I’m a huge fan of action runner games like Canabalt and Robot Unicorn Attack, where you avoid obstacles as your character runs. It’s so great to run as fast as you can, jumping to avoid doom and getting faster to the point where the you can’t see what’s happening and you start frantically crying as you try to dodge falling debris. Well, the last part is mainly just me I imagine, but I still think running platform games are good fun that most people can enjoy. I don’t get to see enough 3D ones, though. I also don’t get to see enough where you’re a massive mountain of a man who looks a bit like ‘The Thing’s’ less rational cousin and you smash right through rocks and barrels. Definitely a nice touch.

In Bust-n-Rush, you’ll get to alternate between using your face as a battering ram and then inexplicably doing the logical thing and avoiding running into boulders. Your character Thurl’s motivation for embarking on this dubious journey is mainly revenge for his plastic pet flamingo, which was killed by The Satellite of Wub. I think we can all relate to his plight, as we’ve all been in that situation at one time or another.

The game has some impressive cel-shaded design, which should be a treat for players who like that style. Unfortunately its soundtrack was just okay; I didn’t find it to be too remarkable.

You start off in a cave learning the basics, and the game progressively adds more elements to the levels. You can smash through objects with a blue outline and you have to avoid objects with a red one. Additionally you can jump, change lanes or even switch gravity in later levels. The game quickly draws you in and you’ll have great fun rushing through rocks and dodging others at the last minute. It steps up the difficulty as well and keeps in line with the ancient indie game maxim of rage-inducing.

The game has two play modes: Challenge and Endless. You can play challenge first and afterwards you can unlock Endless. In challenge you go through the levels trying to achieve some objective, like smashing a certain number of objects or collecting a number of items. There are three worlds and the game features 30 different challenge levels. And let me tell you, the word ‘challenge’ is used appropriately here. While the game is tricky as it is, in challenge you’ll need to focus as much as possible to avoid dying while also accomplishing your objectives. You’ll find yourself frantically shifting between keys like your fingers are performing a particularly grueling Ballet.

I found it to be a great mode because it constantly offered me different goals. ‘Bust-n-Rush’ doesn’t get repetitive this way, because you feel like you’re progressing through levels. Of course, if you want the classic runner mode you can head out to Endless and get to smashing and dodging so you can get bragging rights with an astronomical score.

I found the game to be fun, addictive and highly illogical. If you like procedurally generated action platforming and you feel protective of plastic pet flamingos, you should be playing Bust-n-Rush

[Bust-n-Rush]

Trailer