Inside Review: Temple Run 2 - Free

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We have all been there. Sitting at home on our sofas, in our beds right before we fall asleep, or even the occasional ‘I can’t resist, JUST this once’ at work or school. We have all then proceeded to break out our apple devices, telling ourselves that “One game couldn’t hurt,” and then proceeded to… play exactly more than one game of Temple Run.

As one of the most downloaded apps on the Apple Store, Temple Run has always been a hit with people of any age and ethnicity, interest and tech-savviness. It comes to no surprise that the recent launch of Temple Run 2 has attained similar popularity, if not even greater, as people become readdicted to frantically flicking their thumbs across the screen and sitting on the edge of their seats as they narrowly miss falling into crevices or being eaten by a giant monkey monster.

Gameplay:

Temple Run 2 keeps much of the same formula that the first Temple Run does. Try to keep your distance from the giant monster chasing you by jumping over gaps and turning around sharp corners, while tilting your device to pick up coins and power ups as you go. However, Temple Run 2 also introduces quite a bit of new features, with the most noticeable one being that the road curves as you run now. Rather than running in a straight line, you will constantly have to look ahead now to determine whether the road curves, or there really is a sharp turn there. This adds a bit of a challenge to runs, especially when you reach a higher and higher score and the game begins to pick up the pace. Another new feature added is the introduction of zip lines, where users must jump and grasp the zip line. However, the zip line portions are often very short, and are merely the same as running normally.

However, the biggest addition to Temple Run 2 is the introduction of the mine cart section. In this portion, users are not allowed to jump or swipe, save for the occasional downward swipe for ducking. Instead, the gameplay of this part revolves around tilting your device to select a path at an intersection, collect coins, and survive broken tracks. Getting used to the mine cart controls may seem difficult at first, but overall this section provides a nice change from the usual running. Despite the mine cart section being a good addition, it would have been nice to see more varied gameplay, or even an elaboration on the zip lining.

Mine carts and snaking paths, oh my!

Rating: 4/5 – Although Temple Run 2 features new improvements such as zip lines or mine carts, gameplay felt more or less the same as the first Temple Run and thus felt somewhat limited.

Visuals:

Oh, the visuals. If the visuals in Temple Run were like that chocolate chip cookie that you couldn’t resist eating, then the graphics in Temple Run 2 are like a chocolate chip cookie dough sundae with chocolate and caramel drizzle on top. The scenery in Temple Run 2 is absolutely beautiful – from the floating islands to the lush jungles to the ruins and waterfalls, Temple Run 2 is a feast for your eyes. Every visual aspect has been improved from the last game, including the main menu and even the look of the power ups. I’d say it’s even on par with apps like Infinity Blade 2 or Soul Caliber, some of the best looking apps on the market.

Temple Run 1.0

Temple Run 2.0

Rating: 5/5 – Simply stunning surroundings and a visual upgrade that leaves the original Temple Run in the dust, Temple Run 2’s graphics are a sight to behold.

Replayability:

Temple Run 2 is seriously, very addicting. I’ve already played fifty games and I’ve only had the app for a week. That’s all that needs to be said.

Rating: 5/5 – Soon, you’ll also be saying “just one more run,” like it was your motto.

Overall:

Temple Run 2 provides a nice upgrade from the original, while still keeping true to the Temple Run theme that we have come to love so much.  However, that being said, it wouldn’t have hurt to introduce a few more new concepts, taking into consideration how long it took for the company to produce the second game.

Rating: 4.5/5 – Although Temple Run 2 features new improvements such as zip lines or mine carts, gameplay felt more or less the same as the first Temple Run and thus felt somewhat limited. All in all, an amazing app if you’re looking for hours of fun.