Zombie Runaway a Dodge ‘em Up Running Game that has… Well… Zombies!
by Paul Wilks
Aug 18, 2011 10:11 AM –
Install
Zombie Runaway is a well designed dodge ‘em up from prominent app developer Com2uS. You control one of the brain thirsty undead as the hulksome Zombie races through a graveyard. He must collect coins while avoiding gravestones and other obstacles in his way. The aim of the game is to accumulate as high a score as possible before you die (like, properly dead this time). Expect lots of fun, great graphics and the need for quick fingers in this smart little Android game.
Price: Free
Tested on: HTC Desire HD
Content Rating: Medium Maturity
Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Simple to pick up and play.
- Addictive & Challenging.
- Fun graphics.
Cons
- Another Zombie version of a very basic concept, this seriously lack genuine longevity.
Features:
As I was discussing before in my review of the impressive Zombie Rider, there seems to be a real fetish for Zombie-themed games at the moment, they seem to be popping up everywhere. It is therefore no surprise to see a game like Zombie Runaway. You will have probably played a game similar to this before. The very old ‘Taxi’ style games, like Lane Splitter, where you race through traffic dodging from side to side to avoid other cars and then the later ones where you are additionally able to jump over the cars. Coming from that genre of games, it is incredibly simple in Zombie Runaway; sure-footed Zombie is running as fast as he can through the graveyard and you must avoid gravestones and other, more deadly obstacles such as spiked rocks. Collect coins, power ups and other bonuses to help boost your score. Scores are saved locally and can also be shared on Facebook.
A big plus for the game is the graphics. They are pretty nice, 3D-looking and brightly colored. Zombie Runaway is cartoony and quite cheerfully looking for a brain hungry freak of nature. For a big guy, he is also quite nifty on his feet, bobbing and weaving through the stones like an energetic Brazilian soccer player. He needs the pace too, because as you progress the game really speeds up and the dodging becomes trickier. Inevitably you are going to hit a few gravestones so you do have a few ‘lives’ to keep you going. There is also a bonus that makes you invulnerable for a period, so that helps too.
Controls are simple as pie. Click right to dodge right, left dodges left and the centre button jumps. It’s the kind of simplicity that makes such games very easy to pick-up-and-play and Zombie Runaway is as typically mindless and uncomplicated as any of these. One thing these dodge ‘em up games sometimes get wrong is control responsiveness, however there is no such issue with this one- which has superb and accurate controls; dodging and jumping immediately.
I think the only problem with the game is that it is unlikely to keep you interested beyond a few weeks. It’s great fun, but like a firework display it’s all over pretty quickly. The game is brilliantly done, and the graphics and ease of play are superb, but the novelty will probably wear off pretty quick. Unlike games that can add new levels or expand in other ways, I’m kind of thinking Zombie Runaway has no where to go next. This aside, it’s free and well worth the time to download and have a play with.
Watch on Mobile
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Zombie Runaway – Just a run through the grave yard
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Zombie Runaway – Lots of dodging and jumping skills required
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Zombie Runaway – Blitz gives you 1 minute to get as many points as possible
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Zombie Runaway – Those spikes are very bad for you
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Zombie Runaway – The green splats are Zombie blood
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Zombie Runaway – Hit a grave stone, cue exploding headstones
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Zombie Runaway – Collect combos for extra points
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Zombie Runaway – Collect as many coins as you can
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Zombie Runaway – Zombie has different constumes
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Zombie Runaway – Tall gravestones cannot be jumped over
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Zombie Runaway – Death summary and score
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Zombie Runaway – Top 3 scores are held as your records
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Zombie Runaway – Arcade top scores. All can be shared on Facebook.
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Zombie Runaway – Menu
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Zombie Runaway – Instructions
Fun Factor:
Zombie Runaway provides plenty of fun for a while. The combination of easy gameplay and the quirky twist on a classic game genre means there is plenty of enjoyment to be gained. I’m just not convinced the fun will last you more than a week or two at most.
Addictive:
Initially I would say yes, the game has real addictive bite to do better, improve you score and even post it on Facebook. The game is so playable, it’s easy to pick up and get stuck into.
Graphics:
Graphics are very impressive. Well developed environment and, considering he’s a zombie, a pretty funky character too. The exploding gravestones, zombie blood splats and other details make for a superb experience graphically. I wish more games were this fluid and graphically pleasing.
Accelerometer, Vibration & Sound:
The sound is OK, fun/creepy and quite immersive without being too much.