View source for Software:Runaway: A Road Adventure

{{Short description|2001 video game}}
{{Infobox video game
|title = Runaway: A Road Adventure
|image = Runawaybox.jpg
|caption = Original Spanish box
|developer = [[Company:Pendulo Studios|Pendulo Studios]]
|publisher = Dinamic Multimedia<br />FX Interactive<br />[[Company:Tri Synergy|Tri Synergy]] (North America)
|series = ''Runaway''
|engine = ''[[Software:Hollywood Monsters (video game)|Hollywood Monsters]]'' engine
|composer = David García-Morales
|platforms = [[Software:Microsoft Windows|Windows]], [[Software:IOS|iOS]] (re-issue)
|released = {{collapsible list|titlestyle=font-weight:normal;background:transparent;text-align:left;|title=July 6, 2001|'''Windows'''<br />{{vgrelease|ESP|July 6, 2001|RUS|August 2002|GER|November 18, 2002|CZE|December 2002|FRA|March 21, 2003|ITA|May 2003|NA|August 20, 2003}}'''iOS'''<br />June 2013}}
|genre = [[Software:Adventure game#Graphic adventure|Graphic adventure]]
|modes = [[Software:Single-player video game|Single-player]]
}}
'''''Runaway: A Road Adventure''''' is a 2001 [[Software:Adventure game#Graphic adventure|graphic adventure game]] developed by the Spanish company [[Company:Pendulo Studios|Pendulo Studios]] and published by Dinamic Multimedia. It follows the story of Brian Basco, an American college student on the run after he unwittingly saves a murder witness named Gina Timmins from assassination by the New York Mafia. Searching for clues about a mysterious [[Religion:Crucifix|crucifix]] linked to the murder, Brian and Gina embark on a cross-country journey through the United States while pursued by two Mafia hitmen. The player assumes the role of Brian and explores the game world while collecting [[Software:Item (gaming)|items]], solving puzzles and conversing with [[Software:Non-player character|non-player character]]s.

Inspired by the road movie genre and films such as ''Pulp Fiction'' and ''Raising Arizona'', Pendulo Studios began ''Runaway'' in 1998. The team abandoned the [[Software:Nonlinear gameplay|nonlinear]] and parodical nature of its previous title, ''[[Software:Hollywood Monsters (video game)|Hollywood Monsters]]'', in favor of a more straightforward and adult-oriented approach that blended humor with drama. ''Runaway'' initially featured hand-drawn [[2D computer graphics|2D graphics]]; production problems necessitated a switch, one year into development, to [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered 3D]] characters with [[Non-photorealistic rendering|toon shading]]. The change caused major delays, exacerbated by a shortage of qualified [[Character animation|character animators]] in Spain: the country's recovering game industry had a limited talent pool. ''Runaway''{{'}}s small core team of nine members was supported by part-timers and freelancers during development.

''Runaway'' was highly anticipated in Spain, and it won awards and positive reviews upon its July 2001 release. Early domestic sales were strong, but ''Runaway''{{'}}s distribution and international debut were scuttled when Dinamic Multimedia closed that September. Forced to downsize in response, Pendulo fought for roughly one year to buy back ''Runaway''{{'}}s rights; the developer finally secured global publishing deals during 2002 and 2003. [[Company:DTP Entertainment|DTP Entertainment]] and [[Company:Focus Home Interactive|Focus Home Interactive]] had significant success with ''Runaway'' in Germany and France, respectively, and the game sold 600,000 units across Europe by 2006. ''Runaway'' was well-received by German publications such as ''PC Games'', and a panel of journalists and industry figures in France named it one of 2003's best titles. Reviews in the United States were mixed.

As Pendulo's first international hit, ''Runaway'' financially revitalized its developer. Pendulo built on the game's design and visual style in future projects, and became Spain's longest-running game developer by 2019. Although adventure games were in decline before ''Runaway''{{'}}s global release, publications in Germany, France and Spain reported that the game helped to reenergize its genre. ''Runaway'' has been named one of the best Spanish games and best adventure games of all time, but also cited as a polarizing title; in Germany, it inspired the popular term "''Runaway'' Syndrome" to denote poor adventure game design. The game spawned two sequels—''[[Software:Runaway 2: The Dream of the Turtle|Runaway 2]]'' (2006) and ''[[Software:Runaway: A Twist of Fate|Runaway]]'' (2009)—and formed a series that sold over 1.5 million units worldwide by 2010. ''[[Software:Hidden Runaway|Hidden Runaway]]'', a [[Engineering:Spin-off (media)|spin-off]], followed in 2012.

==Gameplay==
[[File:Runaway A Road Adventure English screenshot.png|thumb|left|Brian Basco stands near the character Oscar. The player has [[Mouseover|moused over]] a business sign, turning the [[Cursor (user interface)|cursor]] into a magnifying glass.]]
''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' is a [[Software:Adventure game#Graphic adventure|graphic adventure game]] controlled with a [[Point and click|point-and-click]] interface, in a style that has been compared to [[Software:LucasArts adventure games|LucasArts adventure games]]. Using a [[Computer mouse|mouse]], the player navigates the [[Software:Player character|player character]] through the game world and interacts with [[Screen hotspot|hotspots]], such as [[Software:Item (gaming)|items]] and [[Software:Non-player character|non-player character]]s. Interaction with hotspots is [[Context-sensitive user interface|context-sensitive]]. For example, if the cursor transforms into a magnifying glass while [[Mouseover|hovering over]] a hotspot,<ref name=micromaniarev /> the player may click to learn more about the object highlighted.<ref name=manual /> When the cursor transforms into a hand or speech balloon, it indicates that a hotspot may be manipulated or spoken to, respectively.<ref name=micromaniarev />

To progress in ''Runaway'', the player gathers items, solves puzzles and converses with non-player characters;<ref name=micromaniarev /> the game contains no action-based or time-limited sequences.<ref name=advgamersrev /> Most puzzles involve the use of items,<ref name=micromaniarev /><ref name=gamespotrev /> which are stored in an inventory subscreen.<ref name=manual /> Items are often hidden in the game world and sometimes require [[Glossary of video game terms#Pixel hunting|pixel hunting]] to locate,<ref name=micromaniarev /><ref name=gamespotrev /><ref name=inv12 /> and certain items may only be found by examining the same hotspot multiple times.<ref name=micromaniarev /><ref name=monchan2014>{{cite conference | author=Monchan, Josué |title=Trial, Success, Error, Restart: Twenty Years of Pendulo Studios |conference=AdventureX |date=December 6, 2014 |location=[[Place:London|London]] |url=https://archive.org/details/josuemonchan2014 |access-date=October 3, 2019 }}</ref> The player must occasionally combine items in the inventory to solve puzzles.<ref name=manual /> Conversations, handled by picking [[Dialogue tree|dialogue options]] from a menu,<ref name=gamespotrev /><ref name=meristationrev /> provide puzzle hints and other assistance.<ref name=micromaniarev />

''Runaway''{{'}}s player character is unable to die,<ref name=advgamersrev /> and progression is linear.<ref name=hg101 /> The game follows a system in which the player character refuses to collect certain items before their use is made clear in the plot.<ref name=advgamersrev /><ref name=hg101>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207021323/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/runaway-a-road-adventure/ | url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/runaway-a-road-adventure/ | title=''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | author=Kalata, Kurt | date=December 13, 2010 | work=Hardcore Gaming 101 | archive-date=February 7, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=regreso>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611022838/https://as.com/meristation/2012/03/31/reportajes/1333184400_101694.html | url=https://as.com/meristation/2012/03/31/reportajes/1333184400_101694.html | title=Regreso al Pasado: Aventuras Gráficas Españolas | author=Otero, César | date=March 31, 2012 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=June 11, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> As a result, the player must solve many puzzles in a specific order.<ref name=hg101 /> When the player progresses enough, a [[Software:Cutscene|cutscene]] will play to provide information and to further the plot.<ref name=manual />

==Story==
In {{wipe|New York City}}, the college student Brian Basco prepares for a cross-country road trip to his new school, the [[Organization:University of California, Berkeley|University of California, Berkeley]]. Before he can drive out of the city, he collides with a woman named Gina Timmins who runs in front of his car, and Brian delivers her to a hospital. Gina tells Brian that she is a lounge singer, and that her father, a government employee, had just given her an ancient and mysterious [[Religion:Crucifix|crucifix]] for safekeeping. Made men from the Sandretti crime family, Gustav and Feodor, had then kidnapped him and demanded information about the artifact as she had watched in secret. The thugs had unintentionally killed him, causing Gina to reveal her presence and be chased into the street; Brian had unwittingly saved her life by hitting her. Gina finishes her story and succumbs to sedatives administered by the hospital staff. Intrigued, Brian decides to help her evade the Mafia, and he outwits a Sandretti hitman who arrives to murder her. After Brian starts a fire in Gina's room, the two flee to a museum in Chicago, where Brian believes that his archaeologist friend Clive can tell them more about the crucifix. As they arrive, a Mafia informant outside the museum alerts Gustav and Feodor.

Clive listens to Brian and Gina's story with concern, and Brian gets Dr. Susan Olivaw, a restorer, to prepare the crucifix for identification. He ultimately uses the museum's database to determine that the object is of Hopi origin. Clive then calls Brian out of the database room with a warning that Gina is in danger. As he exits, Brian is knocked out by Gustav and Feodor, who had offered to let Clive live in exchange for Gina and Brian. Nevertheless, Gustav and Feodor kill Clive and leave with the two captives, whom they transport to a remote cabin in the desert. Brian is interrogated and beaten unconscious, and awakens to find himself alone, as the gangsters have taken Gina to a separate room for questioning. Managing to escape, Brian stumbles upon three drag queens who were abandoned in a broken-down tour bus by their manager. They agree to help Brian save Gina if he helps them escape the desert. Aided by the drag queens, Brian tricks Gustav and Feodor into leaving their cabin, which allows him to enter and rescue Gina. One of the drag queens, revealed to be ex-military, hijacks the gangsters' helicopter as an escape vehicle for the group. The drag queens fly Brian and Gina to Arizona's Hopi region before departing.

As Brian and Gina search for clues about the crucifix, Gina falls and appears to die in a hole near an abandoned mine shaft. Brian is distraught and nearly quits the mission until a mysterious Hopi man appears. Claiming to be the last Hopi chieftain, the man reveals to Brian that the crucifix is a key that opens a sacred, secret Hopi crypt, which lies near a Hopi village beyond the abandoned mine. As the mine is blocked by large boulder and Brian lacks supplies, he is forced to explore the surrounding area. He soon meets Sushi Douglas, a computer hacker; and Oscar, a strong man with a troubled past, who now works for the local [[Unsolved:Folk healer|folk healer]] Mama Dorita. Oscar helps Brian remove the boulder at the mine's entrance, and Brian travels through it to reach the abandoned Hopi village. There, he finds Gina alive, although her leg is broken. Brian proceeds to unlock the sacred Hopi crypt and, inside, to once again encounter the Hopi man, who gives him a human finger preserved in a jar of [[Physics:Formaldehyde|formaldehyde]]. The man tells Brian that the jar had been placed there [[Religion:Sacrilege|sacrilegiously]] by a now-dead Hopi descendant. Brian and Gina return to Mama Dorita to mend Gina's broken leg, and Brian chooses to employ the healer's services to contact the dead man—whom he believes to be Gina's father—via a [[Unsolved:Séance|séance]]. Brian serves as a [[Unsolved:Mediumship|medium]] and is possessed.

During the séance, Gina speaks to the spirit of a man named Johnny "the Indian", a former member of the Sandretti family, about a large sum of money he had hidden. The spirit refuses to reveal its location. After the séance, Gina admits to Brian that she had lied: she is not a singer but a stripper, and the man she had seen die was actually Johnny. The gangster had offered to run away with her and a $20 million sum he had stolen and hidden from the Sandretti family; after his death, his crucifix-shaped key was her only clue to the money's whereabouts. Brian is hurt by these revelations but decides to help. He learns with Sushi's assistance that Johnny had used his own sister, a [[Philosophy:Nun|nun]], to store the money in a bank accessible only via [[Electronic fingerprint recognition|fingerprint scanner]]. Johnny had then murdered her and preserved her finger as a key. Although Gustav and Feodor soon close in on Brian and Gina's location, Oscar successfully detains the gangsters. Sushi frames Gustav and Feodor via a phone call with the Sandrettis' don, who is led to believe that his men had stolen Johnny's money for themselves and killed Gina and Brian. Afterward, the gangsters are murdered by the Sandretti family, while Brian and Gina successfully withdraw the money from the bank. Brian initially resolves to return to school, leaving Gina and the money behind, but he changes his mind at the last minute and runs away with her to the tropics.

==Development==
===Concept and design===
Following [[Company:Pendulo Studios|Pendulo Studios]]' release of ''[[Software:Hollywood Monsters (video game)|Hollywood Monsters]]'' in December 1997,<ref name=hmlaunch>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010629055140/http://www.dinamic.com/acercate/historia.asp?id=7 | url=http://www.dinamic.com/acercate/historia.asp?id=7 | title=Un poco de Historia; 97 | archive-date=June 29, 2001 | language=Spanish | publisher=Dinamic Multimedia | url-status=dead }}</ref> the developer started to create a sequel to the game.<ref name=adventuretreff>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150401203611/http://www.adventure-treff.de/artikel/interviews.php?id=1 | url=http://www.adventure-treff.de/artikel/interviews.php?id=1 | title=Interviews; Kai Fiebig | date=January 12, 2001 | author=Gilbertz, Luc | language=German | work=Adventure-Treff | archive-date=April 1, 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=gamespotesdinamic>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010715022534/http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/99_11/10/1/index.asp | url=http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/99_11/10/1/index.asp | title= Dinamic prepara sus novedades  | author=Staff| language=Spanish | work=GameSpot Spain | date=November 10, 1999 | archive-date=July 15, 2001 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The first installment had been a commercial hit in Spain, Pendulo's home country.<ref name=marca /><ref name=250k>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107143756/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/noticias/visitamos-oficinas-pendulo-studios-10297| url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/noticias/visitamos-oficinas-pendulo-studios-10297 | title=Visitamos las oficinas de Péndulo Studios | date=May 25, 2011 | author=Sanz, José Luis| work=HobbyConsolas | language=Spanish | archive-date=January 7, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> However, Kai Fiebig of ''Hollywood Monsters''{{'}} publisher, Dinamic Multimedia, explained that Pendulo soon revamped its project. At a meeting to assess the sequel, one of Pendulo's leads suggested a change in direction because of a thriller film he had recently seen, and the core concept for ''Runaway'' was born.<ref name=adventuretreff /> Art director Rafael Latiegui later said that "the first sketches of what would end up becoming ''Runaway''" were created in summer 1998.<ref name=inv12 /> The team devised a story based on the road movie genre; early influence was derived from the films ''Pulp Fiction'' and ''Raising Arizona''.<ref name=makingof /> Pendulo's desire to create a more tightly structured game than ''Hollywood Monsters'' inspired ''Runaway''{{'}}s chase-themed plot.<ref name=advgamersint2 /> For the setting, the team picked the United States over Spain for the recognizability of its locations to a global audience, and for its greater suitedness to the road movie format. Latiegui's recent trip to New Mexico and Arizona influenced the team: he had taken several hundred photographs, which guided ''Runaway''{{'}}s color palette and served as the basis for many in-game locations.<ref name=makingof />

[[File:JenniferConnellyCCJuly09.jpg|thumb|right|In creating the design for Gina, Pendulo Studios was influenced in part by the actress Jennifer Connelly.]]

