Mr. Run and Jump mini-review

Mr. Run and Jump and Dive and Swear and Throw the Controller

Mr. Run and Jump is a title, the name of the game’s protagonist, but also a tidy synopsis of mechanics.  Originally released in 2021 as an Atari 2600 title, developer John Mikula worked with Atari to provide a comprehensive modernization. No longer are the scrolling playfields painted in drab colors, now the game is drenched in neon, with each hazard-crammed environment evoking the look of a vector graphics-driven coin-op.

The title character with an odd, obtruding face no long moves like a mix of E.T. and Pitfall Harry. Now, he (or she, since Ms. Run and Jump is also playable) is smoothly animated, leaning into each leap with the athleticism of an Olympic long jumper.

If you’re familiar with the ‘precision platformer’ genre, you’ll know what to expect from Mr. Run and Jump’s masochistic trek. The Realms of Color offer six worlds that provide intensifying tests of skill. Each color-coded zone extends a trio of standard stages and a concluding level where you’re chased by a creeping menace, escalating the level intensity- and likely the feeling of frustration.

Yes, like VVVVVV, Super Meat Boy, and Celeste, this is a title for players who are tired of the lenience of most platformers. Gratification stems from overcoming near-impossible odds and navigating through. The environment and past enemies with the precision of a surgeon. Of course, whatever challenge you just faced becomes overshadowed by the next level.

Initially, Mr. R & J is tasked with springing over small patches of spikes. Soon, you’ll be double jumping across lengthier dangers, wall-jumping up narrow ducts, leaping high and wide, and even performing dives. Progression requires absolute mastery of each skill, with Run and Jump challenging players with performing elaborate combos. With a bit of perseverance, you might be tasked with kicking off walls and bounding up tunnels filled with floating enemies- all before nailing a pixel-perfect launch toward a narrow spire surrounded by spikes.

Expectedly, the campaign gradually lurches toward controller-tossing difficulty. This is especially apparent across levels with The Void. Here, you won’t have the ability to plan your way around enemies and skip across bits of flooring, since an ominous threat is in constant pursuit.

Even the standard levels have their own frustrations, with adversaries that lay dormant until Mr. Run and Jump dares to come close. However, if you fail a stage too many times, the developer extends an olive branch. From a transitory invisibility power-up to mid-stage checkpointing, assists can help you avoid an impasse. But know that accepting the offer invalidates the game’s collectibles, which are needed to unlock the concluding stage.

Mr. Run and Jump is a game that persistently pushes you to perform at your absolute best. For some, that provocation will be more frustrating than fun, and you’d be better off side-stepping this unforgiving trek. But if you are the person who relishes repeating the same grueling task over and over until you eventually succeed, Mr. Run and Jump can feel like Sisyphus’ revenge.

Mr. Run and Jump was played on PC with review code provided by the publisher.