data/claims/metro-cross-history.yamlMetro-Cross (history and reception)
Game: Metro-Cross.
Akagi Masumi's list of arcade games files the arcade Metro-Cross under Namco in Japan in May 1985. metro-cross-history/arcade-release-japan
国内編 (Japan), ナムコ (Namco) section (OCR text lines 10237-10239) — the OCR reads □ for ロ; the row sits between 85/04 Marble Madness [Atari] and 85/07 Baraduke85/05 メト□クロスOur translation85/05 (May 1985) Metro-CrossChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text only: the printed page and the page image haven't been checked. The list gives year and month only and names no source for its dates.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
Akagi's list files the arcade game abroad as Metrocross in November 1985, a Namco game in its section for Kitkorp, under the heading Sun Corp (Kitkorp, Sunsoft). metro-cross-history/arcade-release-overseas
海外編 (overseas), SUN CORP (KITKORP - SUNSOFT) section, KITKORP (OCR text line 35834)85/11 Metrocross [Namco]アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · overseas index (OCR text lines 44825-44829)Metrocross Namco/Kitkorp 85/11アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · 海外編 (overseas), section heading (OCR text line 35792)SUN CORP (KITKORP - SUNSOFT)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Read in the OCR text only. The list also has an "85/11 Metrocross" row in another overseas section (OCR text line 33155) whose company the scrambled columns don't make clear. The list gives no country.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
In November 1986 Namco's own magazine NG announced the Famicom cartridge of Metro-Cross for mid-December, saying Namco had at last succeeded in porting it to the Famicom. metro-cross-history/famicom-announcement
image 12, Namcot news (特報)あのメトロクロスがFCになって新登場/12月中旬新発売予定Our translationThat Metro-Cross comes to the FC! Planned for release mid-DecemberNG (Namco Community Magazine), issue 1 (November 1986) · image 12ナムコはついにFC移植を成功させましたョOur translationNamco has at last succeeded in porting it to the FCChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.NG is Namco's magazine for its players, so this is the publisher's announcement, held at T1 because the lint counts a magazine-kind source as secondary. FC is the Famicom.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
Namco's own magazine NG, in its December 1986 issue, gave the Famicom cartridge as a new release for mid-December, at 3,900 yen. The day hasn't been found. metro-cross-history/famicom-release
image 11, Metro-Cross item page, under the cartridge photo — read on the page image: the line is printed under a photo of the Metro-Cross cartridge box, in the Metro-Cross feature's power-up sectionハードケース 入〉 12月中旬 新発売/ 3,900円Our translation(in a hard case) new release mid-December, 3,900 yenRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: NG's price line was read on the page image under the Metro-Cross cartridge photo.The announcement is the publisher's, made in a December issue. No Famicom release outside Japan, and no NES release, has been found: Nintendo's list of NES games (nintendo-nes-games) has no Metro-Cross. Marukatsu Famicom's preview of 28 November 1986 (p. 103) prints "¥3,900" and "12月中旬発売" (out mid-December) over its Metro-Cross panel on the page image, but its text layer doesn't hold the line.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
Famicom Tsūshin's Top 30, which its editors compiled with the cooperation of the shops it names, placed Metro-Cross (Namco, 3,900 yen, cartridge) 20th, a new entry, in the chart dated 23 January printed in its 6 February 1987 issue. metro-cross-history/famicom-chart
p. 9 (image 11), ファミ通TOP30, rank 20 — read on the page image: the row's 前々回 and 前回 (two charts ago, last chart) columns are dashes and 今回 (this chart) is 20, and the page is headed "●1月23日付" (as of 23 January), which isn't in the text layer20 メトロクロスナムコ 3.900 円 (カートリッジ)Our translation20 Metro-Cross, Namco, 3,900 yen (cartridge)Famicom Tsushin (Famitsu), 6 February 1987 (no. 3 of the year; archive item 0016) · p. 9 (image 11), column headings前々回前回今回Our translationtwo charts ago, last chart, this chartFamicom Tsushin (Famitsu), 6 February 1987 (no. 3 of the year; archive item 0016) · p. 8 (image 10), foot of the pageこのTOP30は、以下の販売店のご協力により、ファミ通編集部が独自に作成したものです。Our translationThis Top 30 is compiled by the Famitsu editors on their own, with the cooperation of the shops below.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Rank 20, a new entry, and the 23 January chart date were read on the page image; the chart is the editors' own, made with shops' cooperation.Cited by: Metro-Cross