According to Latiegui, ''Runaway''{{'}}s story was intended to be "more adult" and "less zany" than that of ''Hollywood Monsters''.<ref name=asi /><ref name=acgint /> While Pendulo's previous game had been a parodical comedy,<ref name=pendulobest>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607064716/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/mejores-aventuras-graficas-estudio-espanol-pendulo-studios-93548 | url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/mejores-aventuras-graficas-estudio-espanol-pendulo-studios-93548 | title=Mejores aventuras gráficas del estudio español Pendulo Studios| author=Ruiz, Clara Castaño | date=April 11, 2017 | work=HobbyConsolas | language=Spanish | archive-date=June 7, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> the team sought to give ''Runaway'' a balance of humor and drama.<ref name=acgint /><ref name=aventuraycia /><ref name=inv12 /> Gerard Masnou of ''GameLive PC'' noted Pendulo's addition of violence, strong language (including "joder") and sexual themes to the game's Spanish script, which contributed to its rating of +18 in Spain.<ref name=gameliverev /> Latiegui said that ''Runaway''{{'}}s transgressive elements—such as the appearance of drug use, stripping and drag queens—were not for the purpose of controversy,<ref name=advgamersint2 /> but that they nevertheless alienated certain publishers.<ref name=inv12 /> In designing the protagonists, the team conceived Brian as a [[Philosophy:Nerd|nerd]] whose look and personality would evolve because of his adventures in ''Runaway'', while Gina was intended to drive the plot. Her design was particularly inspired by actresses Natalia Estrada and Jennifer Connelly. Latiegui explained that the team's goal was to make Gina "really sexy" and "especially exuberant"; her character design proved to be a greater challenge than Brian's,<ref name=makingof>{{cite AV media | people = François, Tommy (Director); Guillemonat, Victorien (Editor) | url=https://archive.org/download/Runaway_A_road_adventure_French_Version_-_Windows95-2000_FRE/Runaway-ARoadAdventure_FrenchVersion.mp4 | language=French | year = 2003 | title = Making Of | publisher = Game One, [[Company:Focus Home Interactive|Focus Home Interactive]] | access-date=June 17, 2019 }}</ref> and she underwent several redesigns before her model sheet was finalized.<ref name=decine />

In 2000, Latiegui cited films as a greater inspiration than competing adventure games for ''Runaway''.<ref name=bonuswebint>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020913083038/http://www.bonusweb.cz/clanky/interview/runawayint001204.html | url=http://www.bonusweb.cz/clanky/interview/runawayint001204.html | title=''Runaway'' – podrobnosti primo od zdroje | author=Tichacek, Petr | date=December 4, 2000 | work=BonusWeb | language=Czech | archive-date=September 13, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Pendulo's staff self-described as a group of "movie fanatics",<ref name=focusint /> and project manager Ramón Hernáez said that he had initially wanted to become a filmmaker rather than a game developer.<ref name=asi /> The team purposely included references to films throughout ''Runaway'',<ref name=focusint /> such as borrowed names and pastiches of famous scenes. Hernáez, who was responsible for outlining much of ''Runaway''{{'}}s script and scenario, added the majority of these references.<ref name=makingof /> Among them are nods to ''Close Encounters of the Third Kind'',<ref name=focusint /> ''The Great Escape'' and ''Perdita Durango''.<ref name=makingof /> ''The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert'' was another prominent influence.<ref name=focusint /><ref name=gasource>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010216081325/http://www.ga-source.com/all/news/bits/09+11+2000/5:45:6.shtml | url=http://www.ga-source.com/all/news/bits/09+11+2000/5:45:6.shtml | title=GA-Source Q&A: ''Runaway'' | author=Bergerud, John | date=October 11, 2000 | work=GA-Source | archive-date=February 16, 2001 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite the impact of ''Pulp Fiction'' and ''Raising Arizona'' on the script, Hernáez noted that the two films were not among his personal favorites. He compensated by including allusions to ''The Apartment'', ''The Quiet Man'' and the work of Woody Allen—particularly ''Manhattan Murder Mystery'', which supplied the conceit for the game's ending. According to Hernáez, the team added few personal references to ''Runaway'' beyond the names of two hackers mentioned by Sushi, who were named after Hernáez's nieces.<ref name=makingof />

''Runaway'' was co-designed by Latiegui, Hernáez and lead programmer Felipe Gómez Pinilla,<ref name=manual>{{cite book | title=Runaway: A Road Adventure Player's Manual | publisher=[[Company:Tri Synergy|Tri Synergy]] | date=2003 | pages=5, 7, 8, 16 }}</ref> Pendulo's co-founders.<ref name=makingof /> They hoped to mimic the design of "classical" adventure games,<ref name=gasource /><ref name=inv12 /> particularly ''[[Software:The Secret of Monkey Island|The Secret of Monkey Island]]'' and ''[[Software:Monkey Island 2: LeChuck's Revenge|Monkey Island 2]]''.<ref name=gamelive1>{{cite journal | author=Masnou, Gerard | title=Avance; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | issue=4 | date=February 2001 | journal=GameLive PC | pages=62, 63 | language=Spanish }}</ref> Both [[Software:LucasArts adventure games|LucasArts adventure games]] and the early work of Sierra On-Line influenced the game.<ref name=acgint /> From the start, Pendulo tried to move away from the [[Software:Nonlinear gameplay|nonlinear]] design style used in ''Hollywood Monsters'',<ref name=advgamersint2 /><ref name=gamelive1 /> in favor of what Latiegui called a more straightforward and "less scattered" linear format.<ref name=asi>{{cite journal | author=Font, Joan | title=Así se hace un juego | journal=GameLive PC | issue=8 | date=June 2001 | language=Spanish | pages=24–28, 30–33 }}</ref><ref name=acgint /> Pendulo later opined that ''Hollywood Monsters''{{'}} openness had often led to "stagnation" for players.<ref name=vida /> Instead, the team divided ''Runaway'' into discrete chapters,<ref name=gamelive1 /> and sought to give the game a clear difficulty curve that inclined gradually.<ref name=focusint /><ref name=bonuswebint /> According to Latiegui, Pendulo's primary goal with the puzzles was simply to avoid players' "feel[ing] frustrated or stuck at any time."<ref name=advgamersint2 /> For the interface, the designers chose a traditional point-and-click setup, as they found the style more intuitive than direct character control.<ref name=adventuretreff /> Reflex-based action scenes were planned, but Pendulo rejected the idea after testers judged them disruptive to the overall experience.<ref name=adventuretreff /> The team also sought to limit the game's use of [[Dialogue tree|dialogue tree]]s, as Pendulo believed them to be unpopular with players.<ref name=bonuswebint />

===Production===
''Runaway'' was Pendulo's largest project to date,<ref name=focusint>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030811212723/http://www.runaway-lejeu.com/lejeu/lejeu_pendulo.htm | url=http://www.runaway-lejeu.com/lejeu/lejeu_pendulo.htm | title=Interview de Pendulo Studios | publisher=[[Company:Focus Home Interactive|Focus Home Interactive]] | language=French | archive-date=August 11, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and Gerard Masnou wrote that it "was the most ambitious graphic adventure ever developed in Spain" at the time.<ref name=hispano>{{cite journal | author=Masnou, Gerard | title=Hispano aventuras gráficas | date=June 2003 | journal=GameLive PC | issue=30 | language=Spanish | pages=28–33 }}</ref> The game's funding was derived entirely from Spanish investments.<ref name=aventuraycia /> During production, Pendulo stated that Spain's game industry had improved since its low point in the 1990s, although it was "very far from living a [[Software:Golden age of Spanish software|golden age]]."<ref name=meristationint /> According to Joan Font of ''GameLive PC'', the industry still suffered from a dearth of professional talent while ''Runaway'' was in development. Spain's education system lacked courses for game development, and the country's existing industry professionals often migrated to foreign companies for better working conditions and pay. As a result, most of Pendulo's staff on ''Runaway'' consisted of [[Social:Autodidacticism|autodidacts]] who learned in part on the job. Felipe Gómez Pinilla said that the company asked prospective collaborators "to have a classic drawing or animation foundation and to master the programs they will be using."<ref name=asi /> The game's team was small: Rafael Latiegui said that ''Runaway'' had nine core members during most of its creation, assisted by a series of part-timers on elements such as music.<ref name=makingof /> Programming was almost exclusively a solo effort by Pinilla.<ref name=asi /> The company also relied on external contractors for certain key tasks.<ref name=asi /><ref name=makingof /> Despite the industry's limited workforce, Ramón Hernáez said that Pendulo had a "relatively" easy time finding talent.<ref name=asi />

The soundtrack for ''Runaway'' was composed by freelancer David García-Morales, who had previously worked for [[Company:Pyro Studios|Pyro Studios]] on the music to ''[[Software:Commandos: Behind Enemy Lines|Commandos]]''.<ref name=retrogamerspain>{{cite journal | author=García, Julen Zaballa | title=''Commandos'': compases de guerra | journal=Retro Gamer España | date=October 2018 | issue=25 | language=Spanish | pages=134–139 }}</ref> He sought to give each of ''Runaway''{{'}}s areas a unique theme suited to its environs, while ensuring that the tracks "had some connection to each other, whether of harmony, melody or rhythmic drums". García-Morales later said that this balance of unity and difference was difficult.<ref name=bandasonora /> Pendulo's proprietary adaptive music engine, the MIP Music System,<ref name=proprietary>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010129023500/http://www.dinamic.net/productos/catalogo/juegos/cronicas/otrosproyectos/Runaway.htm | url=http://www.dinamic.net/productos/catalogo/juegos/cronicas/otrosproyectos/Runaway.htm | title=Diario del proyecto; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | date=November 13–20, 2000 | publisher=Dinamic Multimedia | language=Spanish | archive-date=January 29, 2001 | url-status=dead }}</ref> was used to alter the soundtrack based on in-game events.<ref name=mip2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114043905/https://www.gameswelt.de/runaway/news/neues-grafik-adventure-aus-spanien,60076 | url=https://www.gameswelt.de/runaway/news/neues-grafik-adventure-aus-spanien,60076 | title='Runaway' vorgestellt | author=Philipp, Andreas | date=November 13, 2000 | work=Gameswelt | language=German | archive-date=November 14, 2017 | url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to the game's background music, Pendulo decided "from the very outset" to give ''Runaway'' a signature [[Engineering:Theme music|theme song]], according to Latiegui.<ref name=advgamersint2 /> The goal was to increase the game's similarity to films via the inclusion of music with lyrics.<ref name=bandasonora /> Pendulo picked a stylistic direction for the sung tracks and began to explore demo tapes from interested bands; Latiegui said that the team "by chance" encountered a tape from the musical act Liquor, sent in by García-Morales. Singer Vera Domínguez caught Pendulo's attention, which led to Liquor's selection.<ref name=advgamersint2 /> Writing for ''Micromanía'', J. A. Pascual compared the band's resultant work for ''Runaway'' to the output of The Cranberries.<ref name=micromaniarev /> García-Morales hoped to raise Liquor's profile with the opportunity, as he was personally invested in the band's success.<ref name=bandasonora>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731210602/http://ponlebandasonoraatuvida.blogspot.com/2011/05/entrevista-david-garcia-morales.html | url=http://ponlebandasonoraatuvida.blogspot.com/2011/05/entrevista-david-garcia-morales.html | title=Entrevista a David García Morales (compositor español de videojuegos) | author=Maverick, Dani | language=Spanish | date=May 16, 2011 | work=Ponle banda sonora a tu vida | archive-date=July 31, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref>

{{Multiple image|direction=vertical|align=left|image1=Runaway A Road Adventure Preview 2D screenshot.png|image2=Runaway, A Road Adventure redone graphics pendulo.png|caption2=''Runaway'' began development with fully 2D graphics. After Pendulo Studios encountered major problems with the animation, the company reworked the game with [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered]] 3D models.}}

Like ''Hollywood Monsters'' and Pendulo's earlier ''[[Software:Igor: Objective Uikokahonia|Igor]]'', ''Runaway'' began development with completely 2D graphics.<ref name=joystiq>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130814223556/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/brunchstorming-is-spanish-for-work-if-youre-pendulo-studio | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/brunchstorming-is-spanish-for-work-if-youre-pendulo-studio | title='Brunchstorming' is Spanish for 'work,' if you're Pendulo Studios | author=Conditt, Jessica | date=April 2, 2012 | work=Joystiq | archive-date=August 14, 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The game maintained this style for a full year and to a "very advanced" stage of production, according to the Spanish press.<ref name=asi /><ref name=microprev3>{{cite journal | author=Staff | title=''Runaway: A Road Adventure''; Sorprendente | issue=62 | page=78 | date=March 2000 | volume=Third Época | language=Spanish | journal=Micromanía }}</ref> Most of the 2D artwork was created by outside contractors under Pendulo's supervision.<ref name=asi /> Publisher Dinamic Multimedia publicly revealed ''Runaway'' in 2D form during mid-1999;<ref name=mid1999>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000301113427/http://meristation.com/noticias/1999/junio/18061999-1.htm | url=http://meristation.com/noticias/1999/junio/18061999-1.htm | title=Dinamic nos cuenta sus proyectos para esta temporada | author=Staff | date=June 18, 1999 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=March 1, 2000 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Micromanía'' reported that the game looked like an "authentic animated film".<ref name=microprev1>{{cite journal | author=Staff | title=Preview; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | issue=59 | page=48 | date=December 1999 | volume=Third Época | language=Spanish | journal=Micromanía }}</ref> One of that magazine's columnists called the game's 2D visuals ready to "compete, side by side, with the greatest successes of [[Company:LucasArts|LucasArts]]."<ref name=microprev2>{{cite journal | author=El Gran Tarkilmar | title=El Club de la Aventura; Nuevos Tiempos  | issue=60 | pages=158, 159 | date=January 2000 | volume=Third Época | language=Spanish | journal=Micromanía }}</ref> Although Pendulo completed the entire first chapter of ''Runaway'' in 2D,<ref name=aventuraycia /><ref name=joystiq /> animation proved to be a major challenge for the team,<ref name=microprev3 /><ref name=aventuraycia /> especially when it came to the game's characters.<ref name=microprev3 /> It was expensive and slow to produce;<ref name=joystiq /><ref name=aventuraycia /> Latiegui later recalled that "you wanted to have a cel in three days and instead ... it took three weeks" to achieve the intended quality. The animators struggled to keep their art on-model. Latiegui said in 2007, "When I see those drawings I still laugh because they are very curious". As a result, the team deemed ''Runaway''{{'}}s 2D graphics unworkable.<ref name=aventuraycia />

Hoping to find a solution, Pendulo began to experiment with [[3D modeling|modeling]] the characters in polygonal 3D.<ref name=joystiq /><ref name=aventuraycia /> As the team disliked realistic 3D art styles,<ref name=makingof /><ref name=aventuraycia /> it was initially a struggle to find a suitable look, and to match the 3D characters to the existing 2D backgrounds. Pendulo sought to make ''Runaway'''s visuals reminiscent of comic books: Latiegui noted that he had grown up with Spanish comics such as ''El Víbora'', ''Totem'' and ''Cimoc''. The company also used artists Adam Hughes and Richard Corben as reference points.<ref name=makingof /> These considerations led Pendulo to choose a [[Non-photorealistic rendering|non-photorealistic rendering]] style never previously used by an adventure game.<ref name=npr1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000816002011/http://www.gamespy.com/previews/runaway_a.shtm | url=http://www.gamespy.com/previews/runaway_a.shtm | title=Previews; ''Runway'' | author=Schembri, Tamara | date=June 26, 2000 | work=GameSpy | archive-date=August 16, 2000 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=npr2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000818061821/http://www.gamespy.com/news/june00/6-5-00-3.shtm | url=http://www.gamespy.com/news/june00/6-5-00-3.shtm | title=NPR moves into adventure games | author=Schembri, Tamara | date=June 5, 2000 | work=GameSpy | archive-date=August 18, 2000 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Pendulo [[Pre-rendering|pre-rendered]] the 3D character models to create [[Sprite (computer graphics)|sprites]] and then added more effects on top,<ref name=meristationrev>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040129142405/http://www.meristation.com/analisis/2001/3Trimestre/Runaway.htm | url=http://www.meristation.com/analisis/2001/3Trimestre/Runaway.htm | title=Diversión con 'bugs' | author=Luna, Alberto de Vega | date=July 20, 2001 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=January 29, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=joystiq /> such as real-time lighting and hand-drawn tweaks.<ref name=meristationrev /><ref name=microprev3 /> To integrate items into the world, the team created versions of the [[Background artist|background visuals]] both with and without items; the game switches between these images when an item is placed or removed.<ref name=makingof /> Latiegui later said that the team was "surprised that, yes, [it] could do something decent" in 3D.<ref name=aventuraycia /> Dinamic's Alberto Hernandez wrote that the publisher was won over by "the first tests".<ref name=microprev3 />

