Running Shadow

Running Shadow is a Temple Run inspired creation (more or less) that pitches you as a thief and assassin who has to take on a multitude of quests in order to fulfill a prophecy. Yes, this temple runner features a storyline with dialogue and everything, which in all honesty is a plus that makes it a bit more interesting.

In Running Shadow you’ll have to run through a series of corridors, mazes, bridges and so on to collect coins while dodging traps, enemies and other surprises that are designed to kill you. Controls are basic and there’s really nothing to hinder gameplay except maybe, your slow reflexes.

The game has you running through each level basically doing the same thing over and over again but once in a while new stuff comes along and wipes off some of the boredom dust that settles. If you’re looking to play a no-brainer to pass the time, this one is pretty decent.

Things start off by being pretty easy in Running Shadow, and you would expect that from a temple runner and following the same reasoning, you will also expect them to get crazy later on. Running Shadow follows the same logic but it tends to be a bit superficial since it’s a mobile port.

Running Shadow does have a pay to win kind of thing going on. You lose HP if you get hit by traps or enemies and at some point if you’re sliced enough, you die. The game comes with a shop from where you can purchase items that will make your character tougher, thus increasing your chances of finally winning a level you’ve been struggling with.

Items can be purchased using in-game currency but if you don’t have the patience to gather it all, using actual money might be a solution. One that most people don’t fancy very much. However, you can put that extra bit of effort and manage to buy everything you need with the gold you collect while running around.

Looked at in a superficial manner, Running Shadow is a decent game. It looks good, it handles well, level design is nice and it does challenge you a lot, which is greats for a game. Although, if you’re looking for a temple runner with an RPG feel, you won’t find it here, this one is just for killing time, in an enjoyable way.