app review: Tune Runner

Tune Runner is the latest title from acclaimed indie wonder Appy Entertainment, known for Facefighter and Zombie Pizza, both unique and visually stunning games. Tune Runner is a music game that breaks out of the mold of rhythm games and also presents itself as a unique experiment on the still nascent in-app purchase business model.

Gesture-based, the objective is to draw different shapes corresponding to the ones that appear on the screen to keep the Groov-EE, the dancing robot, dancing. Using tracks from one’s own music library categorized by artist and title, unique levels are generated for each track played. The player can also opt to try out recommended tracks from the Hot Tunes section or the featured indie group Angels and Airwaves.

The game starts out leisurely and ends in frantic fingerplay. A series of correctly drawn 15 shapes unlocks a bonus round which speeds everything up and continues until the chain is broken or until the song ends. The absence of modes of difficulty will encourage one to stick to short songs for easy play and longer ones for a real challenge.

One play is equivalent to one battery to recharge Groov-EE, and Tune Runner only provides 10 batteries. Still, one can fully enjoy the game and continue playing by clicking on ads or playing a mini-game to recharge the batteries. Meanwhile, battery packs for longer plays are sold as in-app purchases: 40 for $0.99, 99 for $1.99 and the ad-free full version Fusion Pack is $2.99. With the options available, it’s easy enough to just buy a few batteries and hold out on the full version if one doesn’t intend to play it often, or take the plunge depending on one’s perceived value of what the game is really worth.

There is something endearing about Groov-EE the dancing robot and the randomly generated themes that seem to reflect the beat or rhythm of the chosen track.

Tune Runner’s plus points also include using one’s one music library as in-game content, online leaderboard and social media integration via Open Feint, and fairly challenging gameplay. The dancing robot is fun to watch, and the sound effects nicely blend in with the track that’s playing. Personally, I found my interest renewed in my neglected music collection after playing Tune Runner. The game serves as a nice and easy quick fix on a commute – I can listen to my own music and have fun with it at the same time.

I like that one can enjoy Tune Runner free although at some inconvenience. However, there are a number of cons as well. While I do not really mind playing the ad-supported versions, some of the ads are a bit jarring and may turn off some players. The in-app purchases, especially the full version, need to offer something more enticing to the players other than just longer or unlimited gameplay. A clearer and fuller explanation about the battery and recharging system will greatly clear up the confusion and encourage more players to upgrade.

The graphics and gesture controls are not as polished as Appy’s previous titles, and the gameplay might feel repetitive after a while. Its replay value can be enhanced by lending more variety to the experience – more shapes, power-ups, different game modes, and more mini-games.

Flawed but charming and engaging enough to earn a place in one’s iDevice, Tune Runner is an enjoyable casual game with a lot of potential for further growth. Tune Runner is a bold endeavor on various levels, and I appreciate the fact that a creative and dynamic indie team is taking these risks.

Learn more about Tune Runner for iPhone and iPod touch in the App Store