The contractors responsible for the 2D visuals were subsequently let go; instead, Pendulo staffed up with a new group of full-time artists.<ref name=asi /> Pendulo proceeded to scrap all of the 2D animated character art,<ref name=microprev3 /> and to recreate the game's cast in 3D, based on the existing character designs.<ref name=decine>{{cite journal | author=Delgado, Francisco | title=''Runaway: A Road Adventure''; De cine | pages=32–33 | issue=67 | journal=Micromanía | volume=Third Época | language=Spanish | date=August 2000 }}</ref> The finished first chapter was then remade in the new style.<ref name=joystiq /> To achieve ''Runaway''{{'}}s final look, the team used a combination of proprietary and third-party software.<ref name=acgint>{{cite web |author1=Seale, Julian |author2=Jong, Philip |date=February 20, 2008 |url=http://www.adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/interviews/305/ |title=Rafael Latiegui, Pendulo Studios |website=Adventure Classic Gaming |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513082719/http://www.adventureclassicgaming.com/index.php/site/interviews/305/ |archive-date=May 13, 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref> Pascual wrote that Pendulo "used the same procedure" employed by then-recent animated properties, such as ''The Iron Giant'' and ''Futurama'', that similarly blended 2D and 3D artwork.<ref name=purista>{{cite journal | author=Pascual, J. A. | title=''Runaway: A Road Adventure''; La aventura más purista | journal=Micromanía | issue=71 | date=February 2001 | volume=Third Época | language=Spanish | pages=44–46 }}</ref> ''Runaway''{{'}}s graphical overhaul did not require a rewrite of the existing [[Software:Game engine|game engine]],<ref name=asi /> which was an upgraded version of the ''Hollywood Monsters'' engine designed to feature [[Supersampling|full-scene anti-aliasing]] and a [[Graphics display resolution#1024 × 768 (XGA)|1024 × 768 display resolution]].<ref name=asi /><ref name=purista /> Latiegui called support for this higher resolution "logical" given the team's heavy focus on visuals,<ref name=gamelive1 /> the element of ''Runaway'' with which Pendulo was happiest.<ref name=advgamersint2 /> The new style was nevertheless both challenging and time-consuming to create,<ref name=acgint /><ref name=purista /> and Latiegui noted that the team was "trapped by the limitations of 2D and those of 3D all at once."<ref name=acgint /> Pendulo struggled to find enough qualified 3D [[Character animation|character animators]] in Spain, according to ''Micromanía''{{'}}s Francisco Delgado,<ref name=decine /> and Hernáez wrote that the quality of the facial animation ultimately fell below his hopes.<ref name=asi />

''Runaway''{{'}}s visual overhaul resulted in major delays.<ref name=decine /><ref name=purista /><ref name=meristationint>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030709000217/http://www.meristation.com/sc/articulos/articulo.asp?c=GEN&cr=846 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/articulos/articulo.asp?c=GEN&cr=846 | title=Entrevista; Péndulo Studios, creadores de ''Runaway'' | author=Luna, Alberto de Vega | language=Spanish | date=June 29, 2001 | work=MeriStation | archive-date=July 9, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Originally due in early 2000,<ref name=gamespotesdinamic /><ref name=purista /> the game entered a protracted development cycle and was for a time without an official release date, which led to rumors throughout 2000 about the game's status. Although it was projected by that August for a late-2000 release,<ref name=decine /> and was reportedly "90% complete" by October,<ref name=90percent>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010203143500/http://www.adventuregamer.com/previews/runaway.shtml | url=http://www.adventuregamer.com/previews/runaway.shtml | title=Previews – ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | author=Bronstring, Marek |date=October 13, 2000 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=February 3, 2001 | url-status=dead }}</ref> the game proceeded to miss its planned December 2000 launch.<ref name=jan2001-1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010422015152/http://laventura.meristation.com/noticias/dic-ene.htm | url=http://laventura.meristation.com/noticias/dic-ene.htm | title=''Runaway'' se retrasa | date=December 19, 2000 | author=Staff | work=La Aventura es la Aventura | publisher=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=April 22, 2001 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=jan2001-2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010729035307/http://www.vnunet.es/pcactual/detalle.asp?id=20010706043 | url=http://www.vnunet.es/pcactual/detalle.asp?id=20010706043 | title=''Runaway'' por fin a la venta | author=Staff | date=July 6, 2001 | work=PC Actual | language=Spanish | archive-date=July 29, 2001 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Adventure Gamers' Eivind Hagerup wrote that Pendulo "didn't want to rush the game before Christmas, because this would lower the quality of the game."<ref name=eng1 /> While Dinamic subsequently rescheduled ''Runaway'' for mid-January 2001,<ref name=jan2001-3>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030914214406/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=1945 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=1945 | title=Ya queda menos para disfrutar de ''Runaway'' | author=García, Alexander | date=January 2, 2001 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=September 14, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> the game encountered another string of delays through the first half of 2001,<ref name=jan2001-2 /><ref name=launch2 /> which Dinamic attributed to "technical problems" and the discovery of major [[Software bug|software bug]]s.<ref name=bugs>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010715021859/http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_03/09/2/index.asp | url=http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_03/09/2/index.asp | title=Aclaraciones de Dinamic sobre su situación | author=Staff | date=March 9, 2001 | work=GameSpot Spain | language=Spanish | archive-date=July 15, 2001 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In his column for ''GameLive PC'', Masnou wrote at the time that ''Runaway''{{'}}s lengthy development and numerous delays were worrying signs, and warned the creators to "release this game before we get tired of waiting and we just forget about it."<ref name=jugando>{{cite journal | author=Masnou, Gerard | title=Jugando espero | issue=6 | date=April 2001 | language=Spanish | journal=GameLive PC | page=97 }}</ref> Hernáez noted that the team was unhappy with the slow pace of development, as it increased costs and devalued the final product.<ref name=asi /> Pre-release praise for ''Runaway'' was nevertheless high, growing as the development time extended.<ref name=jan2001-2 /> In early 2001, Alexander García of ''MeriStation'' reported that ''Runaway'' had become one of Spain's "most anticipated graphic adventures".<ref name=jan2001-3 />

As ''Runaway''{{'}}s production progressed through 2001, Dinamic fell into financial turmoil.<ref name=jan2001-2 /> The publisher's ventures related to the [[Dot-com bubble|dot-com bubble]]—such as the [[Finance:Massively multiplayer online role-playing game|massively multiplayer online role-playing game]] ''La Prisión''—had proven unsuccessful, and Dinamic was caught in the global dot-com collapse.<ref name=dotcom>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224061159/https://www.computerworld.es/economia-digital/adios-a-dinamic-multimedia | url=https://www.computerworld.es/economia-digital/adios-a-dinamic-multimedia | title=Adiós a Dinamic Multimedia | author=Roldán, Enrique | date=November 1, 2001 | work=Computerworld Spain | language=Spanish | archive-date=February 24, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> By early March, rumors had spread that Dinamic was in danger of closing.<ref name=aprildate2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021127155156/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=1201 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=1201 | title=Dinamic no cierra | author=Sánchez, Pep | date=March 9, 2001 | language=Spanish | work=MeriStation | archive-date=November 27, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The company responded that only its online division was being shuttered, and that ''Runaway'' and its other traditional games were not in jeopardy.<ref name=bugs /><ref name=aprildate2 /> However, key faculty secretly departed Dinamic to join Pyro Studios during the period,<ref name=trouble2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020107184621/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=512 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=512 | title=César Valencia ha dejado Dinamic y se une a Pyro Studios | author=Sánchez, Pep | date=July 6, 2001 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=January 7, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and Dinamic entered [[Social:Receivership|receivership]] and cut 39 jobs in late March. Dinamic owed a significant debt of 1.5 billion [[Finance:Spanish peseta|pesetas]] to multiple creditors by this time.<ref name=trouble>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030914211036/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=1439 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=1439 | title=Dinamic declara la suspensión de pagos | date=March 27, 2001 | author=García, Alexander | language=Spanish | work=MeriStation | archive-date=September 14, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In response to these issues, Dinamic pushed Pendulo to rush ''Runaway''{{'}}s release "because it needed money to stay afloat", according to Pinilla. He noted that the last months of the game's development were difficult, and he complained that Dinamic "did not provide the necessary funds for a sufficient number of people" to complete the project.<ref name=hispano /> While ''Runaway'' ultimately [[Software release life cycle#Release to manufacturing (RTM)|went gold]] on June 25, 2001,<ref name=gold1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020225002854/http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_06/25/1/index.asp | url=http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_06/25/1/index.asp | title=Péndulo Studios termina ''Runaway''. | author=Staff | work=GameSpot Spain | language=Spanish | date=June 25, 2001 | archive-date=February 25, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=gold2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020107182915/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=3889 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=3889 | title=Dinamic anuncia que ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' está terminado | author=Sánchez, Pep | date=June 25, 2001 | language=Spanish | work=MeriStation | archive-date=January 7, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> its final version contained serious bugs that required several [[Patch (computing)|patches]].<ref name=meristationrev /><ref name=patches>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030702122650/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=288 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=288 | title=Pendulo Studios publica la versión 2.1 de ''Runaway'' | author=Herrero, Daniel | date=July 26, 2001 | language=Spanish | work=MeriStation | archive-date=July 2, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Pendulo reported that most of these bugs occurred for users with 15-bit video cards, and took steps to address this issue.<ref name=meristationrev />

{{-}}

==Distribution and sales==
===Debut and turmoil===
Dinamic Multimedia published ''Runaway'' in Spain on July 6, 2001.<ref name=launchdate>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020426004838/http://www.meristation.com/sc/juegos/todosobre.asp?c=GEN&j=303 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/juegos/todosobre.asp?c=GEN&j=303 | title=Todo sobre ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | work=MeriStation | archive-date=April 26, 2002 | language=Spanish | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=launch2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020308024451/http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_07/06/8/index.asp | url=http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_07/06/8/index.asp | title=''Runaway'' ya está a la venta. | date=July 6, 2001 | work=GameSpot Spain | language=Spanish | author=Staff | archive-date=March 8, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Shipped on three [[CD-ROM]]s and at Dinamic's standard [[Social:List price|list price]] of 3,995 pesetas,<ref name=jan2001-2 /> the game proceeded to sell well in Spain during its initial months.<ref name=charts1 /><ref name=computeridea /> It was the country's fourth best-selling computer game in August; ''GameSpot Spain'' reported that the title had accrued "healthy sales" by that time.<ref name=charts1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020308024102/http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_09/17/7/index.asp | url=http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_09/17/7/index.asp | title=''Los Sims'' encabezan la lista de juegos más vendidos en España | author=Staff | work=GameSpot Spain | language=Spanish | date=September 17, 2001 | archive-date=March 8, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> It claimed 22nd on the charts the following month.<ref name=charts2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020225004235/http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_10/16/3/index.asp | url=http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_10/16/3/index.asp | title=''Commandos 2'': nº 1 en España | author=Staff | language=Spanish | date=October 16, 2001 | work=GameSpot Spain | archive-date=February 25, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> However, the game soon encountered problems.<ref name=hispano /> On September 24, Dinamic announced its [[Finance:Liquidation|liquidation]], following its financial upheaval earlier in the year.<ref name=bankrupt1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011005034440/http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_09/24/1/index.asp | url=http://www.gamespot-es.com/news/01_09/24/1/index.asp | title=Confirmado oficialmente el cierre de Dinamic | author=Staff | date=September 24, 2001 | work=GameSpot Spain | language=Spanish | archive-date=October 5, 2001 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Although certain commentators had speculated that ''Runaway''{{'}}s sales would save the publisher,<ref name=computeridea>{{cite journal | author=Staff | title=Noticias juegos; Dinamic cierra sus puertas | page=85 | date=November 2001 | publisher=VNU Business Publications España | language=Spanish | issue=11 | journal=Computer Idea }}</ref> it was ultimately Dinamic's last published title.<ref name=consolasretro1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607064354/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/noticias/mejores-juegos-desarrollados-dinamic-multimedia-196794 | url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/noticias/mejores-juegos-desarrollados-dinamic-multimedia-196794 | title=Los mejores juegos desarrollados por Dinamic Multimedia | author=Ortega, José L. | date=March 21, 2018 | work=HobbyConsolas | language=Spanish | archive-date=June 7, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> At the time, ''VNUNet'' reported Dinamic's closure as "bad news ... for the battered Spanish game software industry".<ref name=vnunet>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011102122910/http://www.vnunet.es/detalle.asp?ids=%2FNoticias%2Fjuegos%2FRese%F1as%2F20010924044 | url=http://www.vnunet.es/detalle.asp?ids=/Noticias/juegos/Rese%f1as/20010924044 | title=Dinamic Multimedia cierra sus puertas | date=September 24, 2001 | author=Staff | work=VNUNet | language=Spanish | archive-date=November 2, 2001 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref> A writer for ''MarcaPlayer'' later called it "probably the most traumatic event that the Spanish video game industry has experienced in history".<ref name=marca>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130305053813/http://www.marcaplayer.com/2011/07/01/reportajes/1309519934.html | url=http://www.marcaplayer.com/2011/07/01/reportajes/1309519934.html | title=Los maestros de la aventura gráfica | author=Navarro, David | date=July 1, 2011 | work=MarcaPlayer | language=Spanish | archive-date=March 5, 2013 | url-status=dead }}</ref> This situation hurt ''Runaway''{{'}}s distribution and commercial performance in Spain.<ref name=hispano /> In retrospect, Rafael Latiegui said that it had the effect of "blocking" domestic sales,<ref name=inv12 /> and Gerard Masnou remarked that the game went "almost unnoticed" because of Dinamic's closure.<ref name=unnoticed>{{cite journal | author=Masnou, Gerard | title=Aventuras; Ediciones de lujo | date=March 2003 | issue=27 | journal=GameLive PC | language=Spanish | page=101 }}</ref> By GfK's measurements, Dinamic's release of ''Runaway'' totaled 8,980 units sold domestically.<ref name=dinamicsales>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120628024031/http://www.meristation.com/es/pc/noticias/fx-interactive-videojuegos-rentables-en-crisis-a-1995-euros/1786421 | url=http://www.meristation.com/es/pc/noticias/fx-interactive-videojuegos-rentables-en-crisis-a-1995-euros/1786421 | title=FX Interactive, videojuegos rentables en crisis a 19,95 euros | author=García, Enrique | date=June 25, 2012 | work=MeriStation | archive-date=June 28, 2012 | language=Spanish | url-status=dead }}</ref>

