Temple Run 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to 2011’s highly addictive iOS/Android game Temple Run, developed and published by Imangi Studios. For anyone who has yet to play the original, I’ll break it down thusly: In true Indiana Jones fashion the game features around a group of explorers who attempt to steal an ancient idol from a deformed, giant monkey’s temple (previously belonging to a group of monkeys). This monkey then chases the adventurer out of the temple thus initiating a “temple run”. Simple, right?
The popularity of this concept derives not only from the simplicity of the set-up but also the nature of the game itself. Temple Run 2 is an endless, action-adventure game where the player swipes, tilts and taps the screen of their device in order to avoid randomly generated obstacles and sharp turns in their pathway. The cast has seen a radical makeover (with the notable absence of Zack Wonder, football star) as has the bulk of the obstacles that you encounter throughout your time with the game. For fans of the original, this will feel very familiar – and for that I think credit where credit is due – however there’s plenty of new content here to keep everybody happy. The thin strip of land which used to always stump me (you know the one, the one where’d you fall annoyingly off the side) has now been replaced by a mining-cart section – which is probably even harder but undoubtedly far more entertaining. Those pesky logs are now replaced by spinning spikes and fire blasts and there’s also a notable inclusion of zip wires. These are beautiful to behold from a graphics perspective but be warned, these moments can induce lag in your device due to their high framerate.
Aside from the occasionally horrendously laggy moments, you’ll find your experience with Temple Run 2 even more positive and even more addictive than that of its predecessor. The characters and surroundings are now rendered in full 3D and are animated beautifully, the idea to change the gang of monkeys to one giant one is definitely a welcome modification (as a huge, lumbering deformed creature is definitely more encouraging to run away from) and the upgrades and bonuses are far more in-depth than before. Along with collecting gold, you can now pick up “gems” whilst running or by completing your task-list of objectives. These gems can be used as revives to keep you running from where you left off once you’ve been killed or they can improve the power of your bonuses once you’ve purchased them with your gold. To improve the longevity of the game, these improvements and bonuses are character specific – meaning you’ll have to play a lot in order to max out each characters abilities and traits. You’ll be rewarded if you can invest the time; however I’m sure it’ll probably be a lot easier to just max out one character (probably Barry Bones, let’s not lie) and then rake up as much money as you can for a few weeks.
All in all, Temple Run 2 takes the formula of its predecessor and runs with it (excuse the pun). Sadly it will never amount to anything more than being a fancy way to kill time – however that’s not to say the future of Imangi Studios isn’t going to be successful! The pathway is paved with gold; the game already has a large and dedicated fanbase, the core mechanics are impressive and the replayability factor is now through the roof. Perhaps the third instalment will need a radical overhaul (I’m thinking online multiplayer? Either race opponents around the globe or try and beat each others’ time trials?) or possibly Imangi will have to turn their minds to something completely new in order to stay fresh. Either way, if their next outing is anywhere near as entertaining as Temple Run 2, I’ll be a very happy customer indeed.
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