Super Mega Runners is a run through 8-bit nostalgia
Super Mega Runners, which is free in the App Store for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch users on iOS 6.0 or higher is a retro style runner game where your object is to run and jump, collecting coins and items while jumping over and on enemies to reach the end of each level. Instead of the standard third person runner this game is played like a classic 8-bit platformer running left to right, just like a plumber used to with the run button being constantly held down.
The game is very easy to pick up and play. You initial character, "Abe Zigen" just keeps running to the right and all the player has to do is tap the screen to make him jump. Holding the screen for certain lengths of time controls how high and long he jumps. Other characters are available and have new abilities like double jump or slide. These characters can be unlocked if a certain number of coins are collected in a level or though points by watching advertisement videos or signing up for services. The good thing is the advertisers are on a separate screen so they do not ruin the experience by popping up during play.
The game starts with the player with three lives and you lose them by running into enemies when you are small or falling into a pit or other hazard. There are numerous checkpoints throughout each level so you do not have to start over from the beginning of a level if you lose a life. Continues are available when all three lives are gone. If you have collected 2,000 or more coins you can continue, or if you can cash in one point from clicking on advertisers.
There are items hidden in exclamation point boxes which help you along the way. Strawberries make the character grow and if you collect enough of them, the character takes up the whole screen and can run through anything, while the bananas act like magnets and attract all the coins to the character. Enemies have the same look as classic 8-bit baddies which is great in a nostalgic game like this one.
Some levels can be a bit frustrating as the difficulty really amps up after the first few levels. The hit points on the same enemies is not consistent so the player may kill one and get killed by the other even after jumping on their head in the same spot.
So if you are looking for a quick game that is simple to pick up, and give you a little rush of nostalgia for classic 8-bit games gone by, then download Super Mega Runners and enjoy. I highly recommend it.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/super-8-bit-runners/id868777274?mt=8