According to Felipe Gómez Pinilla, Spanish adventure game developers relied on international sales to reach profitability, as the domestic market was too small to cover their costs. None of Pendulo's earlier titles had achieved international success,<ref name=klassische>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040224174454/http://www.golem.de/0305/25464.html | url=http://www.golem.de/0305/25464.html | title=Klassische Adventures - Kehrt das totgeglaubte Genre zurück? | date=May 13, 2003 | author=Wiesner, Thorsten | language=German | work=Golem.de | archive-date=February 24, 2004 | url-status=live }}</ref> and Masnou called it a rarity for any Spanish adventure game,<ref name=madeinspain>{{cite journal | author=Masnou, Gerard | title=Aventuras; Made in Spain | date=November 2002 | issue=23 | language=Spanish | journal=GameLive PC | page=101 }}</ref> but the team felt that ''Runaway'' might break the trend.<ref name=klassische /> An English [[Video game localization|localization]] of ''Runaway'' was initially announced for a simultaneous launch with the Spanish edition,<ref name=eng1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010405130444/http://www.adventuregamer.com/news/archives/arc0-2001.shtml | url=http://www.adventuregamer.com/news/archives/arc0-2001.shtml | title=''Runaway'' delayed & new screenshots | date=January 3, 2001 | author=Hagerup, Eivind | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=April 5, 2001 | url-status=dead }}</ref> while Italian and German releases were inked for fall 2001.<ref name=italger>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011026101314/http://www.pendulostudios.com/spanish/noticias.htm | url=http://www.pendulostudios.com:80/spanish/noticias.htm | title=''Runaway''; Noticias | date=July 10, 2001 | publisher=[[Company:Pendulo Studios|Pendulo Studios]] | language=Spanish | archive-date=October 26, 2001 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref> However, Dinamic's downfall cast doubt on the future of ''Runaway'' outside Spain. Latiegui remarked after Dinamic's closure that, unless a deal to repurchase the game's rights emerged "very quickly", Pendulo could follow its publisher into bankruptcy.<ref name=jeopardy>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021224105242/http://www.bonusweb.cz/zurnal/zurnalpc/runaway011016.html | url=http://www.bonusweb.cz/zurnal/zurnalpc/runaway011016.html | title=Vydani adventury ''Runaway'' ohrozeno! | author=Tichacek, Petr | language=Czech | work=BonusWeb | date=October 16, 2001 | archive-date=December 24, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> By mid-October 2001, all international versions of ''Runaway'' were placed on hold.<ref name=badnews>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011024093206/http://www.adventuregamers.com/news/index.shtml | url=http://www.adventuregamers.com:80/news/index.shtml | title='Bad news' concerning ''Runaway'' | author=Arbour, Tom | date=October 16, 2001 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=October 24, 2001 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref> Dubbing had not yet begun for the German edition by that time.<ref name=dubbing>{{cite web | archive-url=https://archive.today/20190224061235/http://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-A-Road-Adventure-Spiel-31112/News/Dinamic-pleite-Aus-fuer-Runaway-12619/ | url=http://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-A-Road-Adventure-Spiel-31112/News/Dinamic-pleite-Aus-fuer-Runaway-12619/ | title=Dinamic pleite - Aus für ''Runaway''? | date=October 8, 2001 | author=Staff | language=German | work=PC Games | archive-date=February 24, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> Pendulo proceeded to undertake lawsuits and engage the publisher in a legal battle for the rights,<ref name=aventuraycia /><ref name=tiscali1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071228010106/http://games.tiscali.cz/news/news.asp?id=5593 | url=http://games.tiscali.cz/news/news.asp?id=5593 | title=Těžká cesta adventury Runaway do Čech | author=Korgull | date=August 21, 2002 | work=Tiscali.cz | language=Czech | archive-date=December 28, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref> a process that lasted roughly one year.<ref name=laaventura>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071204062946/http://la-aventura.net/entrevistas/rafael-latiegui | url=http://la-aventura.net/entrevistas/rafael-latiegui | title=Entrevista a Rafael Latiegui | author=Althor | date=July 8, 2007 | work=La Aventura es la Aventura | language=Spanish | archive-date=December 4, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Adventure Gamers''{{'}} Marek Bronstring wrote that the game was "caught in limbo" during this time;<ref name=limbo>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031027112135/http://adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=148 | url=http://adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=148 | title=English version of ''Runaway'' expected Q1 2003 | author=Bronstring, Marek | date=August 23, 2002 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=October 27, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Pendulo struggled to stay solvent. Latiegui later called the period an extreme challenge, and the company had to lay off the majority of its staff to make payroll.<ref name=aventuraycia>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080204074825/http://www.aventuraycia.com/v3/entrevista.php?id=11 | url=http://www.aventuraycia.com/v3/entrevista.php?id=11 | title=Entrevista con Rafael Latiegui | author=García, Paco | date=July 2007 | work=Aventura y CÍA | language=Spanish | archive-date=February 4, 2008 | url-status=dead }}</ref> By November 2001, negotiations to release the game in Germany were ongoing and a fan petition to save ''Runaway'' had begun.<ref name=stateofthings>{{cite web | archive-url=https://archive.today/20190606002242/https://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-A-Road-Adventure-Spiel-31112/News/Runaway-der-Stand-der-Dinge-13624/ | url=https://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-A-Road-Adventure-Spiel-31112/News/Runaway-der-Stand-der-Dinge-13624/ | title=''Runaway'' - der Stand der Dinge | date=November 20, 2001 |author=Staff | work=PC Games | language=German | archive-date=June 6, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref>

===International breakthrough===
Pendulo Studios finally secured the rights to ''Runaway'' in July 2002.<ref name=tiscali1 /> The game appeared in Russia, published by Russobit-M, in early August.<ref name=russobit1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031027111926/http://adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=147| url=http://adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=147 | title=''Runaway'' in Czech republic, Russia | author=Bronstring, Marek | date=August 22, 2002 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=October 27, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=russobit2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031015005013/http://russobit-m.ru/news/arc/arc7-2002.html | url=http://russobit-m.ru/news/arc/arc7-2002.html | title=Архив Новостей за август 2002 | publisher=Russobit-M | language=Russian | date=August 2002 | archive-date=October 15, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Later that month, Pendulo announced that the German-language edition of ''Runaway'' had been revived.<ref name=germanconfirmed>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114020124/https://www.gameswelt.de/runaway/news/pendulo-studios-arbeiten-an-deutscher-version,68485 | url=https://www.gameswelt.de/runaway/news/pendulo-studios-arbeiten-an-deutscher-version,68485 | title=''Runaway'' - Deutsche Version Bestätigt | author=Simon, Tobias | language=German | date=August 26, 2002 | work=Gameswelt | archive-date=November 14, 2017 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Its publisher was revealed as [[Company:DTP Entertainment|DTP Entertainment]] in early September,<ref name=dtpconfirmed>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041026183811/http://www.pcgames.de/index.cfm?article_id=78590 | url=http://www.pcgames.de/index.cfm?article_id=78590 | title=''Runaway'' (dt.) kommt! Status, Termin + Preis | date=September 3, 2002 | author=Bringewatt, Stefan | language=German | work=PC Games | archive-date=October 26, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> by which time the game was set for a November launch across the German market: {{wipe|Germany}}, {{wipe|Switzerland}} and Austria.<ref name=germanmarket>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171115124310/https://www.gameswelt.de/runaway/news/nun-offizielle-bestaetigung-eingetroffen,68656 | url=https://www.gameswelt.de/runaway/news/nun-offizielle-bestaetigung-eingetroffen,68656 | title=''Runaway'' - Genauer termin & hardware | author=Simon, Tobias | date=September 3, 2002 | work=Gameswelt | language=German | archive-date=November 15, 2017 | url-status=live }}</ref> The German translation had been completed and its dubbing work started by mid-September.<ref name=transldub>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041119042047/http://www.pcgames.de/index.cfm?article_id=80652 | url=http://www.pcgames.de/index.cfm?article_id=80652 | title=''Runaway'': Lokalisierung fast abgeschlossen | author=Fröhlich, Petra | date=September 13, 2002 | language=German | work=PC Games | archive-date=November 19, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Retailer pre-orders in the German market quickly surpassed DTP's forecasts.<ref name=preorders>{{cite magazine | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021111144018/http://www.mcvonline.de/?article_id=80570 | url=http://www.mcvonline.de/?article_id=80570 | title=dtp: ''Runaway'' übertrifft Erwartungen | author=Sehr, Uschi | date=September 13, 2002 | magazine=MCV | language=German | archive-date=November 11, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> For the [[Social:Czech language|Czech]] edition, Pendulo signed with TOP Distributor,<ref name=tiscali1 /> the publisher that Dinamic Multimedia had originally contracted to bring ''Runaway'' to the [[Place:Czech Republic|Czech Republic]].<ref name=jeopardy /> Pendulo and TOP began their translation effort before the rights issue was resolved, via an [[Finance:Unreported employment|under-the-table]] agreement,<ref name=miniint /><ref name=tiscali1 /> and the publisher received its first Czech-language beta edition in June 2002.<ref name=topnews1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021123202505/http://www.topcd.cz/| url=http://www.topcd.cz/ | title=TOP Distributor Localisation News | author=Lévay, Martin | date=June 28, 2002 | publisher=TOP Distributor | language=Czech | archive-date=November 23, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The Czech translation took four months;<ref name=miniint>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030216123407/http://www.bonusweb.cz/pc/recenze/r/runaway.html |url=http://www.bonusweb.cz/pc/recenze/r/runaway.html | title=''Runaway'' - lepsi nez zivot, lepsi nez smrt | author=Tichacek, Petr | work=BonusWeb | language=Czech | archive-date=February 16, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> dubbing was completed in October.<ref name=dubbing2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021123202505/http://www.topcd.cz/ | url=http://www.topcd.cz/ | title=TOP Distributor Localisation News | author=Lévay, Martin | date=October 16, 2002 | language=Czech | publisher=TOP Distributor | archive-date=November 23, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Runaway''{{'}}s German and Czech versions both [[Software release life cycle#Release to manufacturing (RTM)|went gold]] in November,<ref name=czechgold>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071225051350/http://games.tiscali.cz/news/news.asp?id=6344 | url=http://games.tiscali.cz/news/news.asp?id=6344 | title=Brány Skeldalu 2 a ''Runaway'' v češtině už brzy | author=jd | date=November 21, 2002 | language=Czech | work=Tiscali.cz | archive-date=December 25, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=deutschgold>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041119044150/http://www.pcgames.de/index.cfm?article_id=91130 | url=http://www.pcgames.de/index.cfm?article_id=91130 | title=''Runaway'' (dt.) ist fertig | author=Bringewatt, Stefan | date=November 6, 2002 | work=PC Games | language=German | archive-date=November 19, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and releases followed on November 18 and in early December, respectively.<ref name=deutschdate1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030308200131/http://www.pcgames.de/?product_id=16273 | url=http://www.pcgames.de:80/?product_id=16273 | title=Spiele-DB; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | work=PC Games | language=German | archive-date=March 8, 2003 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref><ref name=czechlaunch>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824144056/http://games.tiscali.cz/news/news.asp?id=6519 | url=http://games.tiscali.cz/news/news.asp?id=6519 | title=''Demonic Speedway'', ''Runaway'' a další dema | author=jd | date=December 16, 2002 | language=Czech | work=Tiscali.cz | archive-date=August 24, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Flight of the Amazon Queen.jpg|thumb|right|DTP Entertainment and Focus Home Interactive characterized ''Runaway'' as a revival of traditional graphic adventure games—like the earlier ''Flight of the Amazon Queen'' (pictured)—that were seen at the time as a declining genre in countries such as France and Germany.]]
DTP Entertainment supported ''Runaway'' in Germany with a heavy marketing campaign that characterized the game as "the return of the classic adventure", according to the publisher's Chris Kellner.<ref name=inventoryint /> At the time, adventure games were perceived in countries such as Germany and France as a declining genre.<ref name=klassische /><ref name=klassische2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041119044403/http://www.pcgames.de/index.cfm?article_id=107902| url=http://www.pcgames.de/index.cfm?article_id=107902 | title=''Runaway'' - Adventure-Zukunft gesichert? | author=Bringewatt, Stefan | date=November 28, 2002 | language=German | work=PC Games | archive-date=November 19, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=liberation>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220075907/https://next.liberation.fr/guide/2003/04/18/a-la-poursuite-de-la-croix-indienne_462055 | url=https://next.liberation.fr/guide/2003/04/18/a-la-poursuite-de-la-croix-indienne_462055 | title=A la poursuite de la croix indienne | author=Cario, Erwan | date=April 18, 2003 | language=French | work=Libération | archive-date=February 20, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=lalibre>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220074327/https://www.lalibre.be/archive/the-westerner-focus-pc-45-51b882c4e4b0de6db9a9f645| url=https://www.lalibre.be/archive/the-westerner-focus-pc-45-51b882c4e4b0de6db9a9f645 | title=''The Westerner'' - Focus - PC - 45€ | author=Staff | date=March 6, 2004 | language=French | work=La Libre Belgique | archive-date=February 20, 2019 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''Runaway'' debuted at #9 on GfK's weekly computer game sales charts for the German market,<ref name=week5>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509140657/https://www.gameswelt.at/sonstiges-aus-der-welt-der-spiele/news/neuer-spitzenreiter-in-deutschland,70106 | url=https://www.gameswelt.at/sonstiges-aus-der-welt-der-spiele/news/neuer-spitzenreiter-in-deutschland,70106 | title=Deutsche Verkaufscharts KW 47 | author=Simon, Tobias | date=November 28, 2002 | work=Gameswelt | archive-date=May 9, 2015 | language=German | url-status=live }}</ref> and spent five consecutive months in Media Control's top 30.<ref name=gfk>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030417163812/http://www.vud.de/charts/pcg55.php3 | url=http://www.vud.de:80/charts/pcg55.php3 | title=Zeitraum: März 2003 | archive-date=April 17, 2003 | publisher=Verband der Unterhaltungssoftware Deutschland | language=German | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref> The game's sales in the German market surpassed 50,000 units within a year,<ref name=inventoryint>{{cite magazine | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813153740/http://www.justadventure.com/TheInventory/TheInventory.shtm | url=http://www.justadventure.com:80/TheInventory/TheInventory.shtm | title=The Lounge; Interview with DTP | date=November 2003 | issue=10 | magazine=The Inventory | publisher=Just Adventure | archive-date=August 13, 2006 | pages=20–23 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref> ultimately climbing to 60,000.<ref name=60k>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720222903/http://www.hamburger-wirtschaft.de/html/hw2006/artikel/08_portrait/06_04_16_dtp_entertainment.html | url=http://www.hamburger-wirtschaft.de/html/hw2006/artikel/08_portrait/06_04_16_dtp_entertainment.html | title=Die Spielemacher vom Goldbekkanal | author=Mansutti, Klaus Jürgen | date=April 2006 | work=Hamburger Wirtschaft | publisher=Hamburg Chamber of Commerce | language=German | archive-date=July 20, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> Kellner declared it "a huge success" for the publisher.<ref name=huge>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050217054231/http://www.adventuregamers.com/article/id,486/p,1 | url=http://www.adventuregamers.com:80/article/id,486/p,1 | title=dtp entertainment - Chris Kellner interview | date=February 3, 2005 | author=MacDonald, Laura | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=February 17, 2005 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref> Following ''Runaway''{{'}}s debut in Germany, Pendulo landed deals in December 2002 to release the game in three more countries: France, with [[Company:Focus Home Interactive|Focus Home Interactive]];<ref name=jeuxvideo>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030219180721/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/whatsnew.htm?20021220| url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/whatsnew.htm?20021220 | title=''Runaway'' | date=December 20, 2002 | author=Staff | work=Jeuxvideo.com | language=French | archive-date=February 19, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Poland, with [[Company:TopWare Interactive|TopWare Interactive]];<ref name=3pubs>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031008205104/http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm| url=http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | title=Francia y Polonia Se Apuntan | date=December 16, 2002 | publisher=[[Company:Pendulo Studios|Pendulo Studios]] | language=Spanish | archive-date=October 8, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and the United Kingdom, with GMX Media.<ref name=firstenglish>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031013080718/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/runawayaroadadventure/news_2901283.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/runawayaroadadventure/news_2901283.html | title=''Runaway'' gets publisher | author=Parker, Sam | date=December 9, 2002 | work=GameSpot | archive-date=October 13, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=firstenglish2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030224133835/http://www.adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=264 | url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=264 | title=''Runaway'' to be released in the UK | author=Arbour, Tom | date=December 5, 2002 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=February 24, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> All three were slated for spring 2003.<ref name=3pubs /> Like DTP, Focus Home publicly labeled ''Runaway'' "the return" of traditional graphic adventure games.<ref name=focussales>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031010184637/http://www.focus-home.com/news.php?article=82 | url=http://www.focus-home.com/news.php?article=82 | title=''Runaway'' : on vous aura prévenu ! | author=The Focus Team | date=December 20, 2002 | language=French | publisher=[[Company:Focus Home Interactive|Focus Home Interactive]] | archive-date=October 10, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The company's Cédric Lagarrigue later said that his team had "a huge desire to revive" the genre, and that they believed ''Runaway'' could do so.<ref name=tony>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041015101539/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2003/00007018.htm | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2003/00007018.htm | title=''Tony Tough'' : interview de Focus | author=Neo5000 | date=August 19, 2003 | language=French | work=Jeuxvideo.com | archive-date=October 15, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

