Temple Run 2 review: This sequel goes the distance

If you like the original Temple Run or enjoy running games, Temple Run 2 is an excellent sequel with tons of new content, beautiful graphics, and more heart-pounding escape game action.

Temple Run 2 is the sequel to one of the most popular running games for mobile devices, and it has just enough new features to make it an excellent follow-up.

                          Temple Run 2

THE GOOD

<b>Temple Run 2</b> has better graphics, more path variation, new obstacles, and tons of power-ups to make it an excellent sequel to the most popular running game on mobile devices.

THE BAD

In-app purchases allow for unlimited "continues," skewing the leaderboards to those who are willing to spend the money.

THE BOTTOM LINE

If you like the original Temple Run or enjoy running games, Temple Run 2 is an excellent sequel with tons of new content, beautiful graphics, and more heart-pounding escape game action.

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As in the original Temple Run, you use swipe controls to run, turn, and jump as you explore a floating temple. But in Temple Run 2, you're no longer limited to right-angle turns. The path you follow has dips and rises and jogs left and right to make the game more visually interesting than the original. You also get some new methods of transportation, with zip lines that you can speed down and a mine cart section that has you leaning from left to right as you ride fast and furious over rails underground.

The biggest difference from the original is the upgrade to the game's graphics, with great-looking visuals you can't help but notice, even as you frantically try to navigate your way through the twisting paths. Realistic-looking fire hazards keep you on your toes, and animated rotating grinders add more obstacles for you to slide under and jump over in your effort to stay alive.

The graphics in the sequel are a big improvement

Temple Run 2 is a big improvement over the original with new content, obstacles, and new areas. But it's the graphics that really shine in this latest edition.

Twisting and turning paths

Rather than just straight paths, you get dips and rises, sometimes past beautiful waterfalls. You're going to want to jump over the rushing water, though.

Ziplines for variation

When you encounter a zipline, you can swipe up to ride it to the bottom. Tilt your phone to swing left or right to grab coins.

Take a ride in the mine cart

As you progress through the game, you'll encounter different areas like the mine. Tilt your phone to grab coins and choose your turns wisely.

Unlockable characters

Unlock characters by playing then spend your hard-earned coins to take advantage of each character's unique abilities.

Improve each character

You also have the option to buy increasingly expensive upgrades to make your runs last longer.

Temple Run 2 comes with four playable characters you can unlock, all with their own special abilities and upgrade paths, but there are a lot of ways to get an advantage while you run. There are power-ups you'll find along your run, such as the magnet that sucks coins toward you or the shield that temporarily makes you invincible and does the running and turning for you. You'll also come across green gems occasionally that let you continue your run after a death. But each time you continue on the same run, the cost doubles, making it cost-prohibitive to just keep continuing.

Temple Run 2 is free, but you have the option to buy more gems through in-app purchases. Of course, this means that players willing to spend the money will be able to continue as much as they want, securing their place atop the leaderboards. It seems a little unfair to me, but that is the state of mobile gaming these days.

Overall Temple Run 2 is an excellent sequel to one of my favorite running games. Souped-up graphics, new obstacles, and unique characters and power-ups make this latest installment a must-have for any running-game fan.