Review: Little Runner
by Matt Fox
November 29, 2009
Overview
Little Runner has a very simple concept, keep the little alien guy running at all costs. Sounds easy, right? It's a lot harder than it than you'd think, but that doesn't stop the game from being extremely addictive and entertaining. How long can you keep him running?
Features
The main feature included here revolves around the game's control scheme. Using your fingertips, you must clear a path for the little runner by swiping and tapping your finger onto the screen at different times. Tap boulders to break them, swipe your finger around the fire to blow it out, flick your finger up or down to move the platforms, etc.
The game also includes hand-drawn art/graphics, a soundtrack by Shanghai MFA, as well as a highscore feature. There is also a Doodle Jump Easter Egg that can be unlocked by changing your user name and finding the spaceship. Exactly what to do, well..you're just going to have to figure that out by yourself. It's no fun if I tell you. (Or you can just go look at the app's main page in iTunes and it will tell you, but where's the fun it that?)
Breakdown
The Good:
I really enjoyed just about everything this game has to offer. The graphics and little cut scenes between levels are great, the music fits perfectly, and the controls are very simple and easy to use. The game moves pretty quickly and things get a lot harder as you progress through the levels, which really makes this app very addictive and just plain fun.
The Bad:
I read that a lot of users are having an issue with lag and the game just plain not working at all. Mostly this issue seems to stem from 3G users. I myself have a 3G and I have ten pages of applications on my phone. Needless to say my phone is not as fast as it used to be and I had no issue with this game running on my phone.
So, I'm not sure what the issue with that is? For me, the game played great. My only issue with the game is when you move the platforms up or down, there is a very slight delay between when you touch the screen and the platforms actually move. It's really not much, but if you're not quick the little runner will smash into them. Is this a big deal? Not really. It just makes the gameplay harder, but addictive at the same time.
The Verdict
This is a great looking, sounding, and entertaining game. I really had a lot of fun with this one and it's perfect for anyone that's looking for something to just pick up and start playing on the go. It's only $0.99 and if your still not convinced, try out the FREE version first before paying the full price.