Mr. Runner 2: The Masks (out now, $0.99) is an endless runner, albeit with levels. However, the game mechanics differs from the majority of endless runners. As with its predecessor Mr. Runner, you control your masked character’s running speed. Tapping the right side of the screen will make him speed up, while tapping the left will make him slow down. Dashing is limited in duration (shown by a small circular meter), which adds challenge to the game.
You can’t jump, and there aren’t any chasms for you to cross. Instead, the sky — or more precisely, stuff from the sky — will fall onto you. If you happen to be at the wrong spot at the wrong time, you’ll get squished. Hence, the need to slow down or sprint.
Mr. Runner 2: The Masks consists of 32 levels spread across four worlds. Both the art and types of obstacles differ between the worlds, but the levels within each world offer pretty much a similar experience. Beginning levels are typically easier, while the latter part of the levels within a world will introduce a boss character, which will come pouncing after you. That can get tough since you don’t have the best stamina when it comes to sprinting. Note also that you can never stop running. So even though you may have seemingly slowed down on time, your masked runner may sometimes continue a step or two ahead and enter the danger zone, effectively committing suicide. Luckily, you will get a brief warning before deadly objects start raining down.
Other than avoiding obstacles that will flatten you to a pulp, you’ll also be chasing after gold coins, stars, treasure chests, and keys (to unlock the chests). Power-ups are available in the form of magnets to suck up valuables and potions to restore your life (life restoration’s limited only by the number of potions you own). Within an upgrade store, you can purchase supplies as well as costumes using your collected gold coins. If you’re too poor in the game, you can also resort to spending real money by IAPs (not something I recommend of course).
Watch the trailer below to find a free in-game gift code, which will reward you with a few power-ups.
iFanzine Verdict: If you enjoyed the original Mr. Runner, you should most certainly go ahead with Mr. Runner 2: The Masks with its revamped graphics, cute animations, and skill-enhancing costumes. And if you’ve never played Mr. Runner, the sequel is a must try, provided you’re into endless runners. The slow-down-and-dash gameplay is a unique and refreshing change. However, as I mentioned above, there isn’t much variation between levels within a world.