Canabalt (PS Minis)

What’s the most annoying part of action movies? Answer: All that plot filling and incessant talking. Canabalt is like the Michael Bay of platform games. It distills the entire experience into its most thrilling pinnacle: A high speed roof parkour trial.

The lo-fi presentation in grayscale doesn’t detract from the action at hand, quite the contrary. Its barely visible pixelated character jumping across the elementary produced buildings exudes a strange sense of speed. Added style is offered as the runner scares away flocks of pigeons for that extra touch of grace. With some pinpoint animation accompanied by a thrilling sound attachment, the action is kept at peak performance at all times. And as gameplay never alters, there is no downtime to be had at all. It’s sort of reminiscent of a modern day action film fused with the class of a traditional James Bond, should the man participate in parkour events.

As such, gameplay reverts to a simple run and jump mechanic. Players start their existence in a building corridor and then erupt onto rooftops and continue to elude the unknown threat by running forward and jumping from building to building. Every now and then, a curveball will be thrown in the form of some falling debris, obstacles or crumbling platforms. As every gap only has a split second difference between them, players will be required to revert to some quick wit, even if there is a touch of leap of faith. However, this is part of the magic in Canabalt. Players get rushed into deciding jumps and just like other stressful situations strong instincts will outweigh careful planning in the end. Structure isn’t for gentlemen heroes.

The simplicity of Canabalt is a double-edged sword though; there’s no denying that. The only control players have is pressing a jump button. Though even here, the subtle difference between pressures can make all the difference in jumps. This is definitely a strong suit of the game. Airtight controls are the only thing this game really needs and the developers didn’t cut any corners here. If and when our hero would hit the bricks, the fault will always rely on its sentient overlord. This makes the game seem fair and balanced and that’s an important part of keeping the game fresh.

Attempts are usually quite short. Players can try and beat their high score in distance, but that’s it. Therefore, having a game that doesn’t ever feel frustrating is a keystone when related to replay value. Additionally, the game and its soundtrack barely take a break to let players try again and that keeps them going for that one additional round that expands into another and so on. And don’t be fooled into thinking simply running and jumping is easy. Even the slightest error in judgment in Canabalt means death. Chalk up one more toward adrenaline. This game keeps it packed in tight.

At a very small price, Canabalt delivers the goods with high action and great replay value. Its charming allure and riveting sounds make this run and jump title fun to play and the tight controls keep it as such. It’s far from the most versatile titles ever released, but what it does it does so with grace.

Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed. (@Daavpuke)