Buddy Rush ® Review

By , on February 23, 2011


Buddy Rush ®
Download on the AppStore
3 out of 5

PROS

  • Simple, yet engaging Action-RPG experience.
  • Multiple classes to check out.
  • Use your friends as 'companions' to complete difficult missions.

CONS

  • Online connection required along with a Facebook account.
  • Usual concern regarding 'friending' random individuals.
  • Poor translation and interface design; easy to get confused.

VERDICT

Buddy Rush doesn't address many of the main concerns of Freemium titles, but even without spending money there's a lot to do and enjoy in this cute Action-RPG.


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Freemium titles, or more specifically, games that implement some form of play restriction can get a bad rap, especially if the game harshly limits the time you can play as an incentive to spend money. Adding a social twist via Facebook only seeks to reinforce the habit (and knock the competitive aspect up a notch) and it's easy to feel a bit skeptical about new similar titles, especially if you've been burned in the past.

Buddy Rush by Company 100 takes this free game model and attaches it to an Action-RPG system that encourages players to make friends so they can be added to their party to assist them in a variety of in game missions. Multiple classes are available, each with a unique set of skills that can be leveled up after mastering a particular quest. This is where the energy system comes in to play as 'stamina' is consumed in order to attempt a mission, however in-game items along with leveling up can keep you playing for a considerably long time.

Unfortunately the focus is on getting Facebook friends to play with you, which is problematic for those that level up faster or slower than those they're playing with. Players can friend random people of an appropriate level, though this comes with all the usual concerns of befriending strangers.

However, on the flip side the game is immensely fun (if a bit forcefully repetitive) as you travel through a wide variety of environments, tackling weird and wonderful creatures by simply tapping on screen to move around the 3D world. It's an easy game to play and enjoy, making it the perfect honey-trap for those who enjoy or regularly survive off free titles.

Despite the attached concerns of limited play and forced Facebook integration, Buddy Rush is an enjoyable RPG and in a rare-twist the need to spend money is fairly low, if not entirely negated by patience; a fun title to share with friends.

Screenshots

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