Marukatsu Famicom's new-release feature of 28 November 1986 said the Famicom game answered players' eager demand and kept the arcade version's characters. metro-cross-history/famicom-preview
p. 103 (image 103), 超新作特Q (new-release feature) — the OCR reads フロス for クロス, だち for たち, and こだえて for こたえてゲームフリークだちの熱い要望にこだえて、「メトロフロス」ついにファミコンに登場だOur translationAnswering game freaks' eager demand, Metro-Cross at last comes to the Famicom.Marukatsu Famicom, 28 November 1986 · p. 103 (image 103) — the OCR reads キャヤラ for キャラキャヤラもアーケード版のままにできているOur translationthe characters are done just as in the arcade versionRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Page 103 was read on the image as Marukatsu's editorial new-release feature, not a Namco ad.Read on the page image: the page is the magazine's editorial feature, not an advertisement; its "©(株)ナムコ" line credits the screenshots.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
The Famicom manual calls the cartridge a Namcot game cassette and Metro-Cross a unique action game that Namco unveiled in 1985, now on the Famicom; the back page gives Namco's name and address. metro-cross-history/famicom-manual
image 2 — the OCR reads だび for たび, カセッツト for カセット, and フロス for クロスこのだびはナムコットゲームカセッツト「メトロフロス」をお求め頂きましてOur translationThank you for buying the Namcot game cassette Metro-CrossMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 3 — the OCR reads フ for ク three times「メトロフロス」は、1 9 8 5 年、ナムコが発表したユニーフなアフションゲOur translationMetro-Cross is a unique action game that Namco unveiled (発表した) in 1985Metro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 16, back page株式会社ナムコOur translationNamco Ltd.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: 発表した is restated as "unveiled", not "released".Cited by: Metro-Cross
In the Famicom manual's story, a man who has lost his memory comes to in an endless corridor, perhaps in a huge building or a spaceship, and runs on, believing it a dream he can wake from; when he wakes, the second round has begun. metro-cross-history/famicom-premise
image 6 — the OCR reads 郎下 for 廊下 and drops a ん「おれは、一体、誰なだ。』彼が気づいだ時、そこには、どこまでも続く郎下Our translation"Who am I?" When he came to, there was a corridor going on foreverMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 6何か巨大な建物の中なのか、それとも宇宙船の内部なのがOur translationInside some huge building, or inside a spaceship?Metro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 6これは、夢なんだOur translationThis is a dreamMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 6恐怖の第2ラウンドガ始まつだのだOur translationthe terrifying second round had begunMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 6 — the OCR reads ぐ for く記憶をなぐしてOur translationhaving lost his memoryMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 6 — the OCR reads 自 for 目彼が自覚めた時Our translationwhen he wokeRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the memory and waking lines.Cited by: Metro-Cross
On the Famicom, the runner has to reach the goal before the TIME counter runs out, or the game is over. A stage is four rounds: clearing the first three adds the time left from them to the fourth round's limit. Below 10 the timer throws sparks on the screen. metro-cross-history/famicom-structure
image 7 — the OCR reads つこの for つくの時間内にゴールにたどりつこのが目的ですOur translationthe aim is to reach the goal within the timeMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 7ゴールにだどりつこ前にTIMEが0になるとゲームハムオーバーですOur translationif TIME reaches 0 before you reach the goal, the game is overMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 71ステージは4つのラウンドからなっつています。3ラウンドをグリアするとOur translationA stage is made of four rounds. When you clear three rounds,Metro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 7 — the OCR reads マイムハ for タイム4ラウンドの制限時間に前の3ラウンドの残っをマイムハが加算されますOur translationthe time left from the three earlier rounds is added to the fourth round's limitMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 7TIMEが10を切ると画庫にスパークガが出ますOur translationwhen TIME drops below 10, sparks appear on the screenNG (Namco Community Magazine), issue 2 (December 1986) · image 10, Metro-Cross feature — Namco's magazine repeats the manual's aim and stage structure in the same wordsウンドから構成されていて、3ラウOur translation(a stage) is made of (four) rounds; (clearing) three roundsChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.Cited by: Metro-Cross
