Zombies, Run! – Review – Making it fun to run (with zombies)
By App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Six to Start
Version #: 1.0
Date Released: 2012-02-27
Developer: Six to Start
Price: 7.99
User Rating:
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I give major props to the creators of Zombies, Run! (which was actually developed from a Kickstarter campaign) for using the unique properties of the iPhone to create a truly unique game. Yes, despite being classified as Health and Fitness, it’s a game. What other gaming console uses a GPS and the controller is your legs?
To use this game is even simpler than anything on any other gaming console. You dress in running clothes, put the iPhone on your arm or hip using one of those specialized cases and then start the app. You become “Runner 5”. The app takes note of your surroundings and creates fictional zombies in a fictional post-apocalyptic world that you have to avoid or be eaten. You can even pick up items for survival (such as medicine) and expand your home base. Doing so enhances the experience by adding pieces to the story (currently the app has 13 missions but 17 more are on the way as free upgrades).
The app uses fictional audio broadcasts and sound effects to simulate a zombified world and lets you know where to go to gain points. The game is also a mystery (how did this apocalypse start?) and by moving around, it can be solved. The game can also be used on a treadmill if going outside scares you.
Granted, zombies are overused nowadays. This could easily be an alien-invasion apocalypse or a kitten apocalypse and pretty much been the same game. However, it’s an aesthetic choice. Also, the game is a little pricey, however there is nothing else quite like it in the App Store. If you’re a runner or need motivation to run, this is the app for you.
Quick Take
Value:Medium to high.
Would I Buy Again:Yes.
Learning Curve:Low.
Who Is It For:Runners or runner-wannabes.
What I Like:Excellent original concept and execution using qualities unique to the iPhone.
What I Don't Like:Price is a little high.
Final Statement:Buy Zombies, Run! if you need a little more fun in your run.
fitness Zombies, Run! is an ultra-immersive running game and audio adventure, co-created with award-winning novelist Naomi Alderman. We deliver the story straight to your headphones through orders and voice recordings - and when you get back home, you use the supplies you’ve collected while running to build and grow your base.
BBC NEWS - “The only way to save yourself is to run for real.”
WIRED - “In the style of Runkeeper, with an exciting undead twist.”
WIRED UK - “Promises aerobic thrills and zombie kills aplenty.”
CNN - “Turns exercise into a game - a terrifying, terrifying game.”
NPR - "It gets you moving!"
TIME.COM - "Takes all the fun of a zombie game and funnels it into a fitness app."
WHAT PLAYERS SAY:
“Evaded all zombie mobs :-) One of my best sprints ever; this app works!”
“This game will make you sweat. Perfect junction between game design and run tracker.”
“Just tried @zombiesrungame and for the first time in my life I feel truly alive.”
WALK, JOG, OR RUN ANYWHERE
Zombies, Run! works anywhere and at any speed. You can jog in a park, run along a beach, or walk along a trail. It even works on treadmills!
YOU ARE RUNNER 5
Hundreds of lives are counting on you. You've got to rebuild your base from a few shivering survivors into a fortified beacon of civilization by collecting critical supplies and avoiding roving zombie hordes. Can you save them and learn the truth about the zombie apocalypse?
A WORLD OF STORIES
With 30 missions and over 40 runs worth of gameplay, you become the hero in an epic story of humanity’s struggle for survival where your running *really* matters - and there’s a deeper mystery to be uncovered as well...
YOUR OWN MIX
Choose your own custom playlists before you start running: the story unfolds in between your tracks through a series of dynamic radio messages and voice recordings.
INTERVAL TRAINING - WITH ZOMBIES
With our optional ‘Zombie Chases’ mode, you’ll need to increase your speed and work up a sweat if you hear zombies on your tail. That’s right - we’ve made interval training *fun*!
KEEP THE SURVIVORS ALIVE
You automatically collect items like medicine, batteries, and ammo while running - but when you're back home, who needs them more: the soldiers or the doctors? Which buildings need extra defenses? It’s up to you - and the bigger your base, the more missions you can play.
NOTES
- The launch version comes with 13 missions, with 17 more missions to be released in upcoming free updates
- Requires iOS 5 or above. Works on iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, and iPod Touch 3rd gen and 4th gen.
- Continued use of GPS running in the background can dramatically decrease battery life.
- Accelerometer mode requires you to keep your device unlocked while playing, which can dramatically decrease battery life.
- If you backed us on Kickstarter or pre-ordered via our shop, please download the “ZR Advance” app instead.
COMING SOON
- Run logs
- Audio notifications of time and distance
- More Season 1 missions
- Much, much more!
Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/zombiesrungame
Sign up to our mailing list at https://www.zombiesrungame.com
