The concept of an endless runner is simple. You run until you die.
Despite its simplicity, endless running games are among the most
ubiquitous and popular games in the App Store. This App Guide looks not
only at "runners" in the strictest sense, but also at games which
capture the spirit of the endless runner. These include games with other
types of endless motion, as well as endlessness in dimensions other
than the horizontal.
Jetpack Joyride
by Halfbrick Studios
Jetpack Joyride, starring the versatile Barry Steakfries, is one of
the most popular games around, and it has been for some time. The game
was already among the best of its kind, but it refuses to sit on its
laurels. Recent updates have brought interesting gizmos and gadgets,
such as a robot dog friend for Barry. What makes the game so good is
that it is simple in its gameplay, yet also diverse. Power-ups make the
game interesting. Missions keep the game challenging. Unlocking all the
available content? Well, it's addicting. I have logged more hours on
Jetpack Joyride than any other iOS game.
Temple Run 2
by Imangi Studios, LLC
Following its predecessor Temple Run, Temple Run 2 was a success as
soon as it entered the App Store. In just eight hours, the game made
its way to the number one spot in the Top Free Apps. If you are a fan of
the original Temple Run, then you are in for a treat. This sequel
delivers with better graphics and more challenging game-play. Power-ups,
utilities, and controls remain the same. A handful of the characters are
back as well. If you haven't grabbed this game yet then you're missing
out. I personally believe it is more fun than the original!
Subway Surfers
by Kiloo
Subway Surfers combines some of the best elements of both Temple
Run and Jetpack Joyride. Like Temple Run, it is a delightful 3-D runner
with excellent graphics and tight swipe control. It also borrows from
Jetpack Joyride's model of listing three missions at a time. The game is
highly enjoyable and also free!
Agent Dash
by Full Fat
If you love Temple Run but want a change of scenery, then I suggest
you download Agent Dash. The game operates almost exactly like Temple
Run with swipe and tilt controls. Jump over and slide under obstacles
that include barrels of toxic water, laser beams, and trees. And don't
forget to cling to a random side by tilting your device so that you
don't fall into the lava! With the gems you collect, you can unlock
gadgets, power ups, and more quirky characters! With the fun graphics
and entertaining gameplay, Agent Dash has landed itself a spot in the
essential section of our guide
TheEndApp
by Goroid
Tired of collecting coins and gems? Try your hand at collecting
duct tape in TheEndApp instead. This game is similar to Temple Run and
Agent Dash yet slightly different. The first difference is the setting.
TheEndApp seems to take place in a post-apocalyptic world. Your
obstacles in this game include fire, lava, and vehicles that are no
longer on their wheels. The second difference is that this game offers
you the option of playing a mission mode or to go free running. And last,
but not least, you are given a health bar, allowing you to hit small
obstacles without being fatal. This game is also free with the option to
buy coins and is available on both iPhone and iPad.
PITFALL!™
by Activision Publishing, Inc.
If you remember the Atari, then you more than likely remember the
hit game Pitfall! Activation has been kind enough to bring this title
back from the past as an endless running game. The gameplay is similar
to Temple Run, but the graphics give you a retro feeling. This is neat
because it seems to pay homage to the original Atari game. The camera
angles also tend to shift from the over-the-shoulder view to a landscape
view much like Jetpack Joyride.
Into the Dead
by PikPok
Into The Dead is a game that forces you to do just that: run into
the dead. While I love intricate zombie games, a simple one like this
can be just as intense and satisfying. The game begins with your
character looking at a helicopter crash. I can only assume that your
character was in the helicopter as you turn around quickly and start
running. The graphics are realistic and the sound effects are
hair-raising. You can easily change the controls in options. Choose
between tilt-control, left and right touch, and a thumb-stick on either
side of your screen. The missions and mini goals are aplenty and you can
also challenge your friends to beat your high score. This game is
available for both iPhone and iPad. The only downside that keeps this
app from being an essential is the fact that a pop-up ad comes up
randomly and there isn't a way to upgrade to an ad-free version.