The Famicom manual's controller diagram gives the control pad to move the runner, START to start and pause, B to drink a special drink, and A to jump; reset doesn't clear the high score. metro-cross-history/famicom-controls
image 5ランナーの移動に使用Our translationused to move the runnerMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 5スベシャル・ドリンクを飲むのにOur translation(used) to drink a special drinkMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 5ジャンプに使用Our translationused to jumpMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 5リセットボマンを押しても最高得点は消えませんOur translationpressing reset doesn't erase the high scoreMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 5 — the OCR reads スマート for スタートゲームスマート、中断に使用Our translation(START) used to start and pause the gameRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: B drinks and A jumps, read on the diagram on image 5.The buttons are read on the page image (image 5): the diagram's callout 3 (drink) points to B and callout 4 (jump) to A. The text layer doesn't tie the numbers to buttons.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
The Famicom manual's obstacles are green slip zones that slow the runner, pitfalls that take time to get out of, crackers that burst and throw him, big rolling jumbo cans, hurdles that unbalance him, cubes that crush him, walls that slide in and out, bouncing jumbo tires, rats that bite and slow him, a king and a knight that ram him and move by the rules of chess, conveyors, and the rook and bishop of shogi. metro-cross-history/famicom-obstacles
image 4 — the OCR reads マイル for タイルグリーンマイルのスリップゾーンはジャンプでかわしOur translationdodge the green-tile slip zones by jumpingMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 8ここに入ると、つるつるすべってスピードが落ちOur translation(slip zone) enter it and you slide, and your speed dropsMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 8これにのると破裂して、ランナーは吹き飛ばされてしまいますOur translation(cracker) step on it and it bursts, and the runner is blown awayMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 9ぶつかるとランナーはつぶされてしまいますOur translation(cube) hit it and the runner is crushedMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 9コース上を出だり引つ込んだりしている壁Our translation(wall) a wall that comes out and goes back in on the courseMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 9決まったコースをはねてこるタイヤOur translation(jumbo tire) a tire that bounces along a set courseMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 10 — the OCR reads スビード for スピード; the line before, read on the page image, is "ランナーにかみついてきます" (they bite the runner), which the OCR garblesランナーのスビードがおちますOur translation(rats) the runner's speed dropsMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 10チェエスのルールに従っつて動きますOur translation(king and knight) they move by the rules of chessMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 10飛車、角Our translationrook, bishop (shogi pieces)Metro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 10コンベヤーOur translationconveyorMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 8, 落とし穴 (pitfall) — the heading reads "洛し穴" in the OCRここに落ちると出るのに時間がかかOur translationfall in here and it takes time to get outMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 8, ジャンボカン (jumbo can) — the OCR reads 犬 for 大ース上を転がってくる犬きなカンOur translationa big can that comes rolling along the courseMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 9, ハードル (hurdle)コースに置かれています。ぶつかるとランナーはバランスをOur translationit's set on the course; hit it and the runner loses his balanceMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 10, キングとナイト (king and knight)ランナーをめがけて体当たりをしてきますOur translationthey ram into the runnerRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quoted the pitfall, jumbo can, hurdle, and king-and-knight lines; the rats bite, read on the page image, rather than cling.Cited by: Metro-Cross
The Famicom manual's helpers are aluminum cans, worth a bonus when kicked, that stop the timer when stamped on; special drinks that speed the runner up and can be saved until the end of the special round; skateboards, on which slip zones don't slow him; super boots, which make him invincible for a while; a special drink pack worth two drinks; and springboards that send him far when he takes off from them on time. metro-cross-history/famicom-items
