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Windows Classic Games for Windows 8 or Windows RT Part 2

April 8, 2013 Blog
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Windows Classic Games for Windows 8 or Windows RT Part 2

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This continues the list of Windows Classic Games for Windows 8 or Windows RT.

As we have already discovered, some of the Windows Classic Games are not available anymore in the native Windows 8 or Windows RT.

Some of the Windows Classic Games, however, are available for download in the Windows Store. Some of them have been upgraded and come along with a price, but most of them are free.

 

Pinball FX2

Microsoft Windows Pinball has had many names along the history of Windows Classic: Space Cadet, Skulduggery, and Dragon’s Keep. The official name of this Windows Classic game, however, is Full Tilt! Pinball. The names Space Cadet, Skulduggery, and Dragon’s Keep actually refer to different design of the tables.

Windows Pinball was introduced in Microsoft Plus 95 and was particularly popular for its pre-rendered 3D graphics.

Windows Pinball had been dropped in the later versions of Windows OS. A new version of Pinball, called Pinball FX2, has been main available for free download in the Microsoft Store, using Xbox games app.

 

Pinball FX2 offers one map or table. You need to have an Xbox LIVE account and pay a little price to buy the rest of the tables and game features.

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Agent 008 Ball

 

Another Windows Classic game particularly popular for it pre-rendered 3D graphics is Billiards for Windows. Instead of playing the actual game with shaky hands and dull eyes in real life, Billiards for Windows offered a virtual game where you can compete with the computer or another friend in 2-player mode.

 

One of the interesting features of Agent 008 Ball is that the 8 ball transforms into an explosive if bumped many times without being holed. The game only allows 2 minutes for all the balls to be in.

 

It is available in the Windows Store for free download.

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Radiant Defense

 

Radiant Defense is a new addition to the tower defense genre of video games. Like any tower defense games, Radiant Defense expects the player to protect a base or tower from approaching or the attacks of incoming opponents by obliterating them.

 

Radiant Defense is a new game available for free download in the Microsoft Store. Even though Radiant Defense is new, with stunning graphic and game amazing features, the tactics and game play is classic. You would want this game included in your games folder in Windows 8 and Windows RT.

Temple Run the Dynasty Compared

April 7, 2013 Blog / Temple Run Online
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For any game developer creating a dynasty is the holy grail and with Temple Run having it’s 4th title released Imangi Studios have achieved infamy in an incredible short period of time. Not only this but they have single handedly defined the endless runner genre both on mobile and online. With appstores desperate to appear more popular than the other games like Temple Run are most welcome, generating some serious revenue and traffic. Now we’ve talked a lot about the game and you can even play  Temple Run Online on Gamepop and while we have reviewed each of the games individually (links to the reviews and games online at the bottom of this editorial) one thing we have yet to do is compare each of the different game releases.

How have we compared the different Temple Run titles?

We decided to break down each title into 4 simple sections to enable us to compare them as easily as possible (as with all comparisons it’s not bullet proof but it felt like a pretty logical approach to take). The sections are:

  • Learnability – is it hard to learn to play? (sure it’s a made up word, it’s the internet after all!)
  • Uniqueness – how unique is the game both compared to other games and each of the different Temple Run releases
  • Pros – what’s good about the game
  • Cons – what’s bad

Other bits of background to the comparison

Endless Runners

Temple Run was near enough the first “run forwards” game on mobile and online and therefore really defined the genre Endless Runner. Several other games have tried to copy this, probably most noticeable was Sega who made the natural jump from console to mobile with Sonic Dash. What makes them so compelling is the lack of fixed levels, the movement of tilting and swiping your screen to collect your coins and dodge obstacles, people love it. Sit in a commuter train in London today and I guarantee you’ll see someone playing an endless runner.

Are we biased?

Probably but we hope we don’t let it show.

So onto the comparison…

Temple Run – the first

As the first instalment the first Temple Run drew people into a new fast paced world of trickery and excitement. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the game is that it uses all the usable functions of a smart phone relying on finger swiping and tilting and this really increased peoples engagement levels beyond that of many other more traditional games. Indeed the reality is there is not much to do in the game apart from dodge stuff and collect coins.

