Developer: Imangi Studios

Release Date: 3/30/2012

Rating: Everyone

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All these “running” games have flooded the mobile market, but they all feel the same. Temple Run is the first to try something different, and is actually really fun thanks to one thing: It’s in 3D. Side scroller running games only allow up and down movement, but Temple Run allows left and right, plus the game is more fun and exciting in 3D when you can see everything coming at you. The game also uses the phone’s gyroscope to make your character move left and right, and a quick swipe left and right allows you to turn. Swiping up and down allows you to slide and jump, but there are quite a few obstacles to avoid.

Obstacles range from tree roots, fire, gaps, vines, you name it. You can collect coins like in other running games, but in this one, you can actually spend the damn things. Upgrades range from multiplier increases, boosts, and even a magnet power-up for collecting coins. You can buy characters, one-time-use items, and even wallpapers (coming soon). This is a running game downright, and others should follow in the path of Temple Run. The graphics are pretty decent as well with a nice jungle setting so it makes it have an Indiana Jones vibe.

There’s obviously no story which is just fine for these types of games, but running games are only good in short bursts and Temple Run is no exception. Beating high scores get addictive, but overall, the new depth is just a welcome to the tired running game lineup. This is all wrapped into a sweet free package, and people with larger screens have the advantage of seeing further ahead than people with smaller phones. Temple Run is a really fun game that all mobile gamers should have.