Gadget Gurus Game Review: Agent Dash

Adding to an already-growing list of “run-to-survive” style games, mobile developer Full Fat recently released their game, “Agent Dash” onto Android devices.  Agent Dash hopes to improve upon games like Temple Run and Temple Run Brave by adding power ups, witty humor and a bit of James Bond into the package.  Does it become the front-runner, en route to winning the race, or does it get left behind in the dust?  Read on to find out!

Gameplay

The gameplay of Agent Dash is incredible easy to pick up and kept to a bare minimum.  As with most of the games of this style, Agent Dash has the ability to move from side to side and jump.  An added twist is thrown in, allowing the Agent to slide under closing doors. In addition to basic movements, Agent Dash can also move side-to-side while sliding and while in the air, giving the agent the ability to maneuver around jumps and gaps to pick up various power-ups and bonuses.  The gameplay, while seemingly repetitive, provides the player with simple-enough controls to make them want to come back and play, time and time again.

Unfortunately, Agent Dash (at least in this agent’s opinion) suffers from a bit of difficulty scale and the all-too-often present fee-to-win style of design.  Agent Dash, to someone that isn’t too familiar with these types of games, might seem so frustratingly difficult in the early runnings, one might put it down and never come back to it. In addition to this, players have the option to buy the in-game currency to increase the ability to get through levels.  Unfortunately, most of these power-ups are one time use items and come with a hefty price.

Graphics/Design

Agent Dash looks fantastic, and really makes use of some of the newer pieces of Android hardware.  You really get a sense of tapping into MI6′s computer systems, if MI6 was out of a James Bond cartoon.  If you’ve ever played any of the “Noone Lives Forever” series of PC games, you really get a sense of 1960′s/1970′s spy films.  In addition to eye-pleasing graphics, apart from the fee-to-win style of gameplay, the design of the game is one that presents a lot of replay.  Games can be played over 5 minute short bursts, or 20 minutes sessions while sitting on your couch in the evening.  Games like these are great, especially on a mobile platform, as they provide enough of a distraction, without requiring your entire attention.

The downside to these great graphics is that it can drag, at times, when there’s a lot going on on the screen.  I was running this game on an over-clocked Galaxy Nexus and it still was sluggish during certain parts.

Sound

Agent Dash makes you feel as though you’ve been placed into a 1970′s spy film, both through graphic style and sound.  The soundtrack is fun and exciting, picking up as you run further and further into the game.  Sound effects fit the game quite well, and aren’t obtrusive.  This is the type of game you’ll want to enjoy with headphones on, so you can completely immerse yourself in the environment.  Full Fat gets bonus points for using the soundtrack and effects to really get the player into the game.

Conclusion

Agent Dash is a lot of fun and, for the low, low price of free, tough to not have on your device.  It’ll give you plenty of wasted time, and plenty of game to play.  While it does suffer from an IAP style that nearly requires the player to purchase SOMETHING to do well, it can be played with a little bit of time and dedication, and enjoyed without the purchases.  It’s a solid “runner” style game, improving upon the Temple Runs already on the market, and one that you should definitely pick up.

Gameplay: 8/10 (Solid gameplay, but really throws the IAP at you)

Graphics/Design 9/10 (Great graphics, but can drag a bit during heavier moments)

Sound: 10/10 (Fantastic.  Puts you in a spy movie of the 70′s.  Makes you feel just like Austin Powers)

Overall: 9/10