The Original Temple Run Menu

The Original Temple Run Menu

The Original Temple run gameplay

The Original Temple run gameplay

Is it hard to learn?

The concept of endless running games is simple so there’s not much to learn except to play all the time. From time to time you’ll see how better you get at the game, it just takes practice. The original Temple Run is easy to learn due the fact that it’s simple. You only have to jump and swipe unlike other endless running games which require shooting, flying and similar stuff. I can say that Temple Run is probably the easiest one to play of all the 4 Temple Run’s. Obstacles are broken bridges, trees and those jumps from one part of the path to the other. Nothing complicated, right?

Uniqueness

Yep it sure was unique when it came out and then there’s the location and story. It gets you into the story of the old temples which are cursed by Demonic monkeys which for some reason keep chasing you all the time! You really need to watch your step. But as further the Temple Run’s go, the more unique they are but we’ll see more of that later in the comparison.

Pros

It’s pretty simple so it’s not hard to learn
Performance on mobile is very good due to it not being resource hungry
Genre defining
Huge player base

Cons

Not many features apart from dodging and collecting
Being the first game it came with a good number of bugs and glitches, tbh some of them were pretty fun though!

Temple Run Brave

This game is pretty much the same as the first Temple Run made except it has had the graphics enhanced and this time you are running away from a bear and not from those Demonic monkeys. The game is obviously fun as every Temple Run game ever made. Especially with those new features which have been implanted so you don’t get bored from swiping! The place where you are running is different than in previous Temple Run’s as you are placed in a rain forest, running away from a dangerous bear which is trying to get you down (well let’s be honest, he’s trying to eat you omnomnom!!!).

 

Temple run brave menu

Temple run brave menu

Is it hard to learn?

The game doesn’t have many different aspect to the first game, but it does introduce a new element; you get the opportunity to shoot down targets which appear on the left and right side of your screen using a bow. You are able to shoot stuff for bonus points and this makes getting higher scores so much easier at the end of the run. When you get everything together, there’s not much to write about this game as it’s just a slight improvement of the previous ones.

Uniquesness

Honestly, the game doesn’t have so much uniquesness compared to the previous Temple Runs, because it’s pretty much similar except new characters and the new implented shooting system which grants you extra points. It is an improvment and we can say that it is unique on some ways but still.. When you get everything together you can say that, well, it is a good game, but it could’ve been improved much more.

Temple run brave gameplay

Temple run brave gameplay

Pros

The new shooting system
New characters

Cons

Not much different from other Temple Runs
It should be free as it’s similar to other Temple Runs

Temple Run 2

We can say that Temple Run 2 is a pretty fun game, the good thing is that they have improved the graphics in Temple Run 2, making it look even more amazing and even more fun to play! But why should you play Temple Run 2 when there’s the original Temple Run?

I’m going to tell you why, the new power ups make the game so much fun, even more fun than Temple Run. Yes, it’s not the classic one, but hey! it has new features. There’s just one thing, that’s getting in the way, the graphics are much better which means that your phone is going to go through a hard time when you are playing it, of course, if you have a medium/high-end phone, then you’ll be playing it without any problems! This is the same whether you are using an Android based phone or an iPhone.

Temple Run 2 menu and gameplay

Temple Run 2 menu and gameplay

Is it hard to learn?

If you’ve played the previous Temple Run then you won’t find it hard to learn the game. The thing is, you just have to learn all the new amazing power-ups which are implented into the game because they are obviously much more different then the ones in Temple Run.
Also, you’ll need to get used to the new enhanced graphics and lots of new details which will be shown on your mobile phone screen! Also, I have forgot to mention that you’ll need to get used to the new menu, icons, characters and similar!

Uniquesness

Well, Temple Run 2 is not really unique compared to Temple Run, because only some minor changes have been made which means that everything stays the same except the changes i’ve mentioned above. Unlike the other Temple Runs which have much more features to offer! However there are things that make it a better game than Temple Run.