''Runaway''{{'}}s worldwide spread continued throughout the early part of 2003.<ref name=mundo3 /> By February, Pendulo had signed contracts with Comgame 576 and FX Interactive to ship the game in Hungary and Italy, respectively.<ref name=magiar>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031008205104/http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | url=http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | title=''Runaway'' en Italiano y Magiar | date=February 4, 2003 | publisher=[[Company:Pendulo Studios|Pendulo Studios]] | language=Spanish | archive-date=October 8, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Agreements emerged in March to localize ''Runaway'' in the Netherlands, Belgium and North America—the third through [[Company:Tri Synergy|Tri Synergy]].<ref name=mundo3 /> In France, Focus Home backed the game with a large financial investment in hopes of securing a hit.<ref name=tony /> Two members of the firm Words of Magic oversaw the French translation and dub,<ref name=wom>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030803202320/http://www.runaway-lejeu.com/lejeu/lejeu_localisation.htm | url=http://www.runaway-lejeu.com/lejeu/lejeu_localisation.htm | title=Zoom sur la localisation française de ''Runaway'' | publisher=[[Company:Focus Home Interactive|Focus Home Interactive]] | language=French | archive-date=August 3, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> which included the French voice actors for Cameron Diaz, Tom Cruise and Will Smith.<ref name=frenchcast>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040508104551/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2003/00005801.htm | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2003/00005801.htm | title=Un doublage de choix pour ''Runaway'' | date=February 4, 2003 | author=Staff | work=Jeuxvideo.com | language=French | archive-date=May 8, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Words of Magic finished the localization within two months, in the process adding jokes and references specific to France, alongside new hints for certain puzzles.<ref name=wom /> ''Runaway'' appeared in France on March 21.<ref name=francerelease>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041105083545/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/0001/00010428.htm | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/0001/00010428.htm | title=''Runaway'' - PC | work=Jeuxvideo.com | language=French | archive-date=November 5, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Initial sales were strong: the game reached #3 on GfK's French charts,<ref name=francegfk1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030429122139/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/whatsnew.htm?20030416 | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/whatsnew.htm?20030416 | title=''Runaway'' fait un carton | author=Staff | date=April 16, 2003 | language=French | work=Jeuxvideo.com | archive-date=April 29, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and it remained in the top 20 through July.<ref name=gfkjuly>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041116120938/http://www2.clubic.com/actualite-9172-les-jeux-focus-se-vendent-bien.html |url=http://www2.clubic.com/actualite-9172-les-jeux-focus-se-vendent-bien.html | title=Les jeux Focus se vendent bien | date=July 22, 2003 | author=Nerces | language=French | work=Clubic | archive-date=November 16, 2004 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Runaway'' ultimately maintained a six-month streak on GfK's list.<ref name=6month>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031010171805/http://www.focus-home.com/news.php?article=113| url=http://www.focus-home.com/news.php?article=113 | title=''Runaway'', une version Collector d'exception pour finir l'année en beauté ! | date=September 8, 2003 | publisher=[[Company:Focus Home Interactive|Focus Home Interactive]] | language=French | archive-date=October 10, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Similarly, Fnac reported ''Runaway'' as its third best-selling game across all platforms during April's first half,<ref name=fnac1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060103131839/http://www.afjv.com/press0304/030417_classements.htm | url=http://www.afjv.com/press0304/030417_classements.htm | title=FNAC : Classement des 30 meilleures ventes (tous logiciels, toutes plates-formes)  | date=April 17, 2003 | language=French | publisher=Agence française pour le jeu vidéo | archive-date=January 3, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and it continued to chart in the store's top 30 through the end of May.<ref name=fnac2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060103142811/http://www.afjv.com/press0304/030430_classements.htm | url=http://www.afjv.com/press0304/030430_classements.htm | title=FNAC : Classement des 29 meilleures ventes (tous logiciels, toutes plates-formes) | date=April 30, 2003 | publisher=Agence française pour le jeu vidéo | language=French | archive-date=January 3, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=fnac3>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060103123310/http://www.afjv.com/press0305/030516_classements.htm | url=http://www.afjv.com/press0305/030516_classements.htm | title=FNAC : Classement des 29 meilleures ventes (tous logiciels, toutes plates-formes) | date=May 16, 2003 | publisher=Agence française pour le jeu vidéo | language=French | archive-date=January 3, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=fnac4>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060103125605/http://www.afjv.com/press0305/030530_classements.htm | url=http://www.afjv.com/press0305/030530_classements.htm | title=FNAC : Classement des 30 meilleures ventes (tous logiciels, toutes plates-formes) | date=May 30, 2003 | publisher=Agence française pour le jeu vidéo | language=French | archive-date=January 3, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In August, Lagarrigue called ''Runaway'' a major hit for his company.<ref name=tony />

While securing these international deals, Pendulo worked in late 2002 and early 2003 on a remastered Spanish version of ''Runaway'', this time published by FX Interactive.<ref name=newed>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040301062015/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=8960 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=8960 | title=''Runaway'' regresa con una nueva edición | author=Meix, Joan Isern | date=January 24, 2003 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=March 1, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In early 2002, the two companies had collaborated on a re-release of ''Hollywood Monsters''.<ref name=newed2 /><ref name=hollywood1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020319123712/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=5083 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=5083 | title=''Hollywood Monsters'' regresa a 4,95 euros | author=Meix, Joan Isern | date=March 6, 2002 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=March 19, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Changes to the remastered ''Runaway'' included a new box cover by Luis Royo, increased video quality, added hints for difficult puzzles, a new voice-over for Gina—redubbed by the actress who voiced Angelina Jolie in Spain—and other updates.<ref name=terra /><ref name=newed3>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111121091500/http://www.fxinteractive.com/noticias/not2003.htm | url=http://www.fxinteractive.com/noticias/not2003.htm| title=PÉNDULO STUDIOS presenta la nueva edición de ''RUNAWAY''. | date=March 13, 2003 | publisher=FX Interactive | language=Spanish | archive-date=November 21, 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Pendulo and FX announced the remastered version in January 2003.<ref name=newed2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031008205104/http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | url=http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | title=De Vuelta a Casa | date=January 23, 2003 | publisher=[[Company:Pendulo Studios|Pendulo Studios]] | language=Spanish | archive-date=October 8, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Latiegui stated that the new edition's "most important" function was to solve ''Runaway''{{'}}s ongoing supply shortage in Spain, caused by Dinamic's closure.<ref name=terra /> The remaster was soon confirmed as a part of ''El Mundo''{{'}}s 2003 "Los Mejores Videojuegos del Mundo" (MVM) collection,<ref name=mundo3>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030509194113/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=9448 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=9448 | title=''Runaway'' se internacionaliza | author=Meix, Joan Isern | date=March 12, 2003 | language=Spanish | work=MeriStation | archive-date=May 9, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=mundo1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031229043500/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=9264 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=9264 | title=FX Interactive recopila la nueva colección MVM | author=Meix, Joan Isern | date=February 24, 2003 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=December 29, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=mundo2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607060445/https://www.elmundo.es/magazine/2003/178/1045854866.html | url=https://www.elmundo.es/magazine/2003/178/1045854866.html | title=Una adicción positiva | author=Hontoria, Javier | date=February 23, 2003 | work=El Mundo | language=Spanish | archive-date=June 7, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> games that the newspaper included with its Sunday edition as optional purchases for €5 each.<ref name=mundo2 /> ''Hollywood Monsters'' had been included in the successful 2002 collection.<ref name=mundo2 /><ref name=hollywood1 /> Set for release in mid-March 2003,<ref name=bestinspain>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050507115910/https://www.elmundo.es/ariadna/2003/131/1047233880.html | url=https://www.elmundo.es/ariadna/2003/131/1047233880.html | title=Aventura a la española | author=Staff | date=March 9, 2003 | language=Spanish | work=El Mundo | archive-date=May 7, 2005 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Runaway''{{'}}s MVM edition became a hit and sold 100,000 units over the weekend.<ref name=inv12 />

While the remaster was initially exclusive to ''El Mundo''{{'}}s MVM collection,<ref name=terra>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030404063414/http://www4.terra.es/juegos/pc/avances/articulo_avances_pc/0,2075,3248%7c0,00.html | url=http://www4.terra.es/juegos/pc/avances/articulo_avances_pc/0,2075,3248%7c0,00.html | date=2003 | title=FX publica ''Runaway'' versión mejorada | author=Romero, Eric | work=Terra Juegos | language=Spanish | archive-date=April 4, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> FX Interactive chose to reissue it as part of the publisher's "Premium" budget line in mid-2003.<ref name=premium1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040328091910/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=10275| url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=10275 | title=FX Interactive lanza ''Runaway'' en edición Premium | author=Meix, Joan Isern | date=May 30, 2003 | language=Spanish | work=MeriStation | archive-date=March 28, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=premium2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205143133/http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | url=http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | title=Edición Premium en CD y DVD | date=May 29, 2003 | publisher=[[Company:Pendulo Studios|Pendulo Studios]] | language=Spanish | archive-date=December 5, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The company followed this SKU later in 2003 with the "Multiadventure" bundle, which paired ''Runaway'' with the titles ''[[Software:Traitors Gate (video game)|Traitors Gate]]'' and ''[[Software:The Longest Journey|The Longest Journey]]''.<ref name=multiaventura>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031013071103/http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=10580 | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/noticias/noticia.asp?c=GEN&n=10580 | title=FX reúne sus tres mejores aventuras gráficas | date=July 4, 2003 | author=Meix, Joan Isern | language=Spanish | work=MeriStation | archive-date=October 13, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> FX brought ''Runaway'' to Italy in May;<ref name=italydate>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031008205104/http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | url=http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | title=Ya disponible en Italia | date=May 26, 2003 | language=Spanish | publisher=[[Company:Pendulo Studios|Pendulo Studios]] | archive-date=October 8, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Latiegui characterized its early performance in the country as a "great success".<ref name=advgamersint2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030906151053/http://www.adventuregamers.com/display.php?id=269 | url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/display.php?id=269 | title=''Runaway'' Interview | author=Bronstring, Marek | date=July 20, 2003 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=September 6, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Pendulo also revealed a deal that month to localize the title in Norway, Sweden and Denmark.<ref name=scandinavia>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031008205104/http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | url=http://www.pendulostudios.com/runaway/esp_noticias.htm | title=A por el norte de Europa | date=May 23, 2003 | publisher=[[Company:Pendulo Studios|Pendulo Studios]] | language=Spanish | archive-date=October 8, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Later in the year, Focus Home announced a French relaunch of ''Runaway'' in a Collector's Edition bundle, supported by a renewed marketing campaign.<ref name=6month /> This new edition appeared in early October.<ref name=cerel>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041021043531/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2003/00007393.htm |url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2003/00007393.htm | title=''Runaway'' : l'édition collector | author=Staff | date=October 13, 2003 | work=Jeuxvideo.com | archive-date=October 21, 2004 | language=French | url-status=dead }}</ref> Despite ''Runaway''{{'}}s popularity in [[Earth:Continental Europe|continental Europe]], the title's English edition struggled to reach shelves. Evan Dickens of ''Adventure Gamers'' wrote that "the game stubbornly refused to find its way to an English translation".<ref name=advgamersrev /> GMX Media's localization in the United Kingdom was beset by delays as 2003 progressed,<ref name=gmxdelay>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030331074518/http://www.adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=359 | url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=359 | title=''Runaway'' delayed | author=Dickens, Evan | date=February 27, 2003 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=March 31, 2003 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=advgamersrev>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040203104411/http://adventuregamers.com/display.php?id=272| url=http://adventuregamers.com/display.php?id=272 | title=''Runaway'' Review | author=Dickens, Evan | date=August 27, 2003 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=February 3, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and it ultimately failed to materialize.<ref name=advgamersrev /><ref name=aventuraycia /><ref name=gmx3>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070318110757/http://www.adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=1139 | url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=1139 | title=Popular sequels secure UK distributor | author=Allin, Jack |date=February 24, 2006 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=March 18, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Tri Synergy's North American version remained without a scheduled release date by the middle of that year.<ref name=advgamersint2 /> It finally launched in the United States on August 20.<ref name=aug20>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050110212834/http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=211640 | url=http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=211640 | title=''Runaway'': US-Start | author=Bringewatt, Stefan | date=August 20, 2003 | language=German | work=PC Games | archive-date=January 10, 2005 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

By January 2004, ''Runaway'' had become an international commercial hit. At the time, ''MCV''{{'}}s Frank Mischkowski wrote that its sales totaled 400,000 units at full price and in Europe alone.<ref name=400k>{{cite magazine | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040328072325/http://www.mcvonline.de/?article_id=268141 | url=http://www.mcvonline.de/?article_id=268141 | title=Crimson Cow zieht positive Jahresbilanz | date=January 9, 2004 | author=Mischkowski, Frank | language=German | magazine=MCV | archive-date=March 28, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Ramón Hernáez noted that the game's "sales are not explosive, [but] they add up" over time.<ref name=edgeespana>{{cite journal | author=Staff | title=Una historia aventurada | pages=18, 19 | journal=Edge España | issue=16 | language=Spanish | date=2007 }}</ref> ''Runaway''{{'}}s largest markets were France and Germany, according to Latiegui. He added that it had not "done badly at all" in the United States by February 2004,<ref name=inv12>{{cite magazine | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061115201628/http://www.justadventure.com/TheInventory/TheInventory.shtm | url=http://www.justadventure.com:80/TheInventory/TheInventory.shtm | title=Interview with Pendulo | magazine=The Inventory | date=February 2004 | archive-date=November 15, 2006 | issue=12 | publisher=Just Adventure | pages=10–14 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref> where its lifetime sales at [[Finance:Brick and mortar|brick-and-mortar]] retailers reached 12,928 units by the end of the month.<ref name=randysales6>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040411223950/http://www.justadventure.com/articles/State_of_Adventure_Gaming/March2004/Dec03ret_gam.shtm | url=http://www.justadventure.com:80/articles/State_of_Adventure_Gaming/March2004/Dec03ret_gam.shtm | title=Sales December 2003 - The State of Adventure Gaming | date=March 2004 | author=Sluganski, Randy | archive-date=April 11, 2004 | work=Just Adventure | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name=randysales7>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040411164609/http://justadventure.com/articles/State_of_Adventure_Gaming/Feb04/Sales_JanFeb2004.shtm | url=http://justadventure.com:80/articles/State_of_Adventure_Gaming/Feb04/Sales_JanFeb2004.shtm | title=Total Sales for Jan/Feb 2004 | author=Staff | work=Just Adventure | archive-date=April 11, 2004 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}</ref> Conversely, Richard Moss of ''[[Ars Technica]]'' later wrote that ''Runaway'' was one of many adventure games that "barely made a mark in the US but sold well in Europe" during the late 1990s and the 2000s.<ref name=ars>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160721024206/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/01/history-of-graphic-adventures/1/ | url=http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/01/history-of-graphic-adventures/1/ | title=A truly graphic adventure: the 25-year rise and fall of a beloved genre | author=Moss, Richard | date=January 27, 2011 | work=[[Ars Technica]] | archive-date=July 21, 2016 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Runaway'' accrued roughly 500,000 global sales by March 2004,<ref name=500k>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040617184530/http://www.adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=479 | url=http://www.adventuregamers.com:80/newsitem.php?id=479 | title=''Runaway 2'' concept art | date=March 15, 2004 | author=Bronstring, Marek | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=June 17, 2004 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref> and remained DTP's best-selling adventure game by that September.<ref name=sep2004>{{cite magazine | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813153740/http://www.justadventure.com/TheInventory/TheInventory.shtm | url=http://www.justadventure.com:80/TheInventory/TheInventory.shtm | title=The Lounge; Interview with DTP | date=September 2004 | issue=17 | magazine=The Inventory | publisher=Just Adventure | archive-date=August 13, 2006 | pages=16–21 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref> In May 2006, ''GamesRadar+'' reported that ''Runaway'' had totaled 600,000 sales in Europe.<ref name=600k>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619203918/https://www.gamesradar.com/runaway-2-the-dream-of-the-turtle/ | url=https://www.gamesradar.com/runaway-2-the-dream-of-the-turtle/ | title=''Runaway 2: The Dream of the Turtle'' | date=May 2, 2006 | archive-date=June 19, 2018 | author=Cundy, Matt | work=GamesRadar+ | url-status=live }}</ref> The game and its sequel, ''[[Software:Runaway 2: The Dream of the Turtle|Runaway 2]]'', together had sold one million copies by April 2009. Of these sales, France accounted for 250,000 units.<ref name=mil>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715214734/http://www.gameblog.fr/news/8980-runaway-3-des-images-inedites | url=http://www.gameblog.fr/news/8980-runaway-3-des-images-inedites | title=''Runaway 3'' : des images inédites | date=April 23, 2009 | language=French | author=Nini, Nourdine | work=Gameblog | archive-date=July 15, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Reception==
===Spanish press===
{{Video game reviews
| MIC = 90/100<ref name=micromaniarev>{{cite journal | author=Pascual, J. A. | title=Tributo a los clásicos | date=October 2001 | journal=Micromanía | issue=79 | volume=Third Época | language=Spanish | pages=66–69 }}</ref>
| rev1 = ''MeriStation''
| rev1Score = 8.5/10<ref name=meristationrev />
| rev2 = ''GameLive PC''
| rev2Score = 8.5/10<ref name=gameliverev>{{cite journal | author=Masnou, Gerard | title=Análisis; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | date=August 2001 | language=Spanish | issue=Especial 1 | journal=GameLive PC | pages=54–56, 58, 59 }}</ref>
| rev3 = ''PC Actual''
| rev3Score = 8.4/10<ref name=pcarev>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020113193056/http://www.vnunet.es/pcactual/detalle_prod.asp?id=20010831006 | url=http://www.vnunet.es/pcactual/detalle_prod.asp?id=20010831006 | title=Juego del Mes; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | date=August 31, 2001 | work=PC Actual | language=Spanish | author=Staff | archive-date=January 13, 2002 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| rev5 = ''PC Manía''
| rev5Score = 7/10<ref name=pcmrev>{{cite journal | title=Análisis; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | volume=Second Época | issue=22 | date=October 2001 | journal=PC Manía | language=Spanish | editor=Jiménez, Marcos | page=170 }}</ref> 
}}

