Endless runner games have done exceptionally well on the App Store for a long time now. I was introduced to the concept originally by playing Mirror’s Edge for the Playstation, and have been hooked on this type of game ever since.
There are so many different types of endless running games, from the amazing Alto’s Adventure (which just got an Apple TV version), to all the variations of Temple Run & Flappy Bird, and the weirdness of something like Robot Unicorn Attack or Giant Boulder of Death. Endless runners leave you little to no time to make decisions, and that makes these games exciting — and sometimes frustrating!
Here are 3 of the best endless runners that are all under $3!
Canabalt
Canabalt was one of the very first games I ever installed on my iPad. Years later the game is still being developed, and is now universal for the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV. Your character starts off in an industrial building, and once you’ve jumped out the window, you’re off! You’ll hop across rooftops in a setting which is filled with all gray, black and white hues. Once you can’t quite make that jump or if you smack into the side of a building, you’re done. A great soundtrack ties the game together, and makes you feel a sense of urgency as you try and make your escape.
- $2.99 – Download
Jetpack Joyride
In Jetpack Joyride you play as Halfbrick’s popular character, Barry Steakfries. Barry’s made cameos in a bunch of games, but in this game he wears a jetpack that also doubles as a machine gun. This game has it all. It’s an endless runner that allows you to customize your character, customize your jetpacks, do missions, level up and so much more. Recently Halfbrick teamed up with Back to the Future to give Barry some BTTF-esque gear (including a Delorean). One of my favorite parts of Jetpack is that you can acquire temporary vehicles, such as Mr. Cuddles (a fire breathing, mechanical dragon) and Profit Bird (a mechanical Angry Birds vehicle that spits cash). There are in-app purchases in the game, but I haven’t bought any other than the Counterfeit Machine, which doubles every coin you collect. I’m glad this game doesn’t have a log of how long you’ve played…it’s super addictive!
- Free – Download
Almost Impossible!
Dan Counsell has been making great apps like Clear and Ember for a long time over at RealMac. I had seen teases of Almost Impossible through Dan’s email list, and couldn’t wait for this to come out. Almost Impossible isn’t a true endless runner (in terms of the screen chasing you) and is more like a platformer, but I wanted to include it here because it has lots of the elements that make up that type of game. It is really frustrating, but also really fun. You tap on the screen to move your character (a little white ball with two eyes) and try not to hit anything other than the floor. If you do end up hitting something like a block or a spike, you explode into bunches of little pixels. Almost Impossible lives up to its name, and even has an in app purchase to skip a level if you’re pulling your hair out. The design and chiptune soundtrack are fun and quirky, and for just 2 bucks make this a game you’re going to want to play almost everywhere.
- $1.99 – Download
What are you favorite endless runners?
What endless runner games do you love? What’s your high score? We’d love to know. Leave a comment in the comments section below!
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