Run'n'Gun
by Gaijin Entertainment
Run'n'Gun is one of the newest titles to come to the endless runner
scene. The game has a very fairy tale feel to it and that's not a bad
thing. It plays just like Temple Run and Agent Dash except for one
thing: you shoot goblin thieves as you run. Each hit forces the goblin
to drop a gold coin. Collect these gold coins to unlock equipment,
upgrades, and characters. This is, in fact, a tilt game. It is free in
the App Store and is available for both iPhone and iPad.
One Epic Knight
by Simutronics Corp
I love RPGs so I suppose it's only right that I love One Epic
Knight. Not to mention that the graphics are pleasing and the audio is
hilarious. In this endless runner, you barge through the doors of a
dungeon and, of course, avoid the obstacles. Those obstacles are
anything from traps to goblin enemies. There is even a cube of Jello
that can block your path, which never fails to make me laugh. A unique
thing about this game is that it doesn't contain the traditional power
ups. There are random shields and swords throughout the dungeon that are
made to withstand the obstacle or foe in your way. In order to control
your knight, you need to swipe left or right. I wish this game offered
tilt controls because swiping just doesn't feel comfortable for an
endless runner at times.Escape from Age of Monsters HD
by Ayopa Games LLC
Because endless runners are rather repetitive in nature, it often
takes an extra helping of personality to set an endless running game
apart. Personality is this game's greatest asset. The gameplay is
nothing groundbreaking. You possess a red gauntlet and a blue gauntlet.
If you face red colored opposition, you tap on the left side of the
screen. For blue obstacles, you tap on the right side. With its quirky,
yet excellent graphics and its electric guitar-driven music, Escape from
Age of Monsters gets the adrenaline pumping. I recommend the game,
although I realize that part of the appeal comes from the fact that I am
a sucker for good packaging. The game is good, but also has really good
packaging. It also has a separate iPhone version.
Punch Quest
by Rocketcat Games
Infinity Run 3D
by IntenseGames Limited
In Infinity Run 3D, it is your duty to save the Mashuran Empire. This game reminds me slightly of One Epic Knight because it does have an RPG influence. It just isn't quirky. It also has the same gaming fundamentals and controls of Temple Run, but it doesn't have the same feel. In fact, I don't think the reaction from swiping is timely enough. It seems a bit late. This game is addicting and fun, but because it is broken down into levels, I can't say that it is a true endless runner.
Rush City
by Acceleroto
The games so far have featured unicorns, monsters, and monstrous
temple protectors, among other things. It was only a matter of time
before we got to little green aliens. In a vacuum, Rush City is a very
good representative of endless runners. It's got the key components of
accessibility, personality, and fun. It just doesn't offer as much as
some of the other games on this list. That's not so much an indictment
on Rush City as it is a commentary to the quality of endless running
games available. I personally could kill a decent amount of time with
this game. And I did.
Zombie Tsunami
by Mobigame
There is a current obsession with zombie games. This endless runner offers something the above games do not; you can add to your number of runners. Every person you eat becomes a zombie groupie that helps you create even more carnage. It's quite entertaining to try to grow your horde. If you're looking for a zombie-themed endless runner, this is the one to get.
Whale Trail
by ustwo™
Whale Trail is unique among all the games on this list in the sense
that it features no concept of ground at all; even the bird in Tiny
Wings needs to touch down once in awhile. Whale Trail is a pure example
of an "endless flyer," which is an interesting concept, given that the
subject is a giant whale. Recent updates have introduced a "freemium"
model to the game, which has resulted in a good number of negative
reviews. I feel like the game has become more difficult and has lost
some of its previous charm. However, the update did bring new costumes,
characters, and wallpapers. The game may not be as good as it was, but
is still worth mentioning.
Duckers
by Retro Dreamer
We've looked at endless runners and even an endless flyer. This adorable game takes us into the realm of the endless miner. You trace digging paths, while circumventing obstacles. There are special items to find and power-ups to collect. This game is going to be successful, not only for its gameplay, but because it is extremely cute.
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