''Runaway'' garnered positive reviews from Spanish outlets such as ''Micromanía'',<ref name=micromaniarev /> ''MeriStation'' and ''GameLive PC'',<ref name=meristationrev /><ref name=gameliverev /> while ''PC Actual'' declared it the "Game of the Month".<ref name=pcarev /> It came in third place for ''GameLive PC''{{'}}s 2000–2001 "Best Adventure Game" prize; the editors called ''Runaway'' "an adult game, intelligent, very well structured and rich in the kinds of details that separate good craftsmanship from the rest."<ref name=gameliveaward>{{cite journal | title=Arte Digital: Los mejores juegos de la temporada | date=August 2001 | language=Spanish | issue=Especial 1 | journal=GameLive PC | pages=14–18, 20–35 }}</ref> In ''MeriStation''{{'}}s 2001 EME awards, ''Runaway'' received 14.1% of the reader vote in the "Best Adventure Game" category, which placed it third behind ''[[Software:Silent Hill 2|Silent Hill 2]]'' and ''Shenmue 2''.<ref name=2001eme>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030509225530/http://www.meristation.com/sc/losmejores/01/resultados.asp | url=http://www.meristation.com/sc/losmejores/01/resultados.asp | title=Premios Eme 2001 | date=March 18, 2002 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=May 9, 2003 }}</ref><ref name=2001eme-2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717182139/https://as.com/meristation/2002/03/18/reportajes/1016434800_036137.html | url=https://as.com/meristation/2002/03/18/reportajes/1016434800_036137.html | title=Ganadores Premios Eme 2001 | author=Rodríguez, Ismael | date=March 18, 2002 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=July 17, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref>

''Micromanía''{{'}}s J. A. Pascual called ''Runaway'' "excellent", arguing that it recaptured the spirit of LucasArts-style adventure games and disproved the prevailing wisdom that traditional adventure games were dying.<ref name=micromaniarev /> Gerard Masnou of ''GameLive PC'' and the reviewer for ''PC Actual'' similarly described ''Runaway'' as a bright spot for its genre;<ref name=pcarev /><ref name=gameliverev /> Masnou wrote that adventure game players "have a new classic to hold on to" following "a few years of drifting".<ref name=gameliverev /> ''PC Actual''{{'}}s writer went further and hailed the game as evidence, alongside releases like ''[[Software:Commandos 2: Men of Courage|Commandos 2]]'' and ''[[Software:Severance: Blade of Darkness|Severance]]'', that high-quality Spanish game development in general was resurging.<ref name=pcarev /> Alberto de Vega Luna of ''MeriStation'' continued the praise for ''Runaway'': he found it to be a rare highlight for 2D adventure games, a genre "that unfortunately is disappearing from the market." However, he felt that the game was held back from "essential" status by severe bugs at launch, which he cited as "without any doubt" ''Runaway''{{'}}s greatest flaw.<ref name=meristationrev />

Pascual found the puzzles in ''Runaway'' to be well-balanced and "perfectly logical".<ref name=micromaniarev /> Luna and Masnou concurred on the puzzles' quality, although they declared them somewhat too easy.<ref name=meristationrev /><ref name=gameliverev /> All three writers lauded ''Runaway''{{'}}s visual presentation,<ref name=meristationrev /><ref name=gameliverev /><ref name=micromaniarev /> and ''PC Actual''{{'}}s critic joined in complimenting the graphics both technically and artistically.<ref name=pcarev /> While ''PC Manía'' echoed the praise for the "spectacular" presentation, the magazine's reviewer argued that ''Runaway''{{'}}s principal character designs were overly similar to those of the ''[[Software:Broken Sword|Broken Sword]]'' series.<ref name=pcmrev /> Masnou likewise criticized this aspect of Pendulo's game: he wrote that "it looks too much like ''Broken Sword''", a problem that touched "its premise and ... its style of gameplay". In his view, it was among ''Runaway''{{'}}s primary downsides, alongside a general lack of innovation.<ref name=gameliverev /> Pascual cited the ''Broken Sword'' similarities as a positive, since he felt that ''Runaway''{{'}}s design "melt[s] the essence" of its influences together and generates "its own personality" with the result.<ref name=micromaniarev /> Despite these comparisons to ''Broken Sword'', the reviewers for ''Micromanía'', ''GameLive PC'' and ''PC Manía'' all enjoyed ''Runaway''{{'}}s story.<ref name=pcmrev /><ref name=micromaniarev /><ref name=gameliverev /> The third magazine's critic ultimately summarized ''Runaway'' as a "good title for everyone addicted to graphic adventures and, of course, for those who are just starting."<ref name=pcmrev />

===International reviews===
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 74/100<ref name=mcpc>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070726103220/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/runawayaroadadventure | url=http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/pc/runawayaroadadventure | title=''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' (pc: 2003): Reviews | work=Metacritic | archive-date=July 26, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| CGW = {{Rating|2|5}}<ref name=cgwrev>{{cite magazine |author=Jongewaard, Dana |title=Runaway: A Road Adventure |magazine=Computer Gaming World |issue=233 |date=December 2003 |page=129 }}</ref>
| GI = 7.25/10<br />7/10<ref name=girev>{{cite magazine |author1=Mason, Lisa | author2=Zoss, Jeremy |url=http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/BD4AC0FC-00B1-4FE4-A802-7C6580FD0D5C.htm |title=Runaway: A Road Adventure |magazine=Game Informer |date=November 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051118163914/http://www.gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/BD4AC0FC-00B1-4FE4-A802-7C6580FD0D5C.htm |archive-date=November 18, 2005 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| GSpot = 7.5/10<ref name=gamespotrev>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041116092419/http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/runawayaroadadventure/review.html | url=http://www.gamespot.com/pc/adventure/runawayaroadadventure/review.html | title=''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' Review for PC | author=Shoemaker, Brad | date=August 19, 2003 | work=GameSpot | archive-date=November 16, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| GStar = 84/100<ref name=gamestarrev>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041101130919/http://www.gamestar.de/magazin/tests/adventure/10750/ | url=http://www.gamestar.de/magazin/tests/adventure/10750/ | title=Tests; ''Runaway'' | date=January 2003 | author=Valtin, Georg | work=GameStar | language=German | archive-date=November 1, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| JS = 5/10<ref name=joystickrev>{{cite journal | author=Monsieur Pomme de Terre | title=Test; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | date=April 2003 | issue=147 | journal=Joystick | language=French | page=138 }}</ref>
| JXV = 18/20<ref name=jvrev>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204043936/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00002947_test.htm | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00002947_test.htm | title=Test: ''Runaway'' PC | date=March 20, 2003 | author=Jihem | work=Jeuxvideo.com | language=French | archive-date=February 4, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
| PCGUS = 51%<ref name=pcgus>{{cite magazine |author=Osborn, Chuck |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/runaway_a_road.html |title=Reviews; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' |magazine=PC Gamer US |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017235906/http://www.pcgamer.com/archives/2005/06/runaway_a_road.html |archive-date=October 17, 2006 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
| PCG = 83/100<ref name=pcgamesrev>{{cite journal | author1=Bergmann, David | author2=Wagner, Harald | title=Test; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | date=January 2003 | journal=PC Games | language=German | pages=116–119 }}</ref>
|rev3 = ''PC Action''
|rev3Score = 86%<ref name=pcaction>{{cite journal | author=Bunke, Tanja | title=Mach Gina wild! | date=December 2002 | journal=PC Action | language=German | pages=86, 87 }}</ref>
|rev6 = ''Clubic''
|rev6Score = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name=clubicrev>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041215135739/https://www.clubic.com/article-15173-1-runaway-a-road-adventure.html | url=https://www.clubic.com/article-15173-1-runaway-a-road-adventure.html | title=Test; ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | author=Nerces | date=March 26, 2003 | work=Clubic | language=French | archive-date=December 15, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
}}

In France, ''Runaway'' was named one of the four best computer games of 2003 at the Digital Awards, part of the Euro Cyber Games. Judging was handled by a panel that included representatives from SELL and the Association des producteurs d'œuvres multimédia (APOM), alongside journalists such as Daniel Ichbiah and ''Le Figaro''{{'}}s Sébastien Lubrano.<ref name=digitalawards>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050831201734/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2003/00007297.htm| url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2003/00007297.htm | title=Les premiers Digital Awards de France ! | author=Staff | date=September 29, 2003 | work=Jeuxvideo.com | language=French | archive-date=August 31, 2005 | url-status=live }}</ref> The French websites ''Jeuxvideo.com'' and ''Clubic'' praised ''Runaway''{{'}}s story, characters, music, visuals, puzzles and French localization;<ref name=clubicrev /><ref name=jvrev /> ''Clubic''{{'}}s writer also noted the game's humor as a high point.<ref name=clubicrev /> Critics from both outlets dubbed ''Runaway'' a savior of traditional adventure games, although they faulted its "pixelated"  and sometimes stiffly-animated cutscenes.<ref name=clubicrev /><ref name=jvrev /> Conversely, despite echoing ''Clubic'' and ''Jeuxvideo.com'' on the "classy" visuals and "excellent" score, the writer for France's ''Joystick'' summarized ''Runaway'' as a failure. Breaking with the others, he found the script middling and lambasted the game design as "execrable": for him, the puzzles amounted to "boring stupidity" with numerous illogical leaps.<ref name=joystickrev />

Among German players, ''Runaway'' claimed a 97% recommendation rate in ''PC Games''{{'}} reader polls. According to the magazine, the graphics and story were widely lauded by the public, although the game was criticized for its brevity.<ref name=ergebnis>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015202646/https://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-A-Road-Adventure-Spiel-31112/Specials/Feedback-Ergebnis-Runaway-A-Road-Adventure-138640/ | url=https://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-A-Road-Adventure-Spiel-31112/Specials/Feedback-Ergebnis-Runaway-A-Road-Adventure-138640/ | title=Feedback-Ergebnis: ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | date=February 20, 2003 | author=Staff | work=PC Games | language=German | archive-date=October 15, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> German critic Georg Valtin of ''GameStar'' offered ''Runaway'' a positive review,<ref name=gamestarrev /> while ''PC Games''{{'}} David Bergmann and ''PC Action''{{'}}s Tanja Bunke declared it superior to ''[[Software:Grim Fandango|Grim Fandango]]''.<ref name=pcaction /><ref name=pcgamesrev /> All three writers praised ''Runaway''{{'}}s story, humor and visuals, and cited the game as a return to form for its genre. The three similarly enjoyed the game's puzzle design,<ref name=pcaction /><ref name=pcgamesrev /><ref name=gamestarrev /> despite Bergmann's dislike for its "frustrating" pixel hunts and Valtin's criticism that certain puzzles require "guessing".<ref name=pcgamesrev /><ref name=gamestarrev /> Joining ''Jeuxvideo.com'' and ''Clubic'', Bergmann also docked ''Runaway'' points for its "pixelated, blurry" cutscene sequences.<ref name=pcgamesrev /> Nevertheless, discussing the German localization effort, both Bergmann and Valtin offered strong praise.<ref name=pcgamesrev /><ref name=gamestarrev /> Summarizing the game, Bunke hailed it as "the current non plus ultra of adventure games",<ref name=pcaction /> and Bergmann wrote that it was "undoubtedly the best adventure of the year 2002."<ref name=pcgamesrev />

''Runaway'' met with a "love-it-or-hate-it reaction upon its English release", according to Jack Allin of ''Adventure Gamers''.<ref name=polar1 /> The game's reception was "mixed or average" among the outlets surveyed by Metacritic.<ref name=mcpc /> It was panned by ''Computer Gaming World'', whose Dana Jongewaard dismissed ''Runaway'' as the "bimbo of graphic adventure games: both pretty and stupid." Despite praising its visuals and finding its voice acting and storyline adequate, she condemned the "maddening frustration" and repetition of its puzzles.<ref name=cgwrev /> Chuck Osborn of ''PC Gamer US'' followed Jongewaard on ''Runaway''{{'}}s graphics and puzzle logic, but broke with her on the plot and voice acting, the latter of which he called one of the game's worst elements. Declaring ''Runaway'' "a who's-who of point-and-click adventure-game pitfalls", Osborn denounced its use of [[Philosophy:Stereotype|stereotype]]s such as "a Japanese caricature right out of a [[Social:World War II|WWII]]-era ''Bugs Bunny'' cartoon".<ref name=pcgus /> Both writers warned all but the biggest adventure game fans to "run away" from ''Runaway''.<ref name=cgwrev /><ref name=pcgus /> By contrast, ''Game Informer'' and ''GameSpot'' characterized ''Runaway'' as a "solid", if flawed, entry in its genre.<ref name=gamespotrev /><ref name=girev /> ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Brad Shoemaker liked the story and called the visuals "a treat", but deemed the puzzles, voice acting and humor uneven.<ref name=gamespotrev /> ''Game Informer''{{'}}s Lisa Mason similarly highlighted the "stylish, clean, and fresh" visuals, and found the characters to be "great". However, with Shoemaker, she disliked the unevenness of the puzzles and voice acting. Jeremy Zoss of ''Game Informer'' summarized, "It's no ''[[Software:Day of the Tentacle|Day of the Tentacle]]'', but it'll do",<ref name=girev /> a sentiment echoed by Shoemaker.<ref name=gamespotrev />

