Elevator Action Returns

Overview

Elevator Action II (known outside of North America as Elevator Action Returns) is a 2D action platformer developed and released by Taito for arcades (using Taito F3 Package System hardware) in 1994.

A sequel to the 1983 arcade game Elevator Action, Elevator Action II follows three members of a special task force as they disarm bombs in numerous facilities (planted by a terrorist organization led by a mysterious red-suited man).

While much of the gameplay mechanics from the original return, Elevator Action II focuses on faster-paced combat on larger-scale levels (which are not necessarily vertical-scrolling). New features include two-player co-operative multiplayer, multiple playable characters (each with their own stats and unique weapons), sub-weapon and weapon upgrade systems, and character vitality.

The game was later ported to the Sega Saturn as Elevator Action² Returns. Released exclusively in Japan by Ving on February 14, 1997, this version is notable for having the original Elevator Action as an unlockable. The game was also ported to the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC in 2006 as part of the Taito Legends 2 compilation.

Gameplay

Elevator Action Returns improves greatly on the formula established by it's predecessor, featuring much more intense gameplay and strategy when using elevators, as well as the inclusion of more intelligent enemies. While the game is still about going through buildings and retrieving information behind marked doors, the stages are more elaborate and there a vast amount of enemies to kill and weapons to pick up such as machine guns and bazookas. While the original Elevator Action only involved traversing the level vertically downwards, the game allows the player to move in all directions, often having to horizontally backtrack through a level in order to reach a new area.

Characters

The game can be played by up to two players at a time, each playing one of the three main protagonists. Each playable character has their own unique weaponry (including sub-weapons and upgrades) and stats (including movement speed and health).

• Kart Bradfield is the most agile member of the group, despite his weak weapon strength. Armed with a "Glog 18", his sub-weapon is a hand grenade that clears a wider area.

• Edie Burret is the fastest shooter of the group, despite her weak durability. Armed with a "Berltta M92F", her sub-weapon is an incendiary "fire bomb" that leaves a pool of flame.

• Jad the Taff is the most durable member of the group, despite his slow agility. Armed with a "Dessert Eagle", his sub-weapon is a proximity "sensor bomb" that explodes when an enemy is nearby.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack was composed by Yasuhisa Watanabe and published by Pony Canyon on July 21, 1995. The soundtrack features music from the game layered with a narrative and sound effects, such as the sounds of elevators and gunshots.

Track Listing

Name: Elevator Action -Returns- <V.C.O. "Cinema" Mix>

Total length: 43:14

1. "Rush Action" - (2:45)
2. "D.E.F" - (0:39)
3. "Red After Image" - (4:21)
4. "System Down" - (4:21)
5. "Message From 1998" - (1:31)
6. "Feedback Romance" - (4:05)
7. "Colors of Nights" - (2:59)
8. "Side by Side" - (4:31)
9. "I Can Only Think In Job" - (3:37)
10. "Break Beat" - (1:07)
11. "Blow Up" - (3:36)
12. "Red Suit" - (2:17)
13. "Missing Link" - (1:42)
14. "Pre Production" - (2:10)
15. "Elevator Action '95" - (3:42)