CyberConnect2 might be my favourite Japanese game developer. Not only is it the studio responsible for the Naruto: Ninja Storm fighting game franchise, the .hack role-playing games and the spectacular Little Tail Bronx series, its first stab at mobile gaming is a fresh new spin on the crowded endless runner genre.
CyberConnect2’s Shadow Escaper is an endless runner with a couple of different twists. For one, the single-player mode is broken up into one minute rounds, during which the character you select (there are two to choose from) must flee from the relentless pursuit of vengeful angels. It’s standard running fare — jumping, dodging, sliding and collecting — all wrapped up in a pleasing anime-style bow.
Once the minute is up your character transforms into a powerful demonic being. The energy you’ve collected is used to blast your pursuers into oblivion with a single timed tap. Points are awarded and the next round begins, faster and more perilous than before.
When you finally succumb to the angelic assault, the energy you’ve collected can be spent on upgrading your character or purchasing power-ups to ensure your next run doesn’t end quite as abruptly.
It goes a little something like this.
Shadow Escaper
Genre: endless runner
Developer: CyberConnect2
Platform: iOS
Price: free
Get Shadow Escaper on the iTunes App Store
Leave a Reply