Pros

New details, powerups (super fun!) and graphics
Less bugs than in the previous version

Cons

The game requires better specced mobile phones due to it’s graphics

Temple Run Oz

This game is amazing. I would like to say that this game would be so much fun for kids, because, first of all, Disney is involved in making this game, and as you all know, Disney makes some amazing stuff, even the cartoon on which we all grew up. Not only that but it’s based on one of the greatest films of all time; The Wizard of Oz and if you’re anything like us you will have sat enthralled watching the newly released Oz: The Great and the Powerful starring Mila Kunis.

 

Temple run oz menu

Temple run oz menu

But the special thing making it fun is the new features which have been added, such as flying in a hot air baloon through the sky and at the same time collecting coins for your new powerups and similar. The graphics have been enhanced a lot and the level of details as well making it so enjoyable that everyone would be interested into trying it! It includes bunch of new traps which make the gameplay amazing and you’ll be in action in every second of playing.

Is it hard to learn?

Well, this game is a little bit harder, but a little bit easier at the same time. The fact that you are able to revive yourself by using a Diamond is great.. Imagine you are getting so close to your new high score and then you fall, but don’t worry, there’s the revive option which places you into a bubble and gets you immortality for some time. The new traps can be kinda confusing bit it’s very similar to those old tree traps, holes and similar. So, i would say that it’s not that hard to learn, you just need to get used to it.

Uniquesness

Temple Run Oz is an extremely unique game providing you with two options, to fly and to run. Which means that it can be an endless flyer as well, ha! No, all jokes aside, the game is uniquely made and it provides you with fantastic graphics, just like being in an actual fairy tale. It kinda reminds you on those old Disney movies you used to watch back in your childhood. Well, so it’s also unique because it’s the first game based on the up-coming Disney movie called, obviously, Oz and hopefully it’l attract lots of mobile phone game fans, Disney fans and similar and actually grant Disney some extra viewers for the new amazing movie!

Temple Run Oz gameplay

Temple Run Oz gameplay

Pros

Amazing and stunning graphics
New and exciting ways to move through the game
Hot air baloons (they’re just cool)
It’s based on the latest part (Oz: The Great and the Powerful) of one of the greatest movies of all time, the Wizard of Oz

Cons

The amazing graphics require more expensive phones
At this moment, it’s not free

The Gamepop.co Conclusion

You know what this is actually a pretty impossible task to pick the best Temple Run title but we have been helped by both Imangi and by you the readers and gamers who have been busy answering this question for us. But before we come onto that how have Imangi helped us? By making Temple Run Oz. It’s simply amazing and has taken the both the series and the endless runner genre to new heights. Now onto our readers, in our latest  Gamepop.co (still running) we asked which of the titles our readers and players preferred. Their response? 52% voted in favour of Temple Run 2 with Temple Run Oz in 3rd place with 12% behind Temple Run which got 28% of the vote. This could be largely due to the fact Oz is not free.

Ok so I guess we need to commit to a winner. What, no drum roll?  Meh…

Our winner is Temple Run 2!

We picked Temple Run 2 simply because it improved things and enabled Temple Run Oz to build upon those improvements to create something incredible with new ideas, features and well, just a whole lot more awesome!

Other bits and pieces

Here are the links so you can play Temple Run online, Temple Run 2 online and read reviews about Temple Run Oz. And if you are anything like our 90,000 Facebook fans then you would love to know how to play Temple Run and all the different titles on your pc when you’re at home or if you simply don’t have a smart phone. Simply follow this links and you will find all the instructions on how to play temple run on your pc.

Review–Hook Worlds

March 12, 2013 Blog
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Hook Worlds is a single-player game developed by RocketCat Games for the iPhone. This iPhone App is available for download for only $0.99 and with that price, you can expect a game that will culminate the hook-swinging game trilogy that many had been raving about. It also earned impressive critical feedback from gaming enthusiasts and experts alike.

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Hook Worlds is the third installment to the trilogy, which follows the release of Hook Champ and Super QuickHook. There are four endless modes to choose from, each of which provides a different kind of entertainment to suit your liking. The four modes are as follows:

Curse of the Watcher – This is the quintessential Survival Mode wherein the player must outrun a creature (which is reminiscent of those featured in Hook Champ) in an effort to survive for as long as you can.

