Super Rad Raygun

About Super Rad Raygun

Super Rad Raygun is a single-player adventure platformer released in late 2016 by TRU FUN Entertainment and published by ScrewAttack Games. Set in a fictional 198X where big hair rules and tensions with the Soviets run high, the game follows the titular hero tasked with saving the decade from communist robots. Players can find this title on PC via Microsoft Windows, Linux, or Mac. The concept is straightforward: you shoot your way through an era defined by New Coke and Cold War paranoia. It stands as an expanded port of an earlier XBLIG release, packing more content into a retro-styled package that relies on neon aesthetics and 80s pop culture references rather than deep narrative complexity.

Gameplay

You control Raygun as he sprints through side-scrolling levels filled with robotic enemies and environmental hazards. The core loop involves running, jumping, and firing your raygun to eliminate communist bots before they dismantle the timeline. Controls are standard for the genre, requiring quick reflexes to dodge attacks while targeting specific weak points on larger machines. Sessions usually involve tackling a series of distinct stages that ramp up in difficulty as you progress through the decade. You will encounter various enemy types and power-ups scattered throughout each level. The game lacks multiplayer options or complex branching paths, focusing entirely on linear progression and precise platforming mechanics to reach the end of each chapter without losing health.

What Players Think

Critics and players have mixed reactions to this release. Metacritic sits at a modest 64 out of 100, suggesting a solid but not exceptional experience. The PlayPile community data shows an average achievement unlock rate of just 15.9% across the 25 available trophies, indicating high difficulty or hidden requirements. The rarest badge, "Naked Raygun," has been unlocked by only 1.10% of players, making it a significant challenge for completionists. Most users spend time grinding for these achievements rather than rushing through the story. While some fans appreciate the niche humor and retro vibe, the low unlock rates suggest many people quit before seeing all content or struggle significantly with specific sections.

PlayPile's Take

This game works best if you enjoy short bursts of arcade-style action without needing deep story investment. At its current price point, it offers decent value for those who like platformers with a heavy 80s theme. The achievement system provides a clear goal for completionists, even if the "Naked Raygun" trophy remains elusive for most. Players who dislike repetitive shooting mechanics or linear level design will likely find little here. It is not a masterpiece, but it delivers exactly what the summary promises without overcomplicating things. Pick this up if you want to shoot robots and see some dated graphics.

Storyline

Led by Ronald Reagan and Dr. Yokoi (Dr. Y), Rad Raygun must save the 1980s from communist robots!