RoboCop (1988)
- Platforms: Arcade, Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Apple II, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Game Boy, MS-DOS, MSX, NES, TRS-80 CoCo, ZX Spectrum
The very first game about a cyborg anti-hero was RoboCop, based on the movie of the same name, released in 1988. More precisely, it was not one game, but several projects developed for different platforms: Data East released the title on arcade machines, and then ported it to computers and consoles.
Moreover, some versions were radically different. So, for example, on the NES, players received a classic shoot-em-up with a side view with an atmosphere in the spirit of the original film. And on computers, gamers had access to a wider variety of mini-games. At the same time, the ZX Spectrum version was almost black and white due to system limitations.
Therefore, players’ experiences with RoboCop varied depending on the platform they played on. Although overall, all versions were well received, especially the arcade original and the ZX Spectrum port, which became the best-selling home video game of 1989.
RoboCop 2 (1990)
- Platforms: Amiga, Amstrad GX4000, Arcade, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Game Boy, NES, ZX Spectrum
A sequel from the same Data East followed two years later. It’s a side-scrolling platformer that combines melee combat and shooting, with RoboCop being able to jump, accelerate, and slide.
The authors prepared many spectacular locations and spectacular situations, although they went too far with the complexity: players criticized the harsh conditions for completing tasks, inconvenient controls and repetitive levels.
The second part was also developed for different platforms, and each version had unique features: for example, on the Amiga the game looked more beautiful, on the Game Boy players were treated to completely new locations and other puzzles, and the version for arcade machines contained QTEs.
RoboCop 3 (1991)
- Platforms: Amiga, Atari ST, DOS, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, NES, Super NES, Game Gear, Master System, Genesis
The third part of the series is based on the film “RoboCop 3”, inviting players to follow the plot of the confrontation between a cyborg police officer and a greedy corporation.
The “younger” version of the game for the weaker platforms NES, Commodore 64 and ZX Spectrum was a shooter with a side view, and was remembered only for its excellent soundtrack and the system for wearing parts of the protagonist’s body, which affected his characteristics. In between missions, Robocop needed to be repaired, and it was not always possible to find the resources to repair all the parts.
On the SNES and Sega Genesis, the game scared off gamers with its high complexity and awkward controls, but on the PC, Amiga and Atari ST, RoboCop 3 suddenly became a 3D shooter where players could drive a car, fly on a jetpack and participate in shootouts from a first-person view.
RoboCop Versus The Terminator (1993)
- Platforms: Sega Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega Game Gear, Sega Master System, SNES, Game Boy
As a child, many people argued about who was stronger: the Alien or the Predator, RoboCop or the Terminator. For the first time, Virgin Interactive decided to pit the most famous cyborgs against each other.
RoboCop Versus The Terminator was traditionally released in several versions, which differed in plot, locations and gameplay mechanics. In the SEGA console version, RoboCop fought the Skynet AI, which sent terminators into the past to destroy the hero. On the SNES, players were treated to the story of Flo, a Resistance soldier who traveled back in time to destroy RoboCop, but soon sided with him and helped him in the battle against the Terminators. And in the unreleased version for the NES, two Robocops were conceived – an ordinary one and an evil copy of him from the future, which worked for Skynet.
In terms of gameplay, each of the games was a two-dimensional action platformer with various levels, dangerous opponents and evil bosses taken from both universes. In one mission the player had to fight a T-800 Terminator, and in another he had to fight an ED-204; this added dynamics to the gameplay and increased immersion. The project was highly praised and is considered one of the best gamifications of RoboCop’s adventures.
RoboCop (2001)
RoboCop for handheld consoles is designed in the top-down shooter genre. Quite poor, although it gave the opportunity not only to shoot at opponents, but also to look into the police station and chat with NPCs.
RoboCop (2003)
In 2003, a first-person shooter based in the universe was released. Already at the time of its release, it felt outdated, scaring off players because it could not compete with such contemporary shooters as Call of Duty and Max Payne 2, graphics, as well as terribly inconvenient “tractor” controls and weak AI of opponents.
Although the game had a certain charm, primarily due to recreating the atmosphere of the films, it did not achieve serious success, which led to the bankruptcy of the development studio Titus Interactive.
RoboCop (2004)
- Platforms: Mobile
RoboCop for mobile phones was based on the plot of the first movie, and was a typical side-scrolling shooter. Nothing special, but the players didn’t mind fighting bandits on the screens of their gadgets.
RoboCop (2014)
- Platforms: iOS, Android
In 2014, the remake of RoboCop was released on cinema screens, and a mobile shooter was also released – formally tied to the film, but following a different plot. This is a free project, criticized for aggressive donations. At the same time, critics praised the interesting gameplay, good graphics and high-quality sound.
Mortal Kombat 11 Robocop DLC (2019)
In the popular fighting game Mortal Kombat 11, RoboCop appears as a guest character. Considering that the game also received Terminator DLC, players once again have the opportunity to pit these cyborgs against each other.
The Robot Cop in MK11 is slow, but has high firepower. He’s equally as good at close range with his flamethrower as he is at keeping opponents at long range with his pistol and assault rifle. If you get used to his slowness, you can get a dangerous fighter capable of defeating any enemy.
RoboCop: Rogue City (2023)
- Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5
A new game based on the RoboCop universe was developed by Teyon studio, known for the good shooter Terminator: Resistance, and published by Nacon.
RoboCop: Rogue City will invite players to once again take on the role of a cyborg police officer and restore order on the streets of Detroit. In addition to a large arsenal of weapons and exciting firefights, the game also boasts solid graphics, powered by Unreal Engine 5, and Peter Weller as RoboCop, the actor who played Alex Murphy in Paul Verhoeven’s original film.
Mods about RoboCop
Robocop GTA V Mod
A modification for Grand Theft Auto V that allows you to explore Los Santos as RoboCop, a new version of him from the 2014 movie. It is known that there are a lot of criminals in the game, so this mod will be the best option for those who want to bring law and order to the city streets.
Robocop Doom Mod
Robocop Doom is a mod for Doom II that allows you to play as Robocop. Moreover, this is not an ordinary replacement of the hero’s model, but a completely new plot, with new levels, weapons and enemies.
