10 Days To Run

Runners are a relatively new type of video games, given the fact that they weren’t a thing up until a few years ago. However, they must obviously be kept as simple as possible in order for the recipe to work, otherwise the whole purpose is defeated. Hence, the evolution of the genre is almost non-existent, except when it comes to the level design and the challenge itself.

10 Days To Run features a classic approach to the genre in regards to gameplay, since the only thing you have to do is keep running and avoid the obstacles. This is achieved either by jumping or by dashing, although the levels might require a bit more concentration sometimes. However, there are certain elements that set the game apart whenever you are not jumping over boxes.

In essence, the story talks about an invasion of sorts that threatens to destroy the main character’s home, which is why he must prepare his defense. To do so, he builds a base and arms himself with all sorts of weapons, and you are in charge of the preparations in between the levels. It’s not a very original gimmick, but it’s something to keep you busy.

The level design can get very repetitive at times, but then again you are usually much busier trying to avoid the obstacles than looking at the background landscape. It would be nice to see more variety, on the other hand, especially since you are constantly dying and resetting the level. The mini-game between the stages can be pretty fun, but it’s way too short and irrelevant in the end.

As for the graphics, they are as basic as they can get in the genre, but they are certainly not ugly. The colors go great with each other, and it’s nice to see proper pixel graphics for a change, not just some ugly drawings scaled down to 16-bit resolutions. The music is not too bad either, although it could use more work.

In the end, 10 Days To Run can be a tad too tough for newcomers, especially since even the first level requires great coordination and fast reflexes. On the other hand, it’s a bit too repetitive and simple to keep you busy for too long.