==Legacy==
Pendulo Studios stopped creating games after Dinamic Multimedia's closure,<ref name=aventuraycia /><ref name=ongames>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317114842/http://pc.ongames.com/articulos_hollywood-monsters-2 | url=http://pc.ongames.com/articulos_hollywood-monsters-2 | title=Entrevistamos en exclusiva a Pendulo Studios | date=May 17, 2011 | author=Fernández, Mireia | work=[[Company:Softonic.com|OnGames]] |language=Spanish | archive-date=March 17, 2012 | url-status=dead }}</ref> but Rafael Latiegui said in early 2003 that the developer could recover if ''Runaway'' sold well enough. He noted that Pendulo "never stopped having development ideas so ... everything depends on the sales of ''Runaway''".<ref name=terra /> The game's hit status in Europe ultimately revived the company,<ref name=marca /> and Felipe Gómez Pinilla dubbed ''Runaway'' "a turning point for" Pendulo.<ref name=edgeespana /> It was Pendulo's global breakthrough;<ref name=pasion>{{cite journal | author=Staff | title=Retro Hobby; Pendulo Studios: Pasión por las aventuras gráficas | issue=337 | language=Spanish | journal=HobbyConsolas | date=August 2019 | pages=96, 97 }}</ref><ref name=marca /><ref name=regreso /> a writer for ''MeriStation'' called it "one of the most discussed and beloved graphic adventures by adventurers around the world."<ref name=mostnamed>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820025151/https://as.com/meristation/2005/07/01/avances/1120197600_010751.html | url=https://as.com/meristation/2005/07/01/avances/1120197600_010751.html | title=''Runaway 2'' | author=Gonza | date=July 1, 2005 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=August 20, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2018, ''MeriStation'' reported that the ''Runaway'' series remained one of the most famous Spanish game products in the [[Social:European Union|European Union]].<ref name=famoso>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180728034245/https://as.com/meristation/2018/07/27/noticias/1532671511_886578.html | url=https://as.com/meristation/2018/07/27/noticias/1532671511_886578.html | title=El videojuego más famoso desarrollado por cada país de la Unión Europa | author=Arroyo, David | date=July 27, 2018 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=July 28, 2018 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Runaway''{{'}}s success enabled Pendulo to rehire most of its layoffs from the Dinamic turmoil,<ref name=aventuraycia /> and Pendulo proceeded to become Spain's longest-running game developer by 2019.<ref name=pasion /> It has been named a major force in Spanish games,<ref name=pendulobest /><ref name=spain /><ref name=pasion /> particularly in the adventure genre.<ref name=pendulobest /><ref name=marca /><ref name=proposito>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110601022458/http://www.vandal.net/reportaje/a-proposito-de-las-aventuras-graficas | url=http://www.vandal.net/reportaje/a-proposito-de-las-aventuras-graficas | title=A Propósito de las Aventuras Gráficas | date=March 14, 2008 | author=Gómez, Julio | work=Vandal | language=Spanish | archive-date=June 1, 2011 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2015, researchers Víctor Manuel Martínez and Manuel Garin cited ''Runaway'' as the start of Pendulo's own brand of adventure games.<ref name=spain>{{cite book |editor1=Wolf, Mark J. P. | title=Video Games Around the World | date=May 2015 | publisher=MIT Press | isbn=9780262527163 | chapter=Spain |author1=Garin, Manuel |author2=Martínez, Víctor Manuel | pages=521–533 }}</ref> Pendulo's Josué Monchan similarly said that the company "found [its] voice" with the project.<ref name=monchan2014 /> Its later games reused ''Runaway''{{'}}s cartoonish aesthetic,<ref name=arte>{{cite book | author=Jiménez, Daniel González | date=May 8, 2014 | title=Arte de videojuegos. Da forma a tus sueños | language=Spanish | publisher=Ra-Ma Editorial | isbn=978-84-9964-276-5 | pages=140–149 }}</ref><ref name=joystiq /><ref name=marca /> which ''MarcaPlayer'' deemed a Pendulo "hallmark" by 2011.<ref name=marca />

{{quote box|width=32%|align=left|quote="Brian Basco's first adventure, while not without its shortcomings, showed that it was still possible for adventure games to be commercially successful, undoubtedly playing its part in convincing publishers and developers that our favorite genre had a future."|author=—Benjamin Braun, ''Adventure Gamers''<ref name=braun />}}

''Runaway''{{'}}s popularity, during a period of decline for traditional adventure games,<ref name=klassische /><ref name=gameblogbest /><ref name=ignadventurebest /> became evidence in the game industry that the genre could still succeed. Jack Allin of ''Adventure Gamers'' wrote in 2012 that ''Runaway'' "was cited as one of the games that helped catapult the genre back into an era of relative prominence."<ref name=dayone>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190626051556/https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/22157 | url=https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/22157 | title=''Day One'' - Pendulo Studios Interview | author=Allin, Jack | date=August 15, 2012 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=June 26, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> Martin Ganteföhr of [[Company:House of Tales|House of Tales]] called it "practically impossible" to interest publishers in adventure games during the early 2000s, but he argued that "charming titles like ''Runaway'' ... recaptured many hearts and minds."<ref name=klassische /> In France, Nicolas Magnier of Gaming-Side offered a similar account.<ref name=magnier1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060423034632/http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060414/cifaldi_01.shtml | url=http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20060414/cifaldi_01.shtml | title=The Connection is Made: Developer Highlights from Game Connection 2006 (Part One) | author=Cifaldi, Frank | date=April 14, 2006 | work=Gamasutra | archive-date=April 23, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=magnier2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060325205123/http://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8663 | url=http://gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=8663 | title=''Q&A'': 'GDC: Game Connection - Nicolas Magnier, Krysalide' | author=Sheffield, Brandon | date=March 23, 2006 | work=Gamasutra | archive-date=March 25, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The Hamburg Chamber of Commerce's ''Hamburger Wirtschaft'' magazine reported that ''Runaway'' revived its genre "overnight",<ref name=60k /> while a writer for ''Jeuxvideo.com'' stated that it "marked the rebirth of the genre."<ref name=runaway2rev1 /> Other publications to cite ''Runaway'' as a contributor to the reenergization of adventure games include ''La Libre Belgique'',<ref name=lalibre /> ''Gameblog'',<ref name=gameblogbest /> ''GameStar'',<ref name=gamestarrunaway2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210150011/http://gamestar.de/tests/adventure/1466585/runaway_2.html | url=http://gamestar.de/tests/adventure/1466585/runaway_2.html | title=Tests - Adventure; ''Runaway 2'' | date=December 4, 2006 | author=Schmidt, Christian | language=German | work=GameStar | archive-date=February 10, 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ''PC Games'' and ''MeriStation''.<ref name=runaway2pcgames>{{cite journal | author=Schütz, Felix | title=Test; ''Runaway 2'' | date=January 2007 | journal=PC Games | language=German | pages=120, 121 }}</ref><ref name=regreso /> The game's success inspired DTP Entertainment to reorient its business around adventure games.<ref name=ja-dtp>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050223062323/http://www.justadventure.com/Interviews/DTP/DTP.shtm | url=http://www.justadventure.com:80/Interviews/DTP/DTP.shtm | title=JA Speaks to dtp Entertainment's Chris Kellner | author=Sluganski, Randy | archive-date=February 23, 2005 | work=Just Adventure | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref>

In 2012, ''MeriStation''{{'}}s César Otero called ''Runaway'' "one of the games alongside ''Commandos'' that ... [made] it clear that Spain still possesses the talent that made us great [[Software:Golden age of Spanish software|between 1983 and 1992]]."<ref name=regreso /> ''Runaway'' has been listed as one of Spain's best games by ''HobbyConsolas'',<ref name=hobbybestspanish>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190428015336/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/mejores-juegos-espanoles-todos-tiempos-62880 | url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/mejores-juegos-espanoles-todos-tiempos-62880 | title=Los mejores juegos españoles de todos los tiempos | author=Alonso, Álvaro | date=April 24, 2017 | work=HobbyConsolas | language=Spanish | archive-date=April 28, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''IGN España'',<ref name=ignbest>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927231020/https://es.ign.com/espana/155276/feature/los-10-mejores-videojuegos-espanoles-de-la-historia | url=https://es.ign.com/espana/155276/feature/los-10-mejores-videojuegos-espanoles-de-la-historia | title=Los 10 mejores videojuegos españoles de la historia | author=Santana, Brian | date=September 11, 2019 | work=IGN España | language=Spanish | archive-date=September 27, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''GQ España'',<ref name=gq>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210806043054/https://www.revistagq.com/noticias/articulo/mejores-videojuegos-espanoles-historia | url=https://www.revistagq.com/noticias/articulo/mejores-videojuegos-espanoles-historia | title=Los mejores videojuegos españoles de la historia | author=Abadíe, Borja | date=July 29, 2021 | work=GQ España | archive-date=August 6, 2021 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''20 minutos'' and Yoigo's ''Bloygo''.<ref name=bloygo>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010020410/https://bloygo.yoigo.com/entretenimiento/Videojuegos-made-in-Spain_33905413.html | url=https://bloygo.yoigo.com/entretenimiento/Videojuegos-made-in-Spain_33905413.html | title=Videojuegos made in Spain: Los mejores videojuegos españoles | author=Staff | language=Spanish | archive-date=October 10, 2019 | work=Bloygo | date=4 March 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=20minutos>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010011931/https://www.20minutos.es/fotos/actualidad/del-pc-futbol-a-commandos-los-15-mejores-videojuegos-espanoles-de-la-historia-14413/ | url=https://www.20minutos.es/fotos/actualidad/del-pc-futbol-a-commandos-los-15-mejores-videojuegos-espanoles-de-la-historia-14413/ | title=Del ''PC Fútbol'' a ''Commandos'': los 15 mejores videojuegos españoles de la historia | date=September 3, 2018 | author=Staff | work=20 minutos | language=Spanish | archive-date=October 10, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Defconplay'' likewise cited ''Runaway'', together with its sequels, as one of Spain's five best games.<ref name=defconplay>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313143402/http://www.antena3.com/defconplay/noticias/mejores-juegos-hechos-espana_2016031000175.html | url=http://www.antena3.com/defconplay/noticias/mejores-juegos-hechos-espana_2016031000175.html | title=Los 5 mejores juegos hechos en España | author=Staff | date=March 10, 2016 | work=Defconplay | language=Spanish | archive-date=March 13, 2016 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Weighing ''Runaway''{{'}}s place globally, ''Gameblog'', ''IGN España'' and ''Xataka'' named it one of the best adventure games ever.<ref name=ignadventurebest>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111164229/http://es.ign.com/wii/64094/feature/las-mejores-aventuras-graficas-parte-ii | url=http://es.ign.com/wii/64094/feature/las-mejores-aventuras-graficas-parte-ii | title=Las mejores aventuras gráficas, parte II | author=Artero, Javiar | date=February 11, 2013 | language=Spanish | work=IGN España | archive-date=November 11, 2017 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=xataka>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711010249/https://www.xataka.com/videojuegos/17-aventuras-graficas-modernas-que-tienes-que-empezar-a-jugar-ya-si-no-lo-has-hecho-todavia | url=https://www.xataka.com/videojuegos/17-aventuras-graficas-modernas-que-tienes-que-empezar-a-jugar-ya-si-no-lo-has-hecho-todavia | title=17 aventuras gráficas modernas que tienes que empezar a jugar ya (si no lo has hecho todavía) | date=January 27, 2015 | author=González, Juan Carlos | work=Xataka | language=Spanish | archive-date=July 11, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=gameblogbest>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191010162359/http://www.gameblog.fr/dossier_1061_20-point-and-click-essentiels-de-l-histoire-du-jeu-video | url=http://www.gameblog.fr/dossier_1061_20-point-and-click-essentiels-de-l-histoire-du-jeu-video | title=20 point and click essentiels de l'Histoire du Jeu Vidéo | author=The Editors | date=April 1, 2017 | work=Gameblog | language=French | archive-date=October 10, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> At the same time, writers for ''Adventure Gamers'' and ''Hardcore Gaming 101'' have characterized ''Runaway'' as abnormally polarizing.<ref name=polar1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621001547/https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18028 | url=https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/18028 | title=''Runaway: The Dream of the Turtle'' Review | author=Allin, Jack | date=March 24, 2007 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=June 21, 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=hg101 /> Kurt Kalata of the latter publication wrote that "many proclaimed the cartoonish adventure to be a return to form ... [but o]thers found it a harrowingly shallow experience".<ref name=hg101 /> John Walker of ''Rock, Paper, Shotgun'' recalled it as "remarkably charmless, and sometimes even offensively so."<ref name=rps>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923092921/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/09/23/runaway-a-twist-of-fate/ | url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2009/09/23/runaway-a-twist-of-fate/ | title=''Runaway: A Twist Of Fate?'' | author=Walker, John |  date=September 23, 2009 | work=Rock, Paper, Shotgun | archive-date=September 23, 2009 | url-status=live }}</ref> Kalata was similarly critical.<ref name=hg101 /> In Germany, ''Runaway'' inspired the popular term "''Runaway'' Syndrome" to denote frustrating adventure game design.<ref name=syndrome2>{{cite journal | author=Staff | title=Eperten-Wissen: Point & Click-Adventures | issue=Special 1 | date=2016 | journal=Retro Gamer Germany | language=German| page=153 | issn=2194-9581 }}</ref><ref name=syndrome1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614025931/http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=444541 | url=http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=444541 | title=Vorschau: ''Runaway 2 - The Dream of the Turtle'' | date=January 23, 2006 | author=Brehme, Marc | work=PC Games | language=German | archive-date=June 14, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=runaway2pcgames /> ''Adventure Gamers'' and ''Retro Gamer Germany'' have defined ''Runaway'' Syndrome as the need to examine a hotspot multiple times to acquire an item.<ref name=syndrome2 /><ref name=monchan2014-2 /> Other sources define it as the player character's refusal to perform actions before their purpose in the plot is clear.<ref name=syndrome1 /><ref name=braun />

In February 2009, Focus Home Interactive re-released ''Runaway'' on [[Company:GOG.com|GOG.com]],<ref name=joystiq2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219173155/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/gog-in-the-machine-runaway-and-seven-kingdoms/ | url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/18/gog-in-the-machine-runaway-and-seven-kingdoms/ | title=GoG in the Machine: ''Runaway'' and ''Seven Kingdoms'' | author=McElroy, Justin |  date=February 18, 2009 | work=Joystiq | archive-date=February 19, 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref> and a [[Software:GameTap|GameTap]] version followed that June.<ref name=gametap>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008192753/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gametap-new-releases-runaway--a-road-adventure-available-to-subscribers-this-week | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/gametap-new-releases-runaway--a-road-adventure-available-to-subscribers-this-week | title=GameTap new releases | date=June 4, 2009 | publisher=GamesIndustry.biz | archive-date=October 8, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> A launch through [[Company:DotEmu|DotEmu]] arrived in September 2010.<ref name=dotemu>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008192715/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/dotemu-com-now-includes-the-works-of-focus-home-interactive--starting-with-runaway--a-road-adventure | url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/dotemu-com-now-includes-the-works-of-focus-home-interactive--starting-with-runaway--a-road-adventure | title=DotEmu.com now includes the works of Focus Home Interactive, starting with ''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' | location=Paris, France | date=September 20, 2010 | publisher=GamesIndustry.biz | archive-date=October 8, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Runaway'' had appeared on [[Company:Valve Corporation|Valve]]'s [[Software:Steam (service)|Steam]] platform by the following year.<ref name=steam>{{cite press release | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213075443/https://store.steampowered.com/news/5916/ | url=https://store.steampowered.com/news/5916/ | title=Daily Deal - ''Runaway, A Road Adventure'' 66% off! | publisher=[[Company:Valve Corporation|Valve]] | date=July 28, 2011 | archive-date=December 13, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2013, Pendulo and publisher Bulkypix announced a partnership to [[Porting|port]] ''Runaway'' to [[Software:IOS|iOS]],<ref name=port1 /> with a revamped interface to accommodate touch controls.<ref name=port2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918222419/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/5-mejores-juegos-ios-semana-53121 | url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reportajes/5-mejores-juegos-ios-semana-53121 |title=Los 5 mejores juegos de iOS de la semana | author=Hernández, David Alonso | date=June 9, 2013 | work=HobbyConsolas | language=Spanish | archive-date=September 18, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=port1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150807232646/https://es.ign.com/runaway-a-road-adventure-ipad/66600/news/runaway-a-road-adventure-llegara-en-junio-a-ios | url=https://es.ign.com/runaway-a-road-adventure-ipad/66600/news/runaway-a-road-adventure-llegara-en-junio-a-ios | title=''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' llegará en Junio a iOS | date=May 28, 2013 | author=Boris, Paz | work=IGN España | archive-date=August 7, 2015 | url-status=live }}</ref> The ''Runaway'' port was one of several iOS re-releases by Pendulo during the period, in an effort to keep the company solvent after other avenues of funding had closed. Josué Monchan compared the strategy to one that [[Company:Revolution Software|Revolution Software]] had used previously to survive.<ref name=monchan2014 /> ''Runaway'' launched on iOS that June to "mixed or average reviews", according to Metacritic,<ref name=iosmeta>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203053803/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/runaway-a-road-adventure | url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/runaway-a-road-adventure/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad | title=''Runaway: A Road Adventure'' for iPhone/iPad Reviews | archive-date=February 3, 2015 | work=Metacritic | url-status=live }}</ref> and ''HobbyConsolas'' selected it as one of the "5 Best iOS Games of the Week".<ref name=port2 />

