Future Fosstek: App of The Week: Temple Run 2 for Android

As the title mentions, our App of The Week for the Week of February 23rd, 2013 is Temple Run 2. Let's be honest, if you have a Android or an iPhone, then you have probably at least heard of or even seen the original Temple Run. The original Temple Run became somewhat of a staple of mobile gaming. Along with the likes of Angry Birds, Jetpack Joyride, and numerous others. Either way, the original was an awesome game (albeit, rather frustrating at times; but still awesome).

If you happened to have played the original Temple Run then you pretty much know the ropes of the gameplay. Basic controls involve swiping the screen in order to make your runner avoid obstacles or make turns all while you are running from the likes of a crazed monkey. As the game opens, you see a nice 3D fly in of the ornate opening of a cave where an idol hovers in the cave's opening. You tap the screen to play, and that is when we are introduced to our runner. Who comes running out of the cave's opening and picks up the idol and starts running. You catch a shot of the giant monkey that is pursuing your runner. From there the game's camera positions itself behind your runner and you start out on your high speed adventure.

What's new in Temple Run 2?

Temple Run 2 brings several new elements to the game. All of which makes the game much more involved and in my opinion, brings a welcomed new environment to the Temple Run series. The environments from the original game were somewhat dark and gloomy looking; which, don't get me wrong served, to set the mood of the game. But still the newer, brighter environments just look awesome.

The environments aren't the only improvements that Imangi Studios brought to the table though. Where the original game succeeded in guiding players through a running, jumping, and sliding crazed run while collecting coins and power-ups; the sequel also throws in zip-lines, mine cart rides, and a much larger monkey.

I have been playing the game on my Nexus 7 tablet and my Samsung Galaxy S2 phone. And it runs so smooth it's almost ridiculous. I have experienced virtually no lag while running this game on either of my devices.

What is the point of the game?

Run fast, and run far. All the while, collecting coins and various power-ups that grant your runner abilites like being invincible, attracting all of the nearby coins as you run past them, or a green bubble of protection. And at the end of the run, try to beat your high score. There are also achievements built into the game that change as you level up

Is it worth the download?

Most certainly. And the price is perfect: FREE. That's right. It doesn't cost you a dime to pick up this awesome game. You can spend your real world cash for jewels in-game. But spending real world money doesn't help you progress through the game. As each level starts fresh, and each run is different. So forget about trying to memorize the pattern as you run through the level. But overall, this game is lush and beautiful, and is a lot of stylized fun.

Sure, the game can be downright frustrating at times. But if there has ever been a game that makes it fun to be frustrated; then this is it. So in short, if you are looking for a fun (and free) game to pick up then this is the app for you.

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