App review: Temple Run 2

Temple Run 2 is a running game that has you swiping to keep away from a killer monkey while avoiding obstacles

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The original Temple Run offered a simple yet addictive concept: swipe for your life, and use a series of boosts to keep you alive a little longer. With Temple Run 2, Imangi Studios has been able to resurrect the same experience through a more graphically appealing sequel.

Pros

  • Graphics overhaul
  • Versatile environment
  • More obstacles

Cons

  • Fewer characters than before
  • Inconvenient pause button location

Bottom Line

If Temple Run tickled your fancy, this second instalment will no doubt end up consuming much of your time. It restores the same addictive concept through a much more visually pleasing game.

Would you buy this?

  • Price

    Free (AUD)

As soon as Temple Run 2 is launched, the aesthetic difference is evident. The whole 1998 feel is gone; the entire design is smoother and more vibrant. Edges are far less rigid, and there is a lot more colour going on.

The smoothness extends to the gameplay, from the movement of the character (the way he/she runs, jumps, and so on), to the look of the environment and the experience of running through (or past) it.

The key improvement over the last game is the world/level. While Temple Run provided scenery changes, the game was flat. Imangi has not only added hills and dips, but boosted the experience with side-winding roads and an abundance of extra obstacles, including zip-lines, rivers, and (probably my favourite) the rail cart. Oh, and there’s a bigger monster chasing after you.

The Temple Run 2 'Store' is much the same as the original's. There is a list of bonuses available, each which can be upgraded up to five times to grant a greater benefit. Coins collected while playing the game are used to pay for these upgrades. When it comes to special powers, some are unlocked when reaching a certain level, whereas others can only be attained by purchasing different characters. Guy Dangerous is the default protagonist, with three others on offer.

Levelling up is achieved by completing objectives. Three are listed for each run, and you only get new ones once you have completed those on offer.

While playing Temple Run 2, one downside I noticed is the position of the pause button. I understand it is there for quick access to avoid unwanted deaths when requiring an emergency pause, but it does get in the way. I found myself accidentally hitting the button with my palm on numerous occasions. This may be because I use a Galaxy Note II, or due to my grip. Housing it at the top seems ideal, though.

Developer: Imangi Studios
Version: 1.0.1 (Android)
Size: 32MB
Cost: Free
Reviewed on: Samsung Galaxy Note II

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