RoboCop / Alex Murphy
A heavily armored cyborg police officer and the playable protagonist.
Documented for this version
Joystick | Move RoboCop |
|---|---|
Punch button | Punch |
Jump button | Jump |
Weapon button | Fire the equipped weapon |
Arcade cabinet button labels and layouts can vary by machine or regional version.
How it plays
RoboCop is played from a side-scrolling perspective across linear urban stages. The objective is to advance through each area, defeat criminals and other enemies, survive hazards, and reach a stage boss or end encounter.
The player moves, jumps, punches, and fires acquired weapons. RoboCop's heavy movement makes positioning important, while enemies attack from the ground and from elevated locations. Progression is stage-based, with new enemy groups, hazards, and boss encounters increasing the challenge.
Plan your run
Advance cautiously and avoid rushing into groups of enemies. Use punches at close range when it is safe, but preserve space for enemies carrying firearms.
Watch elevated positions and environmental hazards before jumping forward. Learn boss attack patterns, attack during their recovery windows, and treat every remaining life as a resource during the later stages.
Meet the cast
A heavily armored cyborg police officer and the playable protagonist.
The criminal leader who serves as a major antagonist in the RoboCop story.
A heavily armed enforcement robot appearing as a powerful enemy or boss encounter.
Before you begin
Use RoboCop's reach and high damage rather than moving aggressively into crowds.
Keep track of enemy firing positions before crossing open areas.
Practice boss patterns; repeating a safe attack-and-retreat rhythm is more reliable than trading hits.

RoboCop is a 1988 arcade action game developed and published by Data East, based on the 1987 film. It combines side-scrolling beat 'em up combat with platforming and firearm action as RoboCop patrols a crime-ridden Detroit and confronts gangs, corrupt forces, and heavily armed machines. The player controls the armored police officer through a sequence of dangerous urban stages, using punches, jumps, and weapons. Its deliberate movement, weighty attacks, recognizable film presentation, and demanding arcade difficulty defined the experience. The game was a prominent licensed arcade release of its period and was generally noted for translating RoboCop's slow, powerful style into a straightforward action format.
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