Hook Champ 1000 – This is the most basic game mode available for those playing Hook Worlds. The gameplay is quite similar to the ones from the earlier editions off of the series and the 80′s graphics remain intact.

Bounty Gunner – In here, players will be collecting coins. The character is armed with a gun to shoot enemies with and collect coins and health they drop along the way.

Cybergnome 202X – This game mode is all about outrunning the enemy. However, you are given the special ability to switch gravity so you will be able to grapple on the floor or run on the ceiling.

These four game modes are the gist of this game because they represent variety into the playing experience. To help in maximizing the playing experience, RocketCat Games had done an excellent job at designing the controls. Most of the controls had been automated so you can focus more on the in-game action rather than trying to make sure that you had the controls all figured out.

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The beauty with Hook Worlds, despite being a part of the trilogy, is that it can serve as a stand-alone game. There are several dinstinctive qualities that make it stand out from its predecessors. Still, the gameplay is pretty addictive and that is saying a lot for a game that is worth less than a dollar.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Temple Run Oz the Review

March 12, 2013 Blog / Temple Run Online
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Temple Run already had a licensed property spin-off with Temple Run: Brave. Oz is now taking the same popular and successful core gameplay that is loved by everyone regardless of gender and age.
Almost immediately after Temple Run 2, we have Temple Run: Oz. Looks like Disney is going to take all this Temple Run goodness to every feature they have! Oz, by the way, is the prequel to the Wizard of Oz. In this particular game, you will guide James Franco along the yellow brick road, and you know what happens when you put the Temple Run formula there. You have to evade bad things and collect good things.

Temple Run Oz Slash

Why not just play Temple Run 2?

It is just weird that Temple Run: Oz came just right after Temple Run 2. Granted that the Temple Run: Brave did good on its own, it is cannibalizing sales for Temple Run: Oz to run side by side with a mainline title. Nevertheless, we are not talking $60 game we are talking 99 cents, so we the consumers are probably not really going to be that picky.

Some screens of the new gameplay features

Temple Run Oz Screens

Nevertheless, Temple Run: Oz is channelling the same things with Temple Run 2, with all the swipes to jump, slide, and turn. Tilts will allow you to snag coins to use on items and upgrades for the abilities. The mine cart sequence, and also the zip line are removed to, of course, stay true to the Oz world. However, the replacement which is hot air balloon riding is just to simplistic and, dare I say, boring. It’s hard to get the sense of speed created by the game when you’re in a big, cumbersome hot air balloon.

The implementations of the “enemy forces” are rather corny too. They are just thorns growing out of the ground and you can spot them from a distance, making the game a lot easier than it should be. There are no leaderboards, which is weird for a game in this age. And also, Temple Run 2 is free and got a leader board.

Play Temple Run Oz Online?

As with all temple run games the ability to play online or on your pc is a big draw. As yet there has been no announcement whether it will be possible to play temple run oz online.

The Game Pop Conclusion about Temple Run Oz

Temple Run: Oz is not comparable to Temple Run 2. It’s simply not as good. Not only that the game is less enjoyable, it has a price tag and no leader boards, which made the Temple Run game much more enjoyable with all the score chasing against everyone in the world. The presentation is still good, the formula also works well, but it is time to step up the game. It would be great if these spin offs added something new and special to Temple Run but unfortunately this iteration completely fails.

Review–Gunstringers

March 12, 2013 Blog
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GunstringerKinectBT

If you are looking for an exciting shoot-em-up to add into your Microsoft Kinect collection of games, Gunstringers need to be on the list. Developer Twisted Pixel has clearly spent a great deal of time to create one of the more successful shoot-em-up in recent memory. Several critics described this game as “natural” and “fresh”, so for those who haven’t had the chance to sample this game yet, it stirs nothing but curiosity about whether or not Gunstringers is really what everybody is hyping it to be.

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In Gunstringers, players will immerse into the role of an undead marionette seeking out revenge. Along the way, you will be toppling a few people and that can be done with just a flick of your wrist. And this brings this review to the next common topic associated with Gunstringers – the control scheme. This aspect of the game is worth mentioning especially given the amount of gunplay there is. There will no doubt be a short period of acclimatisation involved in this game but once you’ve gotten over that hump, then you will deal with the rest more easily.

