Techno Cop

About

Techno Cop is a 1988 side-scrolling game that splits its time between two distinct playstyles. In one mode you play as a cop armed with a pistol taking out thugs in a grimy futuristic city before a timer runs out. The levels have repetitive backgrounds but focus on quick reflexes and shooting accuracy. The other half turns into a driving challenge similar to other games of the era like Roadblasters. It balances action and vehicle controls across different environments. Notable as one of the first third-party titles for the Sega Mega Drive it tested what content Sega would allow on their system. The game ran on a wide range of platforms from DOS to C64 showing its broad appeal. While the static visuals and simple mechanics haven't aged well the dual gameplay approach and retro futurism still has a cult following. Early reviews praised its ambition though modern players might find the levels a bit samey.