developed by Emerald Software, The Running Man is a side-scrolling action game for the Commodore 64 inspired by the 1987 dystopian film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. You play as Ben Richards, forced to survive a brutal televised game show where contestants are hunted for public entertainment. The gameplay focuses on moving through a series of scrolling levels, each ending in a showdown with one of the show’s stalkers. Combat is simple and direct, placing emphasis on positioning and survival rather than complex move sets. Between stages, a brief puzzle-based mini-game offers a chance to recover health before the next encounter. As a movie tie-in, the game leans heavily on its concept rather than technical ambition. Controls and repetition were widely criticised at the time, but the structure still reflects late-80s licensed design, with clear stages, boss battles, and a relentless push forward.
Game Overview
About the Game
️ The Running Man (1989) – Commodore 64 Action Movie Tie-In Survival Challenge Released in 1989 by Grandslam and developed by Emerald Software, The Running Man is a side-scrolling action game for the Commodore 64 inspired by the 1987 dystopian film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. You play as Ben Richards, forced to survive a brutal televised game show where contestants are hunted for public entertainment. The gameplay focuses on moving through a series of scrolling levels, each ending in a showdown with one of the show’s stalkers. Combat is simple and direct, placing emphasis on positioning and survival rather than complex move sets. Between stages, a brief puzzle-based mini-game offers a chance to recover health before the next encounter. As a movie tie-in, the game leans heavily on its concept rather than technical ambition. Controls and repetition were widely criticised at the time, but the structure still reflects late-80s licensed design, with clear stages, boss battles, and a relentless push forward.
Game Manual
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews
Magazine Reviews · 2
Contemporary average 44% · range 43–44%
Zzap!64
Reviewed by Phil King & Stuart Wynne. Grandslam full-price release
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Zzap!64
Reviewed by Unique budget release
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Game Music
Game Music
Original Cassette
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Verified C64 cassette releases linked to the Ultimate Tape Archive. CCG does not host or duplicate the tape files.
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