 

While shooting, you must also control the main character as they leap over or avoid obstacles. This can be done by pulling the undead marionette’s strings according to what kind of movement you want for them to execute. There is a steep learning curve here as you have to train your hands not to overcompensate on those treacherous obstacles. In most cases, the Gunstringer will also duck for cover. You will be surprised, though, at what kinds of tricks the avenger can pull off, especially when you made the discovery yourself.

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There are options between a single-player or co-op play for Gunstringers. Either way, the graphics and controls work perfectly together. The fun part about the game is that all of the action are done in front of an FMV, who will either cheer or boo at the main character depending on how they are doing on-screen. There are also unlockable contents in the game, which provides more reason to go out exploring.

 

The Gunstringers have a few issues and lacking elements. Nonetheless, it will become easier once you get used to the controls. And if you are up for something new, this one is worth picking up for your Kinect.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review–Grim Joggers

March 7, 2013 Blog
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 Grim-Joggers

The endless running genre has been saturated with similar, often repetitive, concepts but Grim Joggers is one to set a different tone. It is not the best entry in the genre, but it is right along the competition. This game is recommended for those who are totally into the genre. Grim Joggers is developed by 10tons Ltd. for the iPhone and is available for download for $0.99.images (2)

The basic premise of Grim Joggers is to run endlessly as you take a team of people through a number of trails. The concept is very simple and with that simplistic controls is required as well. You will be controlling the character via a first-person point of view. You will be leading the jogging line and when you find obstacles or hurdles along the way, you can either jump or double jump on them. Like most other running games, your speed will gradually increase as you go further into the game. And because of that, you could be leading your team of joggers to their demise along the unforgiving trails.

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Aside from your speed, though, the amount of calories burned also increases as you go farther into the game. But if you can keep your people alive, then you will increase your multiplier. There are four levels available to play in Grim Joggers and there are unlockable achievements within each level. You can earn those achievements by either killing your people or lasting for a certain amount of time.

Despite its pretty gory and creepy setup, the main appeal of Grim Joggers lies in its retro interface. In fact, the graphics is reminiscent of NES games of years past. The use of upbeat music as the game’s theme also helps to establish the mood for play.

 

Grim Joggers is not Canabalt – the most popular running game there is. However, it does a pretty good job of introducing unique concepts here and there while sticking to the basic formula that has made running games a hit today. You will no doubt waste several hours of countless fun as you attempt to earn achievements in this game.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Review– Dead Runner

March 6, 2013 Blog
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Dead Runner is a first person running game developed by Distinctive Developments. The game is available for download on the iPhone and iTouch, which aims to give Temple Run a run for its money. Since the game was released in 2010, it has established a following amongst tablet and smartphone users because of its distinctively creepy environment. Many have even cited that the movie Blair Witch Project might have influenced the creation of its environment.

There is no plot or story behind Dead Runner – it is merely about this character who is running as fast as he can across a dense and gloomy woodlands. Thus, the gameplay is the heart of this game. The graphics also help to deliver the horror factor, which more than makes up for its lack of story.

Players to Dead Runner has two modes to choose from: Distance Mode and Points Mode. In Distance Mode, players are subjected to a gradual increase of speed and difficulty. As you progress deep into the game, you will find trees popping out of nowhere as your character keeps running, thus impeding your progress and slowing you down in the process. If you are using your Apple device for playing this game, you can tilt the device in order to change the perspective and make it easier to see your periphery. Meanwhile, Points Mode sees the player collect points as they keep running and glowing orbs appear from nowhere. Depending on what orbs you gather, you will be able to earn points from them. There are also orbs that increase the character’s running speed.

 

deadrunner

As mentioned above, the game’s graphics does make it look good although nothing special can be said about the movement. The impressive amount of details on the trees and bushes help to make the environment more creepy, but it loses that appeal after some time when you get used to the environment. One other thing that helps to infuse more spooky factor into the game is the audio and realistic sound effects.

