Walking with Dinosaurs: Dino Run! Review

It’s been 14 years since the release of 1999’s popular TV series Walking with Dinosaurs and it troubles me that I still have yet to see it. Those who know me know I’m not the world’s largest documentary fan, and yet it’s dinosaurs so what could be more interesting than that?

Despite this, I still leapt at the chance to try the exciting new steeplechase running game Walking with Dinosaurs: Dino Run!, because DINOSAURS (if that isn’t a reason to play, I don’t know what is). Well, that and it looked highly entertaining - I love games that involve running from huge Gorgosaurus’ and avoiding the swooping clasps of Pterosaurs' claws. Alas, although there is much to love about Dino Run!, there were still a few grievances I had that left me marginally unsatisfied.

Dino Run! is largely accessible. Since Patchi, the little Pachyrhinosaurus (what a mouthful!) runs of his own accord, it is the players job to maneuver him around obstacles and dinosaurs whilst escaping the jaws of the ferocious Gorgosaurus who is tailing behind every step of the way. Controlling the dinosaur is as easy as pie: swiping left or right will move him accordingly, whereas swiping up results in a jump and down allows for smashing through obstacles (not all obstacles though, watch that tree!) While this is all going on, it is the object of the player to collect as many leaves as possible en-route. This will allow them exchange leaves for goodies (items) and perhaps also win some groovy achievements at the end of their running stretch.

This is where my feelings become something of a mixed bag. I find it hard to enjoy games where I never feel like I’m progressing, or where doing so is overly repetitive. Collecting leaves might equate to items that will help some in the short run, but there’s no easy way to get hold of the mysterious red feathers without buying them or playing for what feels like forever. The problem is red feathers unlock other dinosaurs and other worlds. The game might be a tad more exciting if I were to be able to enjoy playing it against a different backdrop, but alas, it is hard to put the time or money in.

Where the game excels though is through how greatly executed it is, and no matter the perspective there’s no denying just how easy it is to get sucked into. The graphics are lavish, the dinosaurs sort of adorable, and this would make the perfect game to play in downtime or when looking for a short bout of something fun.