Temple Run 2 (for Android)

By Jeffrey L. Wilson

Temple Run 2 (free), the highly anticipated sequel to one of 2012's biggest Android games, dashes into the Google Play marketplace a week after debuting in the Apple App Store. Featuring improved graphics, alternate player-characters with unique abilities, and new obstacles, the free-running game builds on the addictive, pick-up-and-play qualities of the original title while maintaining the extremely attractive zero-dollar price point. If you had any type of affection for the original Temple Run, you'll dig Temple Run 2?just don't expect a radically different game.

The Basics
Your play as Guy Dangerous, a redheaded Indiana Jones-type who apparently used his collected (stolen?) money to ditch his original ripped threads and barefoot look for a Doc Savage-worthy outfit. Guy, clutching a valuable artifact, flees Giant Demon Monkeys in interior and exterior levels as you tilt your Android device left and right to turn, swipe up to leap chasms, or swipe down to slide under fallen trees. Appearing in Temple Run 2 are cart levels that add nothing new to the gameplay other than interior cave levels that serve up visual diversity.

That said, Temple Run 2's constant movement and sense of speed makes it far more engaging than the likes of Angry Birds or Cut the Rope as there's a continuous action flow that doesn't let up until you run face-first into a log or plunge over the side of a cliff. The randomly generated levels lack a definite end?they continue until you end it by making a mistake. This is a welcome touch as it gives you the opportunity to rack up as many points as possible. Points that you can brag about to your friends by sharing scores on Twitter.

Treasure Island
You'll collect coins during your sprint that lets you purchase power-ups (such as longer-lasting shields or faster foot speed), but a handful of them only become available after you unlock the extra characters. You can also purchase new abilities such as Coin Magnet, which draws coins to you as you blaze through levels.

Coins aren't the objects you'll find in your run. Keep an eye open for gems, which are used to increase your power-ups' potencies. If you'd rather not devote your life to the game you can buy coins with real-world moolah: prices range from 99 cents (5 gems or a 5,000 coin pack) to $19.99 (500 gems or a 400,000 coin pack).

The Finish Line
Temple Run 2 isn't radically different from the original?it feels very much like a 1.5 release?but it's hard not to recommend the title to fans of the original. It's fast, frantic, and free, which are the elements that are sure to make Temple Run 2 another smash success as it doesn't deviate from Imangi Studios' highly addictive formula.

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