There is little replay value to Dead Runner but if you are new to this game, it’s not unlikely that you’d find yourself hooked. But because it sells for only 99 cents, it is definitely something that you should add into your Apple device as it offers good value for your money.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to Play Temple Run 2 on your PC

March 3, 2013 Android Games on PC / Blog / Temple Run Online
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So you guys have been asking the same thing over and over again on facebook: Elliott how do we play games like Temple Run, Angry Birds, Happy Wheels etc on our PC and laptops? Well today I thought I’d answer this question for you.

But first, here is are a few screenshots of the brand new temple run 2. We love it and you’ll love it and a whole host of other games when you follow our guide.

Zipline

Whhheeeee Down the Zipline


Jump for gold in temple run 2


Download this and then follow the instructions. You can play any Android game on Windows with blue stacks!
Mines!

Review: Chop Chop Runner

March 2, 2013 Blog
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Back in 2010, the Chop Chop Runner made its way to the Apple app store promising another fun instalment off of the series. Gamerizon has done an excellent job in producing yet another addictive game, making it one of the best running games in the industry. Due to the title of the game, most fans would be pressed to think that there will be a lot of chopping and running involved. In reality, though, the gameplay only requires the character to throw in kicks occasionally. While this seems quite boring it’s really quite entertaining and really takes you on a ninjas journey smashing everything that stands in your path

chop chop runner gameplay

Players will be jumping from one platform to another as they play a ninja in Chop Chop Runner. The main goal for the game is to beat your previous high score. However, Gamerizon has incorporated a few tricks here and there to make the game more interesting than that. There will be evil warriors and sudden dead ends that you will encounter throughout your progress, which should help make the game more challenging and fun to play.

Since the game kicks off, the ninja that you will be controlling will run constantly. Your goal is to make sure that he is protected from any enemies that try to hurt him or halt his progress. You can make the character jump with a mere tap of the screen, which is a basic move to perform whenever there are ledges or any spot where he can fall off. The height of the ninja’s jump will be determined by the amount of time you hold the screen. Make sure you learn how to time his jump accordingly because the platforms are not of equal height – some are higher, others are lower. Precise timing is therefore critical to continue play.

As the ninja picks up speed, that is when the game’s difficulty level rises too. With more obstacles to encounter and evil warriors to ward off, it will be a challenge to keep your ninja alive.

Special Attack

The fighting engine is what makes Chop Chop Runner a cut above other running games in the market. There is also timing and proper execution involved in establishing a kill, rather than just being a random tap. At the same time, it is what helps to keep the game exciting and contribute to its replay value.

Zombie Carnival–Runnerrrrrrrrrrzzzzggggarraghh

February 10, 2013 Blog
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You know what? Zombie games are beaten to death already. And if you are looking for more, you probably you shouldn’t because there are other games that warrants your attention.  Besides, the app-store is already flowing with zombie games, as well as proper gaming consoles, they have mountains of mountain game. And if you combine zombies with endless running game? Oh no, that should be very oversaturated.

However,

Zombie Carnival by Mobigame is an endless runner zombie game that is actually fun and not fizzling.

You control a zombie that is infecting the streets in a an apocalypse. While you are doing the running, you’ll encounter clueless, helpless civilians for you to consume. And if you manage to bite them, they’ll join your fray and in a minute, you’ll have a horde zombies infecting everyone.

This what makes Zombie carnival a creature on its own. You are manage multiple runners at the same time. You have got to concern yourself with up to 12 units and he;p them avoid hindrances that will be thrown at you at spiking pace of difficulty over time. When you have a horde, it is easier to bulldoze each and everyone of the things that goes in your way.

There are powerups that can transform the zombies into dragons, brains, ninjas and football platers. Every single “transformation” gives powers. Collecting coins is a must because it allows for upgrades like hats, location, and items. Like Temple Run before it, Zombie Carnival employs the freemium model of which you can use real money in purchasing virtual currency to get the upgrades and items.

There are varied objectives to accomplish, and doing these things can give you bonuses and such. Brains are the score here and if you hit a certain amount of it, you win a ticket for you to scratch and coins and / or bonuses will be given to you.

Slightly unfortunate that Zombie Carnival is also spelt Zombie Carnaval in different countries, surely it would have been much better if it was simply called RAAAAAHHHH!!!!!

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