Trends: Mobile game keeps HPU students running
By Meghan Pignataro
Swipe, jump and slide: these are the motions you need to learn to master the popular mobile application Temple Run.
Released in August 2011, Temple Run is designed for touch screen Apple products such as iPhones, iPods and iPads. Within six months the game has reached 20 million downloads, making it the No. 1 download in the iTunes App store.
The purpose of this 3-D game is for an Indiana Jones-like character to run through a series of obstacles in an ancient temple and avoid being captured by a group of apes.
While jumping over broken pathways, sliding under deadly fire and making sharp turns, the player is aimed to collect as much coins as possible throughout an endless run. The more coins collected will increase the player’s score and unleash new characters and tools designed to boost the performance.
With just the slide of a thumb or tilt of the device, the player can escape the tough obstacles and continue on their journey to stay alive.
“It’s very easy for the player to fail,” said junior Sue Molyneaux. “A simple trip can cause the annoying apes to appear just a few inches behind your feet, which makes you get really nervous.”
“Taking your eyes off of the screen for just a second can cause you to jump over the temple walls and bring you right back to the beginning,” said Molyneaux.
At this point, players have two options: quit playing or start over. Because the game has millions hooked, many choose to start over.
As the No.1 download, iPhone users have become addicted to this new game as they test their reflexes and strive for a higher score.
“Once I start playing I cant stop, I keep wanting to get a higher score,” Molyneaux said. “I think that’s what makes the game so addicting, you want to go further and further, and do better than you did last time.”
Yet this is not just another common mobile app. This particular game has produced high statistics and ratings, making it so successful.
According to Droid Gamers, Temple Run has sold more copies than any game on PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.
One of the major highlights that contribute to the success of this game is that it is a free download. Unlike many mobile apps, the game does not require the player to purchase anything to proceed to a higher level.
Junior Mike LoCastro began playing Temple Run just last month and has earned an impressively high score. “Right now my score is 22,990,466” he said. “But the most challenging part is the quick turns and the turns where you drop and die automatically.”
While some players consider themselves pros at the game, beginners are struggling as they learn how challenging the mobile app can be.
“Getting the coins is the hardest part,” said junior Sarah Voigt. “It’s so hard to get them and stay on the pathways at the same time,” she said. “I get so frustrated and it makes me curse like a sailor.”
With the widespread popularity among Apple users, Temple Run is destined to expand.
“I don’t have the iPhone,” said junior John Stokes, who heard about the game from his roommate, “but it seems really addicting to me. Almost like angry birds.”
In the upcoming months, Temple Run will be released to Android phones, giving more people the opportunity to play.