Running is Subway Surfers is done for you. You automatically dart up the screen along the train tracks, and must avoid all the obstacles in your path, such as trains, buffers and carts. To do this you can dodge by tapping left or right, jump by swiping upwards, or duck by swiping downwards.

Along the way you need to collect coins which can be exchanged in Subway Surfers for special items such as coin magnets, hover boards and even paint-powered jet packs. These power-ups really help to make the game more exciting, and often they are needed in order to overcome a particularly tough part of the game.

Subway Surfers is very close to Temple Run in terms of its gameplay, so in this respect it scores no marks for originality. However, the graphics are more cartoony and it feels more light and child-friendly as a result of this.

Subway Surfers is a fun reworking of the Temple Run format, which is addictive to play and will keep you coming back for more.

Download Subway Surfers 1.10.2 in Softonic

Is Running with Friends different from other endless runners?

The basic format of Running with Friends is the same as the seemingly endless list of endless running games. On first play it will remind you instantly of games such as Temple Run or Subway Surfers. You need to run as far as you can by dodging, jumping, or sliding under the obstacles in your way.

The setting for Running with Friends is San Fermin, Spain, home of the famous "running of the bulls" festival. So, instead of trying to outrun a hoard of monkeys (as in Temple Run) or an angry stationmaster (Subway Surfers), this time you're being pursued by angry bulls.

Other gameplay twists include the ability to grab hold of bulls and ride them to earn bonuses, plus you can perform some pretty spectacular leaps over buildings.

But the biggest difference between the gameplay of Running with Friends and most other endless runners is that this game is that it lets you compete against other players around the world, be it your Facebook friends, or random strangers. The idea is that you take part in head-to-head battles with your buddies to see who can run the furthest - and this proves very enjoyable and addictive, especially since your friends are represented by runners in the game itself so you know that when you've gone past them you've beaten their score.

There are weekly leaderboards where you can see how you've fared out of all your Facebook friends and players you've ran against during the week.

Running with Friends is free to play, though in-app purchasing is available. Game currency allows you to continue runs from where you fell in order to improve your distance. You can also buy new avatars for your runner.

Is it easy to play?

Part of Running with Friends' addictive charm comes from its simplicity. The gesture controls are much the same as Temple Run and Subway Surfers: swiping left and right allows you to dodge obstacles and turn corners, swiping up performs a jump and swiping down performs a slide to go under an obstacle or break an object. There's a handy interactive tutorial at the start which guides you through everything.

Navigating the menus in Running with Friends is very easy and once you've signed in with your Facebook creditials or registered for an online account, challenging and playing friends is a straightforward business.

How does it look?

Running with Friends is very well presented. The design of the cartoony game world has a distinctly Spanish flavor, from the police cars down to the street signs. This, coupled with the flamenco-style soundtrack gives it real charm and almost makes you feel like you're on the streets of San Fermín.

The verdict

Running with Friends is yet another endless running game and in that respect it is very unorignal. However, the social twist on the genre, coupled with the exceptional treatment of the bull running theme, combines make this a really enjoyable game that's hard to put down.

Download Running with Friends 1.50 in Softonic

Endless running expanded

The format of Iron Man 3 is essentially that of an endless running (or, in this case, flying) game. But it's far more in-depth than many popular titles of this genre (Temple Run, Jetpack Joyride, Monster Dash, etc.), following a story based loosely around the plot of the Iron Man 3 movie.

Iron Man 3's gameplay is based around flying over various different levels, dodging obstacles and shooting enemies as you go. There are lots of objects and power-ups to collect that can help you upgrade your suit, purchase new suits (18 in total!) and weapons, and boost your defenses.

Besides the goal of traveling as far as you can without dying, there are lots of missions in Iron Man 3 which, if completed, give you rewards such as credits and 'ISO-8', the game's currency. There are even daily missions to complete which help you to piece together the story and earn more credits.

Like many games these days, Iron Man 3 relies on in-app purchasing to help you progress through the game. Without paying your progress is severely hampered and you'll be waiting around a lot for Iron Man to be repaired, or left with not enough capabilities to complete the missions. It's frustrating, but it's a fact of life in these days of 'freemium' gaming models.

There's no multiplayer mode as such, though you can pit yourself against others online by comparing your high scores.

Taking flight

The first few times you play Iron Man 3 you'll no doubt be a bit bewildered by all the missions, items to collect, baddies you can shoot, baddies you can't shoot, and the way that Iron Man chooses for himself whether to fly high or low.

What's more, controlling the metallic superhero in Iron Man 3 feels a little clunky and awkward. The default movement controls are based around swiping the screen left or right to change direction but it isn't particularly precise, making it difficult to avoid obstacles. However, the controls can be optimized, allowing you to adjust the sensitivity or even switch to tilt-based controls (which we found to be more comfortable).

Once you've fine-tuned the controls and got used to what all the on-screen mayhem is all about, Iron Man 3 becomes a joy to play and you'll find yourself gradually becoming addicted to the action-packed gameplay.

