Play Rampage Online

Summary

Rampage on the Atari Lynx feels like a compact slice of the arcade classic, reshaped by the handheld’s limits. Epyx took the original 1986 Midway hit and turned it into a standalone cartridge, even slipping in a brand‑new monster—a giant rat named Larry—so the Lynx could support a fourth player in spirit. The version actually began life as a separate clone called Monster Demolition before being folded into the official brand.
The developers kept the core feel by using the same rectangular skyscraper graphics and identical city layouts that the arcade team had to simplify for hardware reasons. Lead artist Brian Colin and programmer Jeff Nauman oversaw the conversion, with artist Sharon Perry, tester Jim Belt and composer Michael Bartlow adding their touches. Critics praised the handheld’s faithful action, giving it scores that ranged from solid 60 % up to 9/10. The title helped cement Rampage’s reputation as a cash‑cow that would later spawn sequels, compilations and even a 2018 film.

Storyline

The opening cutscene of Rampage on the Atari Lynx shows three ordinary humans undergoing bizarre transformations. Scientist George becomes a King‑Kong‑style gorilla, Lizzie turns into a Godzilla‑like reptile after exposure to radioactive waste, and Ralph mutates into a massive werewolf after eating a hot‑dog laced with an unknown additive. These newly‑formed monsters immediately begin a destructive spree across North American cities, tearing down skyscrapers, devouring civilians, and clashing with military forces.

The game’s timeline stretches over 128 in‑game days, starting in Peoria, Illinois and ending in Plano, Illinois. Upon reaching Plano the player receives a "mega vitamin bonus" that heals the creatures and awards a hefty point boost, after which the cycle restarts. After five full cycles—totaling 768 days—the game resets entirely.

The Lynx version adds a fourth monster, Larry, a giant rat, expanding the roster of chaos‑bringers. A 2018 film loosely adapts this premise, portraying the trio as mutated animals rather than transformed humans.