Rocket Run

Spaceships may be big and imposing, but the truth is that they are quite sensitive machines that work thanks to precision engineering and extreme attention to detail. As SpaceX has recently shown, even the tiniest imperfection, mistake or unforeseen weather event can cause the total destruction of a rocket, especially since they are basically barrels of fuel with flames coming out of one end.

Rocket Run is a simple arcade game in which your goal is to explore 2D levels using your thrusters, as well as hunt for power-ups and special artifacts that allow you to complete the stage. The trick is to keep the rocket flying straight and use inertia as often as possible, because fuel comes in short supply, and everything comes to an end if you happen to run out too early.

Each stage challenges you to find a certain number of artifacts, and the architecture of each level gets tougher and tougher to navigate later on. Enemies are part of the equation as well, including some that shoot at you whenever you get close enough. Granted, you have the possibility to shoot right back, but it takes too much concentration to also watch where you’re going at the same time.

You also have to watch out for mines that explode on impact, which deal heavy damage to your ship. Speaking of which, damage is a critical aspect of the game as well, because you also receive it if you happen to touch the nearby surfaces with the fuselage of your craft. It’s actually quite difficult to avoid collisions most of the time, at least until you get used to the mechanics.

The controls are designed to be quick and responsive, but the physics act a bit like in real life, which means that thrust takes time to build, and so does braking. Hence, it might take you a while to get used to the whole process. As for the graphics, there’s nothing special about the environments or the rocket itself, but the retro style might surface your nostalgia feelings.

In the end, Rocket Run does not revolutionize anything about the gaming industry, but it’s a fun little title that has the power to keep you busy for a few minutes every now and again. Moreover, it’s also pretty difficult and frustrating in certain situations.