Run Down, a fast-paced survival game for Windows Phone

Run Down is a fast paced, arcade styled game of survival where you have to control a falling ball and make sure it never reaches the top of the screen. Call it a reverse jumper game for Windows Phone.

It's a game of survival with simple controls, three difficulty levels and a handful of ball styles to choose from. Run Down isn't an overly complicated game but has it's fair share of challenges. The game is available for low-memory devices and Run Down isn't a bad gaming option to have in your Windows Phone gaming library for the times you need a little help burning a few minutes.

Simple layout, easy controls, challenging game play

Run Down has a simple main menu with options to jump into game play and mute the sound. From there you will choose your difficulty and ball style (currently six styles) and begin game play.

Controlling your ball is done with the tilt sensors of your Windows Phone. Tilt the phone to the left and the ball rolls left, tilt to the right and the ball rolls right.

A series of platforms will begin to rise up the gaming screen and it is your job to send your ball through the gaps to prevent it from rising to the top of the screen. If your ball reaches the top of the screen, the game is over.

The longer you survive, the higher your score and the faster the platforms rise. For bonus points, there are coins scattered throughout the game screen that can be collected. You also have items randomly placed on the platform that can help you out or hinder your progress. For example, a skull will end your game and a green orb that will put another ball into play.

Overall Impression

Run Down is not a very complicated game, which shouldn't be considered a bad thing. Graphics are nice, game play challenging and Run Down is an attractive time waster of a game for our Windows Phone.

I wouldn't mind seeing a help section added to the game to describe what all the bonus items are in the game. While you can guess what many are, some take collecting to figure out and it would be nice to know which ones you'll need to avoid ahead of time.

I don't think Run Down could hold up to marathon gaming sessions but if you are in the mood for a simple, yet challenging Windows Phone game to help you burn a few minutes of time it is worth trying. With one review (rating only) the game has a 2 Star rating in the Windows Phone Store, which I see as a bit on the low side. If you take a chance on Run Down, let us know in the comments what you think of the game.

George Ponder

George is the Reviews Editor at Windows Central, concentrating on Windows 10 PC and Mobile apps. He's been a supporter of the platform since the days of Windows CE and uses his current Windows 10 Mobile phone daily to keep up with life and enjoy a game during down time.