RunBot Review

Somewhat appropriately for a game involving an android, RunBot is a tad robotic and soulless, but it offers enough variety to keep one interested for a time.

In this Endless Runner, players control RunBot: a robotic weapon system which has managed to go against its protocol and make a dash for freedom. This is typically divided up into two different types of gameplay. There's the Temple Run style swiping fest on the ground, followed by tilting to negotiate obstacles while flying. Both are quite responsive, control-wise.

In each case, players have to consider more than just dodging obstacles. RunBot has limited energy reserves, meaning that players must collect plenty of battery packs as they run. This adds to the challenge of the game, as otherwise it'd be pretty simple to just dodge obstacles. The battery packs can also be used to upgrade RunBot's capabilities, thereby making things slightly easier the more one plays. Energy reserves can be increased and RunBot can be adapted to take less damage, all thanks to a ranking up system that trickle feeds these options. It's a simple mechanic and one we've all seen before, but it does the job of enticing one to play more frequently. I did miss the option of challenges though; something that always works well in drawing one back in for more.

The only significant issue here is that RunBot lacks personality. It's technically quite proficient, and the graphics are clinical yet suitable for the theme, but nothing stands out as much as it should. It's all something that we've seen before elsewhere, even if it does work well. RunBot doesn't stand out sufficiently from the rest of the genre, but then again it doesn't feel pointless either. It's solidly average, for better or for worse.