Space Run
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Space Run
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Space Run is a sophisticated downloadable strategy game that's a unique blend of casual "tower defense" gameplay and complex strategy elements. It's probably most appealing to players who have experience with previous strategy games or those willing to invest a lot of time and energy into figuring out all the game's facets. Violence is limited to fantastical lasers and explosions in outer space, and, because of the cerebral nature of all the strategy elements, it's even less affecting; it's more about objectively completing a mission than shooting down enemies. There's some mild, made-up swearing -- such as "fracking" -- and flirting is evident in the game's dialogue.
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What’s It About?
SPACE RUN is set in the year 2525, where space travel and intergalactic cargo deliveries have become commonplace. Players take the role of Captain Buck Mann, who transports materials across galaxies. Players must not only meander their way through adversary-infested deep space, they also must build their own ships for every cargo delivery, making sure to place turrets and defense mechanisms throughout to ensure a safe ride through space.
Is It Any Good?
Space Run blends two genres that previously haven't really been mixed: tower defense and real-time strategy (RTS). Tower-defense games, in which players set up turrets and defenses to protect their territory from oncoming attacks, are usually treated as casual video game fare, meant to be easy to pick up and play. RTS games, meanwhile, are historically known for being only for truly hardened veteran gamers who are willing to devote their entire focus on building and organizing in-game assets for combat. It's this refreshingly unique -- and frankly unexpected -- blend of gameplay styles that makes Space Run enticing to even the most cynical and jaded player. It makes the game a bit less universally appealing than a straightforward tower-defense game, but it also introduces sophisticated and rewarding gameplay styles to an audience that might usually turn away from games with a similar structure.
The game also has a good level of "replayability" because of the score-based nature of each mission. Players are always encouraged to redo previous missions with the hopes of getting higher scores. Ultimately, this game achieves something few titles are able to: It introduces a completely new and unique gameplay style. Those willing to overcome the tough learning curve will enjoy the refreshing and fun experience Space Run provides.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fantastical violence in Space Run. Do you think this title is violent? Is the content justified? Does it have more or less impact than violence in other games? Why?
What other games do you play that require a great deal of strategy? Can you see those skills being applied in real life?
What do you think the world will be like 500 years in the future?
Game Details
- Platforms: Mac, Windows
- Subjects: Math: geometry, grouping, sequences, statistics
- Skills: Thinking & Reasoning: logic, solving puzzles, strategy
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Available online?: Not available online
- Publisher: Focus Home Interactive
- Release date: June 13, 2014
- Genre: Strategy
- Topics: Space and Aliens
- ESRB rating: NR
- Last updated: August 25, 2016
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love space
Themes & Topics
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