CodeRunner Review
iPhone App
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CodeRunner Review

Our Review by Jennifer Allen on March 28th, 2012
Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar :: UNIQUELY MEMORABLE
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A fascinating concept that's unlike all others. It's a great way to make walking exciting.

Developer: RocketChicken
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.2
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 4

Graphics / Sound Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Game Controls Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar
Gameplay Rating: starstarstarstarhalfstar
Replay Value Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar

Overall Rating: starstarstarstarblankstar


CodeRunner is an immensely clever idea, even if it is more restrictive than other iOS games. Unlike so many other titles, this isn't a game one can play on the sofa in a passive way. Instead, CodeRunner forces its players to move around, travelling to certain sources to progress the game.

The backdrop to all this is a tale of espionage and intrigue. Players take the role of an agent wandering the real world and having to complete missions, intercepting targets and remotely hacking into things. Of course, none of this is real but it'll feel like it. CodeRunner actively encourages players to plug in their headphones and lose themselves to the world of this form of augmented reality game.

From the outset, players receive transmissions from a strange voice that tells them to walk out of range of their starting location, then gradually follow the directions offered. Nothing is tied to a set location so players aren't restricted if they live in a small town or huge city. Players will very nearly believe they are in a spy movie.

It's not just all about wandering around either with mini-games featuring, also. To hack into locations, a form of hidden object game kicks in and things progress. Drop points must be walked to in order to upload 'evidence' and then carry onto the next stage. Players work together to create their own drop points and the puzzles involved, although this can be a little restrictive for those living in a region with few players (such as myself). At least, the player can then create their own drop points instead of rely on others.

The summer months are coming for many and this is the ideal time to give CodeRunner a shot. It's a very clever idea and one that encourages players to get out and about. It's not perfect as there are times when players will find themselves going round in circles. There's also the problem of when a location pops up and it happens to be on private land. It is fascinating to check out, though, and extremely involving. It makes a humble walk around the local area so much more exciting.

iPhone Screenshots

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CodeRunner screenshot 1 CodeRunner screenshot 2 CodeRunner screenshot 3 CodeRunner screenshot 4 CodeRunner screenshot 5
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