Geekatana Game Review: Elevator Action Returns

Also known as Elevator Action 2 in some areas, Elevator Action Return is one of those arcade game that very few people knew existed. Personally I didn't even knew this game existed until I happen to come upon it at an arcade one day.

I have been to a lot of arcade back years back but I only seen this in only one arcade store carry this title which is sad since its leaps and bounds better than the first game.

Elevator Action Return was released in the arcades in North and South America back in 1994 as a sequel to the arcade game Elevator Action in 1983 by Taito. Almost a full ten years in between the two. While the game first Elevator Action was more of a spy theme game Elevator Action is more action oriented and sets players as a para military team fighting a group of terrorist.

Gameplay is pretty much like the first game with the addition of newer enemies from agents, swats, dogs, robots...even zombies and folks with jetpacks. Aside from the usual red door that is vital to your mission you also have blue doors that give you random health, points or additional bombs. 

Aside from lives you also have a lifebar now which eases the pain of dying. You can also shoot diagonally, run and even shoot while jumping. It even has a two player co-op function much like Contra and Double Dragon games.

Elevator Action Return now lets you choose from three characters each with different gun power, speed and life bar. Unlike the first game you actually have a life bar so you won't instantly die from being one shot. Unlike the first game you're not limited to buildings as further stages let you roam airports, sewers and oil rigs.  You can also get other weapons like rocket launcher and machine guns although limited in ammo from crates scattered at random throughout the game. Enemies are also more varied ranging from common thugs, attack dogs, robots and even zombies.

The graphics is well detailed despite being a 2d platformer game. The spark from electronics when you shot a cameras to explosions from grenades. It reminds me of the Crusader games I used to play for hours on the pc. Every stage is unique and sometimes I wish I had a pause button to enjoy the detail they gave on each one but this elevator action you often race against the clock as most stages involve diffusing bombs.

The sound is excellent as every gun shot, reload, the sound of the door opening, the sound of sirens, scream and music is done to near perfection. You can even hear your character footsteps when running or walking. The audio is done by Yasuhisa Watanabe known for his work in Street Fighter EX3 among others. Just check out this short video of the first stage in all its graphic and audio glory.

Sadly the game is bogged down by other famous game titles during the time of its arcade release. Also the increasing popularity of 3d arcade games it got some low reviews from game critics back in 1994 got it little attention from arcade players and critics alike, which is sad since the gameplay is pretty solid and fun.

It also doesn't help that it only seen arcade released in certain parts of the US and the world. It does make it to the Saturn console and at the PS2 under the Taito Arcade Classics. Ironically this game is hard to come by at the local arcade so you might want to check out other means if you plan of playing this one.

Elevator Action Return is a good game out of its time if it had better marketing and came a few years earlier it could have been an instant arcade favorite. If you're a fan of Elevator Action or in the mood for a good platform game then I can't recommend this game enough. Its easily a top ten arcade game for its genre alone. An underrated gem that needs more love than it got.