Geekscape Mobile: ‘Relic Rush’ Review

If you like your mobile games simple, addicting, and stylish, then Jason Pickering and Forest Moon Games have a very fresh (yet retro looking) treat for you.

Relic Rush has joined the multitude of auto-runner titles available on the iPhone today; it does however bring a new look and feel to the genre, giving it a distinct advantage over its current competitors. Check out the launch trailer for Relic Rush below and see what I mean!

That’s right, Relic Rush is filled to the brim with delightful pixel art and catchy chiptunes. It’s really incredible just how gorgeous and colourful this game manages to be, all while maintaining an extremely retro style. The vibrant and quirky soundtrack adds to the old school feeling, regardless of the fact that it’s something your Atari 2600 would never have been able to pull off. Relic Rush is one of the first titles featuring pixel art that I’ve ever had the pleasure to experience, and I now know just how effective it can be.

Gameplay could not be simpler. Relic Rush is an auto-runner, meaning that without any input from the player, the character will constantly head for his/her goal. Without your help however, they don’t stand a chance of getting there. There’s just one control for you to master in Relic Rush; if you’re finger is on the screen, the character will stop, as soon as you let go, they’ll start to run again. Simple, right? Sure, but it’s not as easy as you might think.

Timing is key. The path to your goal (an idol crafted from gold, silver, or bronze depending on how quickly you can get there) will not be an easy one. Murderous creatures, seemingly endless gaps, frictionless ice, and more all stand between you and the sweet, sweet taste of victory.

Relic Rush features 160 unique levels, and with timing being so important, you’ll be seeing some of them a lot. Each unique stage is well crafted, and while certain levels can be frustrating, once you finally complete them you’ll feel perplexed that you ever had trouble.

Relic Rush is a universal app; purchasing just once nets you an optimized version for iPods, iPhones, and iPads alike. The main feature I hope a future version of the game includes is iCloud syncing; I can play Relic Rush on both my iPad and iPhone, but any progress that I make on one device is independent of the other. iCloud syncing would allow me to start the game on any iDevice, and continue my game on any other.

I had an absolute blast with Relic Rush; the fantastic retro style coupled with the insanely addictive, absurdly simple gameplay means that I’ll be going back to this one for some time. Mobile gamers, you’re in for a treat with Relic Rush.

Relic Rush scores a cool 4.5/5. It’s currently available on the iOS App Store for just $.99. The soundtrack is also available for download on BandCamp.