image 12上から踏みつぶすとタイマーストップOur translation(aluminum can) stamp on it from above and the timer stopsMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 12ランナーをスピードアップできます。スペシャル・ラウンド終了までだめておこことOur translation(special drink) speeds the runner up; you can save it until the end of the special roundMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 12これに乗るとスリップゾーンでもスピードが落ちませんOur translation(skateboard) ride it and your speed doesn't drop even in slip zonesMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 12これを取ると、一定時間無敵になりますOur translation(super boots) take them and you're invincible for a set timeMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 12スペシャル・ドリンフク2本分のパワーがありますOur translation(special drink pack) has the power of two special drinksMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 11 — the line is broken in the OCR; Namco's NG 2 (image 11) reads "タイミングよくふみ切ると遠くへジャンプできます"ングよこふみ切ると遠こヘジャOur translation(springboard) take off with good timing and (you can) jump farNG (Namco Community Magazine), issue 2 (December 1986) · image 11, Metro-Cross item list, ジャンプ台 (springboard)タイミングよくふみ切ると遠くへジャンプOur translationtake off with good timing and you jump farMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 4アルミカンを蹴れば高得点Our translationkick an aluminum can for a high scoreRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: NG's springboard line is on image 11, not image 10.The manual's own aluminum-can entry (image 12) is garbled in its first half; the kick bonus is quoted from its play summary on image 4.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
The Famicom manual's tips: tapping the jump button gets a runner who has fallen or dropped into a hole up quickly, holding it down while stepping on a cracker jumps far, and learning where the obstacles appear lets a player plan a route. metro-cross-history/famicom-tips
image 13, 転んでもはやく立ち直れ — the OCR reads だくさん中 for たくさん叩 (tap many times), read on the page imageジャンプボタンをだくさん中Our translation(press) the jump button many timesMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 14 — the OCR reads フラッカー for クラッカージャンプボタンを押しだままフラッカーにのると遠くこまでジャンプすることができますOur translationstep on a cracker while holding the jump button and you can jump farMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 14障害物の出現位置を覚え、自分なりのコースを作りましようOur translationlearn where the obstacles appear and make your own routeMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 13 — the OCR reads 夫 for 穴 and だ for た転んだり、夫に落ちだりしたときはOur translationwhen you've fallen, or dropped into a holeMetro-Cross (Famicom) instruction manual, Namco · image 13 — the OCR reads こく for くはやこく立ち直ることができますOur translationyou can get back up quicklyRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The first tip is on image 13; the fall and hole lines quoted.Cited by: Metro-Cross
U.S. Gold published the home-computer versions under license from Namco: Crash's July 1987 review credits the ZX Spectrum game to "US Gold/Namco", Sinclair User's of the same month calls it licensed from Namco's arcade game and gives its label as US Gold, and Zzap!64 reviewed U.S. Gold's Commodore 64 version in August 1987. metro-cross-history/computer-publisher
p. 24Producer: US Gold/NamcoSinclair User, issue 64 (July 1987) · image 57, Arcade Review — the Facts Box, read on the page image and not in the text layer, gives "Label: US Gold Author: In-house Price: £8.99"Licenced from the Namco arcade game of the same nameZzap!64, issue 28 (August 1987) · p. 89 — the OCR garbles the cassette priceUS Gold, £d.95 cass, £14.95 disk, joystick or keysRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Held at T1 on Crash, Sinclair User, and Zzap!64; the Atari ST lines moved to atari-st-manual.Sinclair User's Facts Box gives the Spectrum version's author as "In-house"; no source read names the programmers of any computer version. The Atari ST instructions credit Namco (atari-st-manual) but their licence line is too broken in the OCR to read the publisher. No source read dates the Amstrad version.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
Crash reviewed the ZX Spectrum version (U.S. Gold, 8.99 pounds) in July 1987 and gave it 77% overall, calling it "a good coin-op conversion which maintains the original's simple addictivity". metro-cross-history/spectrum-crash-review
p. 24Retail Price; £8.99Crash, issue 42 (July 1987) · p. 25, comments box — the OCR breaks "addicti vity"General rating: a good coin-op conversion which maintains the original's simple addictivityCrash, issue 42 (July 1987) · p. 25 — the OCR puts "Overall" and "77%" on separate linesOverall 77%Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The issue's footer reads "24 CRASH July 1987".