===Sequels===
{{Multiple image|direction=vertical|align=right|image1=Runaway_2_logo.svg|image2=Runaway_3_logo.svg|caption2=Pendulo Studios followed ''Runaway'' with two sequels: ''[[Software:Runaway 2: The Dream of the Turtle|Runaway 2]]'' (2006) and ''[[Software:Runaway: A Twist of Fate|Runaway]]'' (2009).}}
Pendulo Studios began to plan a sequel to ''Runaway'' soon after the first game's international launch. Rafael Latiegui later said that the team "wanted to immediately get [into] a video game" after spending a year away, and that a sequel was the "quickest way" because of the groundwork already laid.<ref name=laaventura /> He noted that ''Runaway'' had not been developed with a sequel in mind, but that a large number of unused ideas nevertheless remained after the first game's release.<ref name=sanctuaire>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028021047/http://www.sanctuaire-aventure.net/modules/news/article.php?storyid=684 | url=http://www.sanctuaire-aventure.net/modules/news/article.php?storyid=684 | title=Interviews : Interview de Pendulo Studios | author=Staff | work=Le Sanctuaire de l'Aventure | language=French | date=November 24, 2005 | archive-date=October 28, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In January 2003, ''PC Games'' reported that ''[[Software:Runaway 2: The Dream of the Turtle|Runaway 2]]'' was under consideration and had been partly [[Storyboard|storyboard]]ed but was not yet greenlit.<ref name=runaway2rumors>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050110050855/http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=123880 | url=http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=123880 | title=''Runaway 2'' mit neuer Engine? | author=Bringewatt, Stefan | date=January 20, 2003 | work=PC Games | language=German | archive-date=January 10, 2005 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Prior to ''Runaway''{{'}}s release in France, Latiegui explained that Pendulo was waiting for the rest of the game's global returns before committing to a new title.<ref name=terra /> The first game's commercial performance, combined with the team's desire to explore ''Runaway'' further, ultimately became a key inspiration to greenlight a sequel.<ref name=aventuraycia /><ref name=laaventura />

''Runaway 2'' was first announced by DTP Entertainment in August 2003, at the Games Convention in Leipzig.<ref name=runaway2announced /> By that time, the game had passed the concepting phase and its plot was finished.<ref name=fakten>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040623014244/http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=213902 | url=http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=213902 | title=''Runaway 2'' - Fakten + Status | author=Bringewatt, Stefan | work=PC Games | date=August 25, 2003 | language=German | archive-date=June 23, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Pendulo opted to reuse the same game engine from the first title, with upgrades.<ref name=edgeespana /> The project was initially scheduled for late 2004.<ref name=runaway2announced>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040623003527/http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=212461 | url=http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=212461 | title=GC: Angekündigt: ''Runaway 2'' | author=Bringewatt, Stefan | work=PC Games | language=German | date=August 21, 2003 | archive-date=June 23, 2004 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Because of ''Runaway''{{'}}s high profits, Pendulo was able to put its own money into ''Runaway 2'',<ref name=edgeespana /> although most of the game's funding was derived from French investments.<ref name=runaway2int /> Pendulo expanded significantly, and it sought to make the sequel much larger than its predecessor; writer Josué Monchan later said that the team grew overambitious and lost direction.<ref name=monchan2014 /><ref name=monchan2014-2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003030527/https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/27798Dec | url=https://adventuregamers.com/articles/view/27798Dec | title=AdventureX 2014 - Part 2: The People | author=Brown, Steven | date=December 19, 2014 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=October 3, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> The game underwent numerous delays,<ref name=runaway2prev>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061129191131/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00006935_preview.htm | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00006935_preview.htm | title=Preview; ''Runaway 2 : The Dream Of The Turtle'' | date=October 13, 2006 | author=Jihem | work=Jeuxvideo.com | language=French | archive-date=November 29, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=delays2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061129215553/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2006/00015658.htm | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2006/00015658.htm | title=''Runaway 2'' reporté, épisode 3 | author=Staff | date=February 21, 2006 | language=French | work=Jeuxvideo.com | archive-date=November 29, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref> initially to mid-2005 and then to late 2005, spring 2006 and September 2006.<ref name=mid2005>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050901194418/http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=329703 | url=http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=329703 | title=''Runaway 2'' kommt später | author=Stolzenberg, Justin | date=August 18, 2004 | work=PC Games | language=German | archive-date=September 1, 2005 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=late2005>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060218132144/http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=375300 | url=http://www.pcgames.de/?article_id=375300 | title=''Runaway 2'' erst im 4. Quartal 2005 | author=Stolzenberg, Justin | date=May 31, 2005 | work=PC Games | language=German | archive-date=February 18, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=spring2006>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709135141/https://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-2-The-Dream-Of-The-Turtle-Spiel-31110/Downloads/Weihnachtlicher-Trailer-435700/ | url=https://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-2-The-Dream-Of-The-Turtle-Spiel-31110/Downloads/Weihnachtlicher-Trailer-435700/ | title=Weihnachtlicher Trailer | author=Stolzenberg, Justin | date=December 16, 2005 | language=German | work=PC Games | archive-date=July 9, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=sep2006>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709132221/https://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-2-The-Dream-Of-The-Turtle-Spiel-31110/News/Auf-September-verschoben-459263/ | url=https://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-2-The-Dream-Of-The-Turtle-Spiel-31110/News/Auf-September-verschoben-459263/ | title=Auf September verschoben | author=Wollner, Ralph | date=March 23, 2006 | work=PC Games | language=German | archive-date=July 9, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> First released in November 2006 as ''Runaway 2: The Dream of the Turtle'',<ref name=runaway2launch>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061130124304/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/0001/00011540.htm | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/jeux/0001/00011540.htm | title=''Runaway 2 : The Dream of the Turtle'' - PC | language=French | work=Jeuxvideo.com | archive-date=November 30, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref> the game continues the story of Brian Basco and Gina, who fall into trouble because of a plane crash during their vacation to Hawaii.<ref name=runaway2rev1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206115433/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00007057_test.htm | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00007057_test.htm | title=''Runaway 2 : The Dream Of The Turtle''; Test | author=Jihem | date=November 16, 2006 | work=Jeuxvideo.com | language=French | archive-date=December 6, 2006 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Its international launch came roughly eight months before its release in Spain.<ref name=runaway2int>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070914123126/http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_articulo.php?pic=GEN&id=cw468abbf962d69 | url=http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_articulo.php?pic=GEN&id=cw468abbf962d69 | title=Entrevista; ''Runaway 2, Sueño de Verano'' | author=Ortiz, Nacho | date=July 1, 2007 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=September 14, 2007 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The project garnered Pendulo's worst reviews to date, and Monchan later called it "a horrible game". Its poor reception led the team to take feedback into greater consideration for future titles, Monchan said, which influenced the design of the next ''Runaway'' entry.<ref name=monchan2014 />

A third ''Runaway'' game had been considered during ''Runaway 2''{{'}}s creation,<ref name=sanctuaire /> and Pendulo unofficially confirmed that it was under development in November 2006.<ref name=runaway3reveal2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090120222111/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2006/00018966-runaway-3-confirme.htm | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/news/2006/00018966-runaway-3-confirme.htm | title=''Runaway 3'' confirmé | author=Staff | date=November 29, 2006 | language=French | work=Jeuxvideo.com | archive-date=January 20, 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name=runaway3reveal1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080803002435/http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_noticia.php?pic=PC&id=cw456e0c5ab3a06&idj=5750 | url=http://www.meristation.com:80/v3/des_noticia.php?pic=PC&id=cw456e0c5ab3a06&idj=5750 | title=Pendulo confirma un futuro ''Runaway 3'' | author=Fortes, Francisco A. | date=November 29, 2006 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=August 3, 2008 | url-status=dead | access-date=November 18, 2021 }}</ref> It received an official announcement at the Games Convention in August 2007; certain outlets initially reported that ''Runaway 3'' would be set in {{wipe|Japan}} and would take place immediately after its predecessor.<ref name=runaway3confirmed1>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720132711/http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_noticia.php?id=cw46cdae7dd8b19&pic=PC&idj=cw46cdaea18a9e8&idp= | url=http://www.meristation.com/v3/des_noticia.php?id=cw46cdae7dd8b19&pic=PC&idj=cw46cdaea18a9e8&idp= | title=[GC] ''Runaway 3'' se ambientará en Japón | author=Taboada, Pablo González | date=August 23, 2007 | language=Spanish | work=MeriStation | archive-date=July 20, 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The game was first shown in February 2008 at the [[Software:Game Developers Conference|Game Developers Conference]], where its name was revealed as ''[[Software:Runaway: A Twist of Fate|Runaway]]''.<ref name=advgamersrunaway3>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306120835/http://www.adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=1626 | url=http://www.adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=1626 | title=''Runaway'' sequel's fate takes a twist | author=Allin, Jack | date=February 29, 2008 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=March 6, 2008 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Pendulo and publisher Focus Home Interactive wanted to attract series newcomers with the numberless title, and ''Jeuxvideo.com'' reported that the game was "not the direct follow-up" to ''Runaway 2'', but a relatively standalone project.<ref name=jvrunaway3prev>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305044150/http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00008693-runaway-a-twist-of-fate-preview.htm | url=http://www.jeuxvideo.com/articles/0000/00008693-runaway-a-twist-of-fate-preview.htm | title=Aperçus; ''Runaway : A Twist of Fate'' | author=Jihem | date=February 22, 2008 | work=Jeuxvideo.com | language=French | archive-date=March 5, 2008 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Monchan said that Pendulo "rethought everything" about adventure game development in hopes of avoiding the mistakes of ''Runaway 2''.<ref name=monchan2014 /> A new engine was adopted for ''A Twist of Fate'' that offered improved graphics,<ref name=newengine2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709145556/https://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-3-A-Twist-of-Fate-Spiel-31111/News/Runaway-A-Twist-of-Fate-696870/ | url=https://www.pcgames.de/Runaway-3-A-Twist-of-Fate-Spiel-31111/News/Runaway-A-Twist-of-Fate-696870/ | title=''Runaway: A Twist of Fate'': Neue Screenshots zum kommenden Adventure | author=Thöing, Sebastian | date=October 7, 2009 | language=German | work=PC Games | archive-date=July 9, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=newengine>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090919092353/http://www.gamestar.de/news/pc/adventure/pointclick/1958954/runaway_a_twist_of_fate.html | url=http://www.gamestar.de/news/pc/adventure/pointclick/1958954/runaway_a_twist_of_fate.html | title=''Runaway: A Twist of Fate''; Screenshots aus dem Adventure | date=September 11, 2009 | author=Linken, Andre | work=GameStar | language=German | archive-date=September 19, 2009 | url-status=dead }}</ref> although the game retained a pre-rendered 2D visual style.<ref name=braun>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206231948/http://adventuregamers.com/article/id,1074 | url=http://adventuregamers.com/article/id,1074 | title=Archived Preview: ''Runaway: A Twist of Fate'' | author=Braun, Benjamin | date=September 30, 2009 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=December 6, 2010 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Unlike the first two ''Runaway'' entries, the game features Gina as a playable character alongside Brian.<ref name=runaway3rev2>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618002637/https://as.com/meristation/2010/03/24/analisis/1269414000_019277.html | url=https://as.com/meristation/2010/03/24/analisis/1269414000_019277.html | title=Una oda a los clásicos | author=García, Roberto | date=March 24, 2010 | work=MeriStation | language=Spanish | archive-date=June 18, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> ''A Twist of Fate'' was first released internationally in November 2009;<ref name=runaway3launch3>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206232037/http://adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=2016 | url=http://adventuregamers.com/newsitem.php?id=2016 | title=''Runaway 3'' takes off early at Adventure Shop | author=Allin, Jack | date=November 26, 2009 | work=Adventure Gamers | archive-date=December 6, 2010 | url-status=dead }}</ref> its Spanish version, again delayed, launched in early 2010.<ref name=runaway3rev2 />

The three ''Runaway'' games totaled 1.5 million units sold worldwide by 2010.<ref name=15million>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820034148/https://sevilla.abc.es/videos-cultura/20100325/esta-aqui-runaway-twist-592540443001.html | url=https://sevilla.abc.es/videos-cultura/20100325/esta-aqui-runaway-twist-592540443001.html | title=Ya esta aqui Runaway: A Twist of Fate, una saga que ha vendido 1,5 millones de copias en todo el mundo | author=Staff | work=ABC | date=March 25, 2010 | language=Spanish | archive-date=August 20, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> Despite retaining ideas for further sequels, Pendulo opted to temporarily retire the ''Runaway'' franchise after ''A Twist of Fate''. Latiegui explained in 2011, "After almost a decade with the saga, we needed a break."<ref name=ongames /> The team reported that it was particularly tired of Brian as a character.<ref name=vida>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707041950/https://www.vidaextra.com/entrevistas/hollywood-monsters-2-entrevista-a-pendulo-studios | url=https://www.vidaextra.com/entrevistas/hollywood-monsters-2-entrevista-a-pendulo-studios | title={{'}}''Los Sims'' han mordido el polvo frente a ''Hollywood Monsters 2''{{'}}: entrevista a Pendulo Studios | date=July 4, 2011 | language=Spanish | author=Marquez, Rubén | work=VidaExtra | archive-date=July 7, 2011 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=advcorner>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120625063841/https://www.adventurecorner.de/pages/486/interview-with-pendulo-studios-englisch | url=https://www.adventurecorner.de/pages/486/interview-with-pendulo-studios-englisch | title=Interview with Pendulo Studios (Englisch) | author=Team Adventure Corner | date=May 21, 2012 | work=Adventure Corner | archive-date=June 25, 2012 | url-status=live }}</ref> Nevertheless, Pendulo undertook a ''Runaway'' spin-off the following year, under the name ''[[Software:Hidden Runaway|Hidden Runaway]]''.<ref name=hobbyconsolas>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026065557/https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-point-and-click-hidden-runaway-45798 | url=https://www.hobbyconsolas.com/reviews/analisis-point-and-click-hidden-runaway-45798 | title=Análisis point and click de ''Hidden Runaway'' | author=Hernández, David Alonso | date=November 28, 2012 | language=Spanish | work=HobbyConsolas | archive-date=October 26, 2017 | url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike Pendulo's earlier work, ''Hidden Runaway'' is a [[Software:Puzzle video game#Hidden object game|hidden object game]] aimed at [[Software:Gamer|casual players]].<ref name=advcorner /> Released for [[Software:IOS|iOS]] devices in October 2012,<ref name=hiddenrunawaylaunch>{{cite web | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709224638/https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/74324/hidden-runaway-lo-nuevo-de-pendulo-ya-disponible-en-la-app-store/ | url=https://vandal.elespanol.com/noticia/74324/hidden-runaway-lo-nuevo-de-pendulo-ya-disponible-en-la-app-store/ | title=Hidden Runaway, lo nuevo de Pendulo, ya disponible en la App Store | date=October 20, 2012 | language=Spanish | work=Vandal | archive-date=July 9, 2019 | url-status=live }}</ref> the game was a commercial flop.<ref name=monchan2014 />

==See also==
*''[[Software:Escape from Monkey Island|Escape from Monkey Island]]''
*''[[Software:Syberia|Syberia]]''
*''The Black Mirror''
*''[[Software:The Westerner (video game)|The Westerner]]''

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [http://www.runaway-thegame.com Official ''Runaway'' website]
*{{moby game|id=/runaway-a-road-adventure}}


[[Category:Adventure games]]
[[Category:IOS games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Single-player video games]]

{{Sourceattribution|Runaway: A Road Adventure}}