GoGo Tunnel Runner Review

The App Store has seen its fair share of 2D sidescrollers where the goal is just to run as far as possible. Games like Canabalt and Robot Unicorn Attack come to mind. GoGo Tunnel Runner successfully puts a 3D spin on that concept without losing what makes those games fun.

In GoGo Tunnel Runner, the player's task is to guide the titular runner as he makes his way through endless tunnels. Tilting the iPhone or iPad moves the runner away from oncoming obstacles and towards valuable coins, jewels, health packs and power-ups. If the path ahead looks too hairy though, tapping the screen flips the runner onto the ceiling where he will continue to run until the screen is touched again.

It's fun, controls well and stuff like the flipping mechanic and power-ups like an invincible motorcycle mixes things up somewhat. However, this isn't a game meant to be played in long sessions as it will get really repetitive otherwise. It's kind of inherent to the genre though. How many different things can you do in a game that is never supposed to end? The strangely long load times can also discourage repeat playings.

Fortunately, the game is good at rewarding those who keep playing. The coins earned through survival runs can be used to purchase time trials and additional levels. These new levels actually go a long way towards making the game feel different. On its own, the game looks like a bizarre PC shareware game, but some levels, especially the Tron-inspired one, have a good unified art style that make the game look quite nice. Plus, the new levels have pretty good remixes on the game's one song.

GoGo Tunnel Runner's core gameplay is a little thin. But the new levels, as well as the cheap price, do a good job at making up for it. It's a neat twist on an established formula.

[gallery size=”thumbnail”]