Portabliss: Quest Runner (iOS)

By Justin McElroy
Did you know that you can download handheld games now? That's amazingly convenient! The only inconvenient part of it is finding the right games to buy — and that's where we come in, with our Portabliss column. In each installment, we'll tell you about a downloadable game on the iPhone, iPad, Android device, DSi, 3DS, PSP, etc. Today: Quest Runner!

Of all the genres mobile platforms handle well, you wouldn't think "MMO-inspired action RPG" would be among them. How then, I wonder, is Quest Runner pulling it off?

Most importantly, I suppose, is how well the irreverent iOS release manages to reduce its influence, cooking off the non-essential trappings and leaving only the most essential ingredients. The "open world" is just a linear 2D chain of environments. The combat is as simple as tapping the screen to attack. Missions are never more complicated than "go kill these things."

The real draw in Trident3D's release is the collection of more strength, better skills and and a wide variety of armor and weapons. With a minimum of character, narrative or even real compelling gameplay to get in the way, you can really focus on how neat your hero looks in his new platinum armor. Your lead even takes up a surprisingly large amount of the screen, presumably for you to better vainly ogle whatever new bauble he's just picked up.

As much as I wish there was more real "game" here, I can't deny that its peculiar siren song of virtual progress has hooked me for hours. You don't have to take my word for it, but if you can't trust a guy who looks this good in strength-boosting ruby-encrusted greaves, who can you trust?

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