Cited by: Metro-Cross
Crash's reviewers split. One called it "a real winner" among coin-op conversions, the only difference being the sound, though a little overpriced; Mark found it easy to learn and harder as it went on; Mike found the first six levels no challenge and the next one impossible, and the game far too dear. Mark noted that the inlay speaks of green and blue cans that can't be told apart on the monochrome screen, and Mike that the cans the title screen calls green and blue were the same colour. metro-cross-history/spectrum-crash-opinions
p. 25As coin -op conversions go this is a real winner, with all the thrills and spills of the original arcade machineCrash, issue 42 (July 1987) · p. 25The only difference is the sound.Crash, issue 42 (July 1987) · p. 25though if s a little overpriced.Our translationthough it's a little overpriced.Crash, issue 42 (July 1987) · p. 24, MarkMetrocross is one of those games which is easy to play and understand but gets increasingly difficult as you progress furtherCrash, issue 42 (July 1987) · p. 24, Markon the inlay it speaks of green and blue cans - how on earth do you tell which is which on a monochromatic screen?Crash, issue 42 (July 1987) · p. 25, MikeThe first six levels of Metrocross present no challenge whatsoever, and then the next level appears to be completely impossible.Crash, issue 42 (July 1987) · p. 25, Mikecans, specified on the title screen as being green and blue and all that, were in fact the same colourlOur translationcans, specified on the title screen as being green and blue and all that, were in fact the same colour!Crash, issue 42 (July 1987) · p. 25, MikeMetrocross costs far too muchRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Mark's inlay and Mike's title-screen lines are told apart and quoted; "the only difference is the sound".The first comment's signature reads "Thick" in the text layer and hasn't been read on the page image; Mark's and Mike's comments are signed.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
Sinclair User's July 1987 Arcade Review of the ZX Spectrum version scored it 5 out of 10, calling it initially entertaining but ultimately unsatisfying; the reviewer found it too easy early and not particularly exciting, with everything but the back wall in black and white and 24 levels, each with a time limit. metro-cross-history/spectrum-su-review
image 57, Arcade Review — the OCR reads "|ust" for "just"The main problem with Metrocross is that it just isn't particularly exciting.Sinclair User, issue 64 (July 1987) · image 57It's far too easy in the early stagesSinclair User, issue 64 (July 1987) · image 57Everything (apart from the back wall, which doesn't count anyway, as it has no purpose) is black and whiteSinclair User, issue 64 (July 1987) · image 57Each of the twenty-four levels has a time limitSinclair User, issue 64 (July 1987) · image 57 — the footer; the OCR reads "SINCLAift USEB JULY 1987"SINCLAIR USER JULY 1987Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: The 5 out of 10 and the Facts Box verdict were read on the page image.The score and Facts Box are read on the page image (image 57) and aren't in the text layer: "Initially entertaining but ultimately unsatisfying licence. To be avoided if you've got anything along the same lines", five of ten stars and a 5.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
Zzap!64 reviewed U.S. Gold's Commodore 64 version (14.95 pounds on disk) in August 1987 and gave it 53% overall; one reviewer found it "quite enjoyable" but lacking something to set it apart, the other tiring of the unchanging backdrops and long pauses. metro-cross-history/c64-zzap-review
p. 89 — the line begins "US Gold, £d.95 cass"; the cassette price is garbled in the OCR£14.95 disk, joystick or keysZzap!64, issue 28 (August 1987) · p. 89OVERALL 53%Zzap!64, issue 28 (August 1987) · p. 89 — the OCR reads "If s quite- enjoyable, but samehow mLsaes out"It's quite enjoyable, but somehow misses out on a certain something to set it apart from the restZzap!64, issue 28 (August 1987) · p. 89 — quoted as the OCR reads it; the printed words are presumably "unchanging backdrops, repetitive gameplay and long pauses in the action eventually repel", unchecked on the page imageunchanging tjachdrops, repetitive gameplay and Igpg pauses ^n Ihe action cventualLy repelOur translationunchanging backdrops, repetitive gameplay and long pauses in the action eventually repelChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The page footer reads "ZZAP! 64 August 1987" on pp. 88 and 90.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
In the United States the Commodore 64 version came from U.S. Gold, distributed by Epyx, at a list price of 24.95 dollars, for one player or two alternating: Computer Entertainer listed it as shipped in July 1988 and reviewed it in August, with an Atari ST version coming. metro-cross-history/c64-us-release
