Running Games

Nearly all the running games in this section are what people call runners: your character moves forward on its own and you dodge, jump or switch lanes so it doesn't crash. There are about 180, in more than one style.

Endless runs and runs with a finish line

The most common is the endless run. There's no finish line, and whoever gets farthest wins. Temple Run 2, Cookie Run, Super Mario Endless Run, Sponge Bob Endless Run and SpongeBob Runner work this way: the speed climbs a little at a time and every mistake sends you back to the start.

Finish-line games are different. There's a course that ends, and you clear the level by reaching the end. Super Mario Run blends both ideas, with a platform course you cross at a run. For a more space-flavored take there's Interstellar Run, and with other scenery, Kawai Run or Bridge Water Rush.

How they're controlled

On a computer you usually get the arrow keys for changing lanes and jumping, and on a phone, swipes or taps. What sets Temple Run 2 apart is that the character never stops: you only turn, jump or slide.

Coins and upgrades

In endless runners, distance and coins normally turn into points or money to upgrade your character between games. Temple Run 2 includes power-ups and upgrades, and many others have magnets, shields or speed boosts. Treat your first game mostly as a way to see what the game wants: arrows, swipes or taps. A couple of tries is enough to catch the rhythm.

What you pick up as you play

Look far ahead, not at your character. If you only watch what's right in front of you, by the time you see the obstacle there's no time left. With your eyes a few yards ahead, your hands start to do it on their own.

Don't go for every coin. It's easier to survive and grab the ones on your path than to gamble on the ones at the edge. And when the speed picks up, breathe: rushing makes you press too much.

If you're not sure where to start, Temple Run 2 is the best known for the endless style, and Cookie Run has a more kid-friendly look.