The Maze Runner Review

In support of the latest teen-orientated movie sensation, The Maze Runner, the App Store has been treated to another endless runner (what else?) based on a movie. Fortunately, unlike other movie tie-in games, The Maze Runner puts its own spin on things - resulting in a satisfying running experience.

While clearly borrowing from games such as Temple Run and Survival Run with Bear Grylls, The Maze Runner is actually (and surprisingly) a great runner in its own right. The premise of the movie, and indeed here, is that the "Gladers" need to map out the maze in order to escape it successfully. In the game this is achieved by dividing different parts of the maze into levels, each containing fragments of clues that, once collected, will grant access to the next zone of the map.

Each level is literally a sprint to the finish, as players tap the screen rapidly to encourage their runner to pick up the pace before the maze locks them inside. It adds a sense of urgency and care not seen in other runners, and it's a refreshing change to be able to govern my pace rather than starting slowly and speeding up. The other commands are the standard swipes to change lanes, slide, or jump, but it's the constantly-changing environment that makes things interesting. Especially as players venture further into the maze.

It appears that the maze has a mind of its own as mechanisms force walls to close in, pieces randomly crumble apart, and new paths are created. It keeps The Maze Runner unpredictable and exciting. Although there is a heightened emphasis on in-app purchases as time goes on - especially for the more capable but costly runners (with 5 characters in total), and it's a pain to have to replay levels in search of clues - The Maze Runner still gets points for trying to put its own spin on the genre, and serves as more than adequate companion for fans who want to relive the movie on their iOS devices.