p. 3 (PDF p. 3), Commodore 64/128 Softwareis an arcade-style action game from U.S. Gold, distributed by EpyxComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 3(one player; two player alternating; reviewed on C64; coming for Atari ST)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 3(MSR $24.95)Our translation(manufacturer's suggested retail price $24.95)Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 14, availability update, July — the list marks with "x" the programs that have shippedx-Metrocross (EPY)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: MSR is read as the list price; the players clause is added.The pinned PDF had no text layer; the text was made with tesseract (ocrScan) on 2026-11-06. The issue is dated August 1988.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
Computer Entertainer found the Commodore 64 game's graphics and action "pretty good" but too like many others, liked the skateboards, and counted 24 levels. metro-cross-history/c64-ce-review
p. 3While the game has pretty good graphics and action, we weren't overly impressed as it seemed so similar to so many others we've played in the past.Computer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 3We did like the variation of the skateboard aspectComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 5 (August 1988) · p. 3There are 24 levels to get through, each more difficult and more furious than the last.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The OCR reads the rating as "(x x1/2/xx1/2)", which would be two and a half stars of four for graphics and two and a half for play; it hasn't been checked on the page image.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
The Atari ST instructions call the game the home computer version of the coin-op, trademark and copyright 1985 Namco. They give keys for up, down, left, right, jump, reset and pause, with a joystick option; blue cans score 100 to 5,000 points when kicked and stop the timer for two seconds when jumped on; green cans double the runner's speed; and points come at 50 for every three squares, 2,000 for swapping skateboards, and 1,000 for skating through the bridge. metro-cross-history/atari-st-manual
image 1, cover sheetTHE HOME COMPUTER VERSION OF THEMetro Cross (Atari ST) instructions, U.S. Gold · image 2, English instructions — the OCR reads "@ 1785" for "© 1985"TM and @ 1785 Namco Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Our translationTM and © 1985 Namco Ltd. All Rights Reserved.Metro Cross (Atari ST) instructions, U.S. Gold · image 2, Keyboard controls — the left and right keys are garbled in the OCRA- Up. Z- Down, tt- loft, d -Right,Our translationA - Up, Z - Down, (?) - Left, (?) - Right,Metro Cross (Atari ST) instructions, U.S. Gold · image 2, Keyboard controlsJump, ESC - Reset Gama, P- PauseMetro Cross (Atari ST) instructions, U.S. Gold · image 2, Keyboard controlsJOYSTICK OPTIONMetro Cross (Atari ST) instructions, U.S. Gold · image 2, Blue cansKick them and you wore points (00, 500, (000, 2000, 5000. Jump on them, on the toner slops, for two seconds.Our translationKick them and you score points (100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000). Jump on them, the timer stops, for two seconds.Metro Cross (Atari ST) instructions, U.S. Gold · image 2, Green cansSpeed cans which double your speed.Metro Cross (Atari ST) instructions, U.S. Gold · image 2, ScoringYou gain 50 paints for every 3 squares completed.Our translationYou gain 50 points for every 3 squares completed.Metro Cross (Atari ST) instructions, U.S. Gold · image 2, Scoring2,000 paints far swopping skateboardsOur translation2,000 points for swapping skateboardsMetro Cross (Atari ST) instructions, U.S. Gold · image 2, Scoring1,000 points be stating through the bridge.Our translation1,000 points for skating through the bridge.Metro Cross (Atari ST) instructions, U.S. Gold · image 2, Italian instructions — the English text's OCR reads "74 levels"; the Italian has 24, as the reviews doMetro Cross comp rende 24Our translationMetro Cross comprises 24 (levels)Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Added the cover and copyright lines; quoted the keys and joystick option; locators name images 1 and 2.The OCR is poor throughout. A further scoring line reads "5,000 pobts for jumping over the badge" (5,000 points for jumping over the bridge). The cover's licence line ("Licensed to US Qc z U8") is too broken to quote.
Cited by: Metro-Cross
In April 1988 U.S. Gold advertised Metrocross in a package of four arcade conversions with Gauntlet, Road Runner, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, for the Commodore 64, Amstrad, ZX Spectrum, and Atari ST. metro-cross-history/compilation-1988
p. 59, advertisement — the OCR reads "arcjde"four chart topping arcade conversions, together for the first time in one packageCrash, issue 51 (April 1988) · p. 59 — the OCR splits "th e on e" and "wh o ca n"Are you the one in a million who can think in microseconds not minutesCrash, issue 51 (April 1988) · p. 59CBM 64/128 Cassette £9,99 Disk £14,99 Amstrad cassette £9,99 Disk £19.99Crash, issue 51 (April 1988) · p. 59Spectrum 4B/128K Cassette £9.99 Atari ST Disk £24.99Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.The contents indexes name the package Arcade Force Four (Crash 51, p. 59; Your Sinclair 28, p. 100); the name isn't in the ad's text layer. The advertisement is U.S. Gold's, printed in a magazine, so the claim is held at T1.
Cited by: Metro-Cross