Freebie Feelers... Runbow

Freebie Feelers is a series where we download the free monthly console-specific or newly released free-to-play games to test their worth.This series will contain some useful information as well as plenty of personal opinion. While these articles may not be reviews, we hope that you will be able to use them to help decide whether that free download is worth it.

What is it?

Debuting on the Xbox One as one of the Games with Gold titles for July, Runbow is a platform racing game that has a neat mechanic that sets it apart from similar titles. Simply put, in Runbow, if the background color changes to match any of the platforms or obstacles on screen, it makes them disappear and cease to exist. This concept is simple enough to understand, but quickly becomes a much larger problem than any enemy or platforming section found throughout the game. If keeping track of all the color changing is too easy for you, there are also several power ups that change how the game operates and even some combat mechanics that can create insanity between any of the players in the match. These matches can be cooperative or competitive, local or online, and with a max of either eight (local) or nine (online) players. Whether playing Adventure Mode, Run, Arena, King of the Hill, or trying to take on the Bowhemoth, platforming fans are sure to be kept busy.

What did you think?

Where do I even start? I’ve always had a soft spot for platformers that sport a little difficulty or have an interesting twist and Runbow has both! As soon as I started the game up, I decided to try and take on the Bowhemoth, supposedly the hardest challenge available. After a grueling hour and a half, I had finally reached the end and I can say that the only point I didn’t enjoy was when I slipped off platforms that I thought I was most definitely on. This mode is definitely the most challenging though, as I have spent nearly ten hours in all the other game modes and have completely finished the adventure mode. The main thing that drove me to keep playing was the solid platforming and just how easy it was to retry when I failed. With up to eight people being able to play on the same console, you can see how playing any of the multiplayer modes could become hectic beyond belief.

Beyond all of this, there are many guest indie characters that can be chosen to take on any of the game’s challenges. This little addition is awesome as it means you can have a game where Shovel Knight, Shantae, Rusty, and Drifter are all racing against each other. Unlocking these characters feels natural and makes trying for the game’s achievements worth it. Like I said before, if it wasn’t for the solid platforming, this article would be completely different as there isn’t much outside of it. I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Runbow and look forward to finally conquering the Bowhemoth.

Is it worth downloading?

This one is easy, of course you should download Runbow while you have the chance! Whether you get it for yourself as a single-player platformer or a party game to play with all those friends we know you have, this title won’t disappoint. With the game usually costing £10.79 and having several DLC’s for cosmetics (with one for an additional Adventure map), it’s a steal for free. Whether you’re a platformer fan or not, Runbow has the potential to turn any normal night with friends into a goofy free-for-all. Just make sure you download it before 15th August.