Run N Gun – – Gamereactor

Bitmap Books has always been the go-to publisher for fans of retro gaming. Their lineup of pixel-perfect, nostalgic books has managed to capture the essence of the golden ages of gaming, and Run N Gun continues that tradition. If you’re a fan of fast, side-scrolling, bullet-spitting action, this book is an essential addition to your shelf. It not only celebrates the games that defined the run ‘n’ gun genre, but also dives deep into their history, art and influence.

The genre that defined an era
If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, chances are you spent countless hours feeding quarters in arcade machines or grinding through levels on your console in games like Contra, Metal Slug or Gunstar Heroes. The run-‘n-gun genre, for the uninitiated, is the lovechild of the platform game and the shooter – a combination of fast-paced action, platform mechanics and a healthy dose of mayhem. These games were relentless and often brutally difficult, but the adrenaline rush of making that perfect jump while dodging a wall of bullets made them irresistible.

Run N Gun does a brilliant job of capturing that energy. From the vibrant cover design to the carefully laid out pages, the book exudes the blood-curdling intensity that has made the genre famous. Bitmap Books always nails the aesthetic, and this is no exception. The moment you crack it open, you are flooded by waves of nostalgia, but the deeper you dive, the more you realize that this is not just a collection of pretty pictures.

Comprehensive and accessible
The book begins with a beautifully written introduction that sets the tone. It acknowledges the simple premise of run ‘n’ gun games, but quickly emphasizes the depth and variety that can be found within the genre. It’s not just “move right, shoot bad guys. There is artistry in the game design, pacing, difficulty levels and, of course, visuals. Bitmap Books provides this balance and offers context to both seasoned fans and newcomers who may be learning about these titles for the first time.

The structure of the book is easy to follow, with each section devoted to a specific game or series. Each entry offers an overview of the game’s history, the inspiration of its developers and how it fit into the broader gaming landscape at the time. The scope is impressive: it’s not just the big hitters like Contra and Metal Slug, but also lesser-known gems like Cyber-Lip and Alien Soldier. It is a true celebration of the genre, not just a greatest hits compilation.

Visuals that hit like a spread shot
Let’s face it: Bitmap Books has mastered the art of creating beautiful gaming books, and Run N Gun continues that trend in spectacular fashion. The pixel art presented in this book is not only a return to the past, it is a testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of game developers who worked with very limited technology to create something visually stunning. The high-resolution game photos jump off the page, allowing you to appreciate the details that may have been lost on your old CRT TV.

The way these games are presented has an almost museum-like quality. Every screenshot and sprite feels lovingly curated, as if the editors are saying, “Hey, look at this! Remember how great this was?” And yes, it was great. But more importantly, it’s still great. When you look at these images, you realize how well these games have aged, and Run N Gun does them justice with its stunning presentation.

Insightful commentary and interviews
What really sets this book apart, however, is the deep dive into the development process of these games. Bitmap Books didn’t just stick a bunch of screenshots together and call it a day. They went out of their way to interview developers, artists and designers who worked on these iconic titles. This offers a rare and fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the work it takes to make these beloved games. Learning about the limitations they faced and how they overcame them will only make you appreciate the genre more.

For example, there is a fantastic section on Contra that goes beyond the infamous difficulty. You learn about the technical hurdles Konami had to overcome to make the game run smoothly on the NES, as well as the creative decisions that made the bosses so memorable. Similarly, interviews with Metal Slug’s developers reveal the meticulous attention to detail that went into the game’s animation and art direction, which explains why the visual style remains iconic to this day.

A beautiful time capsule
What makes Run N Gun truly special is that it is more than just a love letter to a bygone era. It is a time capsule that captures an essential part of gaming history. Although modern shooters have evolved into 3D behemoths with sprawling maps and complex systems, this book reminds us of the genre’s roots – where speed, reflexes and a well-timed dodge roll were all you needed to survive.

The format is also reader-friendly. You can pick it up and flip to each page, take in the images and absorb a quick history lesson, or binge read it from cover to cover like a Netflix series. Whether you are reliving your childhood or discovering these games for the first time, the book offers something for everyone. I also want to give special mention to Bitmap Books’ absolutely brilliant packaging. Thick, layered cardboard with special protectors to ensure that the edges of the book remain damage-free.

Final Verdict
Run N Gun is more than just a beautiful book – it is an essential piece of gaming history, lovingly crafted and beautifully presented. Bitmap Books remains the standard for video game books, and this one is no exception. It is a celebration of everything that made the run ‘n’ gun genre so special: the speed, the mayhem, the difficulty and the sheer fun of popping through enemies in a pixelated glow of glory.

If you have even a passing interest in retro gaming, this book is a must-have. And if you’re a die-hard fan of the genre? Well, you probably already have it on your shelf. Either way, Bitmap Books delivers another home run with Run N Gun.