Time Runner

About

Time Runner is a grid-based arcade game where players guide their character through shifting layouts to collect pellets while dodging enemies. Each level is a maze-like board divided into colored zones. The objective is to clear all dots in a section to permanently fill it with color. Movement is precise but tense, as enemies patrol patterns that grow more aggressive over time. The game leans heavily into quick reflexes and spatial awareness, with later levels introducing tighter corridors and faster pacing. Developed by Scott Maxwell and Troy Lyndon in the early 80s, the game’s design mirrors Pac-Man’s core loop but adds Amidar-like zone-clearing mechanics. It ran on 8-bit systems including the Atari 800 and Commodore 64, where its fast action and simple scoring made it a contender in arcades and homes. The shifting level layouts and color-changing rewards keep the experience fresh despite the era's hardware limits.