Trap Gunner

Trap Gunner: Countdown to Oblivion, or just Trap Gunner (トラップガンナー, Torappu Gannā), known in Europe as Trap Runner, is a PlayStation video game published by Atlus in 1998, and by Konami in 1999. It is a strategy, arcade-style game for one or two players.

Trap Gunner
Developer(s)	Racdym
Publisher(s)	JP/NA: Atlus EU: Konami
Platform(s)	PlayStation
Release	JP: August 6, 1998 NA: September 30, 1998 EU: June 6, 1999
Genre(s)	action, strategy, puzzle
Mode(s)	Single-player, multiplayer

Gameplay

The purpose of the game to run around various levels and to set traps, which are invisible to your opponent. Players can shoot at one another while setting traps. Each character has a different melee weapon with unique attributes.

The story mode unveils each character's background and relation to the other characters.

Traps

• Switch detonator - An explosive device activated by pressing the X button, it is usually used in tandem with other traps
• Mine - A land mine that explodes when stepped on
• Bomb - Useless on its own, the bomb is very powerful in combination with the remote detonator or mine
• Pitfall - The pitfall halts an opponent's movement by trapping them in a pit for a few seconds, making them vulnerable to attacks
• Force panel - The force panel forces your foe in a preset direction; multiple force panels can be used to guide opponents into a mine or trap combination.
• Gas - Gas has the largest effect radius of all standalone traps and detonates via timer. Once the gas is set, it is only a matter of time before nerve agent permeates the area, damaging all players with constant health loss, which remains with the player for a few seconds once they escape the vapor cloud.

Characters

• Van Raily
• John Bishous
• Tenrou Ugetsu
• Tico
• Lou Riche
• Abdol Rerin

Secret Characters

• Rem
• Dyn
• Erg

Reception

Aggregate score

Aggregator	Score
GameRankings	71%[1]

Review scores

Publication	Score
AllGame	[2]
CNET Gamecenter	7/10[3]
Consoles +	77%[4]
Computer and Video Games	[5]
Electronic Gaming Monthly	5.75/10[6][a]
Famitsu	29/40[7]
GameSpot	7/10[8]
IGN	8.9/10[9]
Next Generation	[10]
Official U.S. PlayStation Magazine	[11]

Reception

The game received above-average reviews according to the review aggregation website GameRankings.^[1] GamePro said, "Those who are searching for a good mix of real-time strategy and fighting will find that Trap Gunner fits the bill."^[12][b] Next Generation called it "one of the season's sleeper hits."^[10] In Japan, Famitsu gave it a score of 29 out of 40.^[7]

Notes

1. In Electronic Gaming Monthly's review of the game, one critic gave it a score of 7/10, another gave it 6/10, and the rest gave it each a score of 5/10.
2. GamePro gave the game two 4/5 scores for graphics and overall fun factor, and two 3.5/5 scores for sound and control.