Review: Pig Rush - Pig Canabalt or Something More?
by Staff Writer
February 27, 2010
Update
Pig Rush has been updated numerous times, but the 1.4 update finally added enough to warrant a ratings change. The update adds unlockable themes so you can Pig Rush with Halloween, Christmas, 8-Bit mode and more. Game Center was also added providing online high scores and achievements.
There are six new themes total, and the first three you can unlock based on distance traveled in the game, but the last three are only available via in-app purchase. The game's replay was the biggest problem when we first reviewed it, but with the new themes and online connectivity it really improves that category. The game is fun casual endless with multiple power-ups and obstacles as well as actual levels as you're running, and so many platforms to jump across.
There is a freshness to the app when you play with the Halloween theme, and there's incentive to keep going to better you score, and earn enough to unlock the next theme and achievements. Pig Rush moves from worth considering to a should buy for only $0.99 after the 1.4 update.
Overview
In Pig Rush you help a pig named Jumpy escape from the farm, and run as long as possible. The game could be called pig canabalt where your character runs automatically, and you tap to jump. As you progress obstacles appear, the platform gaps become bigger, and they even shift.
Features
You tap high to jump high, and low to jump low, and you can even double tap for double jump to help in certain situations. As you're running you will come across fire that you need to jump over, or collect the fire hat to protect you. Another included power-up is XL size which enlarges the pig to run through fire, and over gaps.The Good
The pig is absolutely adorable, and it's such a joy to see his little legs running. The entire game has a nice design with 2.5D graphics giving you platforms with a 3D perspective, and the pig and background items in 2D. The included soundtrack has a guitar surfer theme that is mellow to listen to as you leap forward.
The gameplay is the main component of any game, and Pig Rush has the addictive simplicity of any game in the genre. The added fire hazard, as well as the two power-ups help change the gameplay a little, and give you some challenge. The real addition that sets the gameplay apart from others is the ability to change your jump based on where you tap, and do a double jump.
Once you reach level six the big power-up appears which is major fun, and then after that the challenge increases. The platforms begin to move up/down and left/right at which time you will really need to care about where you tap, and whether or not to evoke a double jump.
The game is tons of fun to just keep playing with the just one more mentality. Online high scores are included for daily, weekly, and all time scores with a table of the top 50. The scores are basic, but help a little, and stats are recorded too. A new updated feature is having bees on the course indicating other players high scores. You can also jump into those bees for bonus points.
