Pug Run Review

By , on March 22, 2013
Last modified 11 years ago


Pug Run
Download on the AppStore
3 out of 5

PROS

  • Charming visuals and theme.
  • Instantly playable; easy to learn controls and well telegraphed hazards.

CONS

  • No attempt to strive beyond the basics of the endless runner formula; a stock-standard high-scorer without enough variety to warrant long-term replay.

VERDICT

Pug Run is a heart warming little endless runner, and much like the animal it portrays there's not a lot going on between its ears - it's cute, but lacking in substance.


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[This game was featured as the Mini-Review for the Friday News Wrap-Up for the 22nd of March, 2013]

I love pugs. There's nothing strange about that; many people love pugs and I happen to wear it on my sleeve. Their derpy eyes, their inability to breathe properly, their innate clumsy nature... what's not to love? So I empathize with the boy in Pug Run who is denied owning a puppy, and in his frustration he draws comic after comic of him and his dream 'best friend'. That's where you come in: The pug is brought to life, if only temporarily and through tapping to sprint, and swiping to jump and slide, you'll help the dog to navigate hazards while avoiding the dream-crushing cloud of reality chasing after him. The game's absolutely beautiful too, with animations that show true attention to detail in the pug's movements, up to and including the way he can tumble down the side of a hill. Unfortunately there's just no meat on Pug Run's bones. You can run and run, and upgrade power-ups if you must, but it's the same old endless formula we've seen too many times already. Still, if the cute theme catches your eye (as it did mine), then you'll be able to while away the spare minutes of your day mindlessly, but not satisfyingly.

Screenshots

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