The original Temple Run set the standard for what a free game app should be, and its overall downloads total in the millions. That's a tough act to follow, but Imangi Studios has attempted such a feat with Temple Run 2. Does this sequel manage to top the original? Absolutely! Read on to find out why!
Complex and Addictive Gameplay:
The gameplay in Temple Run 2 seems simple enough. Run, run, run! However, a wide variety of obstacles complicate this simplistic gameplay, making the game much more exciting and challenging. Blazing fire, low-hanging branches or wood beams, gaping chasms, sweeping waterfalls, sudden drops and thrilling zip-lines must be navigated with speed and precision.
In addition to running, players control minecarts in certain sections of the game. Instead of swiping the touchscreen, the minecarts are controlled by tilting the actual device right or left. Some sections of the track are missing as well, requiring players to lean heavily and balance on the one remaining track. It's thrilling!
Once the mines have been traversed, it's back to running once again. This varied gameplay gives the game a steady sense of progression while staving off monotony. The longer you run, the faster the game moves. At its fastest, Temple Run 2 is a lightning fast test of reflexes as you lean, swipe and tap to keep the runner alive. Who knew running could be so much fun?
Beautiful Graphics:
The graphics have received a massive overhaul in this game. Everything looks crystal clear and stunning, with vibrant colors and great detailing. Fire, water, wood and stone look realistic, and the beautiful sky is perpetually on the brink of sunset. It is truly lovely to behold.
The tracks are actually quite narrow, but it feels like this game takes place in a wide open area. This sense of space really adds to the enjoyment of the game. It never feels cramped or claustrophobic. Amazingly, all this extra graphical load doesn't slow the game down a bit. Temple Run 2 is always snappy and responsive, which is essential for a speedy game of reflexes. Very nice!
Characters Feature Unique Running Styles:
In the original Temple Run, unlockable characters were for looks only. Not so in Temple Run 2. Each character has their own unique running speed and style, and this makes collecting the characters a more worthwhile experience. This is a huge improvement over the first game.
Loads of Upgrades:
There are rows of coins all over the track, and collecting them enables players to buy characters and abilities in the shop.
Abilities:
Upgrading abilities increases the power and usefulness of various character powerups available during gameplay.
Shield - Offers significant protection for a limited period of time. Protects against all obstacles, but is no match against Mega Monkey or falling off cliffs.
Coin Bonus - Instant coins.
Boost - Gives runners a burst of speed. Players are temporarily protected from danger while the power is activated.
Score Bonus - 500 point bonus once meter is filled.
Coin Magnet - Draws coins to the player automatically.
Gem Bonus - Grants players two gems automatically.
In addition to coins, the occasional gem will be found on the track. The gems are more rare and valuable than the coins, and they may be spent on the following items:
Save Me - Instant lifesaver. Price increases depending on how many are purchased at a time.
Powerup Upgrades - Powerups are made available by completing certain objectives in the game. Once they are usable, these powerups may be upgraded with gems. The upgrades are temporary in nature, and they only last for one round. This keeps the difficulty level up, and it also entices players to purchase additional gems.
Objectives and Leveling Up
The game offers players the opportunity to earn special achievements during gameplay. These objectives vary in type and difficulty, but all give players significant rewards for their trouble. This expands the scope of the game considerably and increases overall replay value.
As players work their way through the objectives list, XP is earned. Filling the XP bar all the way equals a level up, and leveling up unlocks new abilities or rewards. The level system gives players something to work for as they play the game.
Easily Share Scores
One of the most enjoyable things about gaming is beating the high scores of your friends. Temple Run 2 makes it easy to flaunt your high score with easy to use sharing options built right into the app.
Overwhelming at Times
There is so much jumping, dodging, turning, sliding and ducking in Temple Run 2 that it can get overwhelming, especially at higher speeds. Having greater variation in the environment is a refreshing change for the most part, but there are moments when it just feels like too much. Those who loved the mindless running gameplay of the original might be disappointed in the sequel, because this new game always requires some sort of thought. Fortunately, Temple Run 2 is more exciting than its predecessor, more than compensating for any added complexity.
No New Plot:
Temple Run 2 has the same plot as the original game, which is basically no plot at all. You've dared to steal a mystical idol, and your only chance for survival is to outrun the guardian of the artifact.
This time around, runners are chased by a single monkey rather than an entire horde. This is not a downgrade, because this monkey is about 100 times scarier than all the original demon monkeys put together. Having the grotesquely muscled primate running right behind your character is good incentive to never bump into anything again, especially since the monkey takes up a large portion of the screen.
Being an endless running game, this title doesn't really need much of a plot. Most players will be too busy running from the creepy monkey to notice the fact that the game doesn't have an in-depth story line.
Conclusion:
This is the kind of game that appeals to players of all ages and persuasions. Running from danger is something people are hardwired to do, and this game taps into that instinct quite successfully. The game is exciting, challenging, fast and fun. Temple Run 2 scores an 8.5. It's a must play for anyone with a capable device.
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