"Top Run"

"Top Run"
Reviewed by: Carless Yen
Developer: Katata Games
Publisher: Fantastico Studios
Release Date: 1/31/2020
Price: 4.99
Platforms: XBOX, PS4, Steam, Switch

Top run is a action packed runner with a very 80's vibe. You have to see how far you can get before you die by running into a enemy or their projectiles. There are also little mini bosses that pop up like Cyber Ghosts and Prisms. Just a bunch of things to try and stop you from getting your top score. The level speeds up, and puts more enemies out there as your score rises, or you cover more meters. It can be very tough, but you will get lots of help from power ups like time freeze, hover boards, dash attacks, shields and so on. They will help by helping you eliminate enemies without have to use your attacks which are limited. It is actually better to try an avoid attacking enemies, and worry more about staying alive. You also can free your friends, and they will join your side. They will assist you by using a special attack. Your friends Ben, Joy, and Darryl will clear the screen with their attacks like rapid fire, rolling into a ball and shooting across the screen, or a kinetic blast. Don't think these will make it super easy though because you are in for a real challenge. Normal mode is difficult at times, but you haven't seen anything until you try the other modes hardcore and Rage which will really keep you on the edge of your seat. Even better than friends and power ups you get a best friend in a dog of your choice or cat of course, and the game also pops in there ads telling you to adopt a dog which is just amazing.

The game is really retro wave with bright neon colors and just looks awesome on every platform. besides just looking beautiful it also has an amazing soundtrack courtesy of "Beckett" The songs are just so epic and unforgettable. They really just add a icing to the overall experience. It might have been my favorite part of the game. The looks and sounds of "Top Run" are really addictive, and our done perfectly in my opinion. It really captures the 80's vibes they were going for. It really reminds me of another game out this Generation I loved as well called "The Video Kid". The similarities were so much alike I thought maybe the same team had worked on both. Like The Video Kid you can unlock a ton of different 80's skins for your characters like. Ghostbusters, Teen Wolf, Freddy Krueger, Jason Voorhees, and many more. There are 24 different ones and they each have different perks. Like triple jumps, extra shots, starting the level with a friends, and many more. So they do more than just look really cool. You have to purchase them though with the in game currency, and it will take you awhile to do so. Especially if you choose to upgrade your boosts first. Each Power Up can be upgraded 5 times, and that will take you a lot of time. So the game really has a lot of replay value.

So is this one for you? I think so I'd really recommend it to any fans of retro gaming, runners, and people who just love the 80's. It really an be addictive though be careful. I played it for hours non stop, and I couldn't step away from it. I wanted to get every Achievement and unlock every skin. You will have some runs you die quick, and some you beat or come close to your high score.You never know how each run will play out, and that is one thing that makes it a really addictive game. The levels are randomly generated so even though your looking at one of two different backgrounds the level is always set up differently. I kind of wish there had been more then two levels but it still never felt repetitive. There may only be 2 levels, but there are 100 objectives that you complete to level up. When you level up you will get cool stuff to fill your apartment. TVs, Couches, Beds, etc There is also a Arcade machine where you can play a Space Invaders clone. It's a little tougher than the original, but still a lot of fun as well.

Pros:
Really cool neon 80's look
Tons of replay and things to unlock
Very Addictive
Awesome music
Smooth controls
Challenging

Cons:
Only two levels to play
Can feel like a grind to 100% it, best to play in spurts.

Overall: 7.2 Although "Top Run " may seem like a simple idea, it is so much more than that. An action packed challenging experience that will have you glued to your television, and unable to st that controller down.