The
run and gun platformer genre was popularized by
Konami's classic
Contra.
Gunstar Heroes and
Metal Slug are also among the most popular examples of this style. Side-scrolling run and gun games are an attempt to marry platform games with
shoot 'em ups, characterized by a minimal focus on precise platform jumping and a major emphasis on multi-directional shooting. These games are sometimes called platform shooters. This genre has strong arcade roots, and as such, these games are generally known for being very difficult, and having very linear, one-way game progression.
There are games which feature a heavy degree of shooting but do not fall into this subgenre.
Mega Man,
Metroid,
Vectorman,
Jazz Jackrabbit,
Earthworm Jim and
Turrican are all platformers with a heavy focus on action and shooting, but unlike
Contra or
Metal Slug, platform jumping elements, as well as exploration and back-tracking, still figure prominently. Run and guns are generally very pure, and while they may have vehicular sequences or other changes in style, they stay focused on shooting throughout.