Hollywood look and feel

Iron Man 3 is one of the most elaborate endless runners you'll play in terms of its presentation. The 3D graphics are eye-popping, explosions are over-the-top, music is thundering and the voice acting is very good. All of this combined leads gives Iron Man 3 a real Hollywood feel, befitting of a blockbuster movie tie-in.

The verdict

Iron Man 3 is tricky to master at first, and the waiting around before being able to play does get annoying if you're not a fan of paying as you play.

However, with its Hollywood presentation, action-packed gameplay and plethora of challenges and missions, Iron Man 3 is less repetitive and monotonous than many endless running games.

Download Iron Man 3 1.0.0 in Softonic

The popular arcade series replaces core assets with an entire overlay of the magical land as you play Oz and running from flying baboons. You won't be able to enjoy all the visuals because you will be running forever in Temple Run: Oz.

Run, jump, and slide like before with a new setting in Temple Run: Oz.

What's new

Stunning environments inspired by the film – explore them all.
Fly in a hot air balloon – earn even more coins.
Explore different locations in Oz – follow sign posts!
The environment changes as you run – test your reflexes.
Compete in weekly challenges – beat your friends!

Download Temple Run: Oz 1.2 in Softonic

While the original Temple Run's visuals were a little stagnant, Temple Run 2 adds a lot of higher quality graphics and effects. The stages look and feel bigger, plus there's more variety in the levels as you progress.

Controls in Temple Run 2 are the same. You tilt to move horizontally, swipe up to jump, and swipe down to slide. To change directions left or right, you swipe in that direction. If you played the original, jumping into Temple Run 2 is easy.

There are some input detection issues with Temple Run 2 though. Occasionally when swiping to jump or slide, the game did not register and I crashed into a tree or wall. Other times, it would register a sideswipe incorrectly and I would lose. This can get frustrating especially when you have progressed far into a level.

Temple Run 2 also has power-ups and unlockable content that can be bought with coins earned in the game, or you can purchase currency with microtransactions. Temple Run 2 does not really force purchases, but taking the easy way out by buying a pack of coins is tempting.

If you enjoyed Temple Run, Temple Run 2 is going to eat all your free time.

Download Temple Run 2 1.1.1 in Softonic

Sonic Dash gameplay

The idea of Sonic Dash is very similar to popular endless runners like Temple Run or Subway Surfers. Sonic sprints forward and you have to guide him past obstacles, collecting rings as you go.

As with Temple Run, there are collectible items along the way in Sonic Dash, such as magnets that trap coins, dash boosts and extra lives.

To start with you can only play as Sonic, but it is possible to unlock other characters from the popular Sega franchise: namely Tails, Knuckles and Amy. To do this you need to build up enough red rings to unlock them (or make an in-app purchase).

The gameplay in Sonic Dash is fun and you'll constantly want to start again and try to beat your highest scores. The inclusion of Game Canter support adds an extra element of competition, too.

Ultimately though, Sonic Dash doesn't differ much from the format of Temple Run in terms of gameplay and adds little innovation in terms of game modes or unique features, aside from the element of having to kill baddies from the Sonic games and losing your rings if you get hit but being able to carry on.

Taking control of Sonic

The controls in Sonic Dash are based around touch gestures. Swipe left and right to move Sonic from side to side, flick upwards to make him jump, and down to roll. Rolling enables you to kill baddies, as well as go under low-hanging obstacles.

Unfortunately, there's just one control system in Sonic Dash. It would've been nice to have the option to switch to tilt-based controls for players who prefer this method of gaming.

An (almost) authentic Sonic experience

The great thing about Sonic Dash is the way it looks and feels like a proper Sonic adventure. From the lush design of the settings to the way Sonic moves, memories of Sonic games of old will come flooding back. The nostalgia factor is heightened by the presence of baddies from previous games.

I was disappointed the music from the original Sonic game wasn't included though, and I feel this would've really capped off the playing experience of Sonic Dash.

Animation is generally pretty smooth, although we did observe some lag at times.

One of the few bugbears we had with the presentation of Sonic Dash is the long loading time when you launch the game.

Conclusion

Although Sonic Dash brings little new to the 'endless running' format in terms of gameplay, it's a game that will delight if you're a fan of the little critter - especially if you're into Temple Run too!

Download Sonic Dash 1.0.1 in Softonic

The fantasy world of Run'n'Gun allows for a different tone to the game. Rather than a jungle, the Victorian style buildings at the beginning of the game translate to what feels like a haunted forest. Run'n'Gun's graphics are impressive to watch in motion.

Controls in Run'n'Gun are easy to learn. You tilt the iOS devices to move left or right. Swipe up to jump and swipe down to slide. The game automatically shoots, you only have to aim. The game adds a lot of obstacles and they quickly start compounding more and more. A simple barrier could add a stack of barrels and barricades will only allow one way to bypass them.

Run'n'Gun also includes missions and upgrades which can be purchased with coins earned in the game or by using diamonds. There are also real money transactions to purchase currency if you need faster upgrades or characters.

Run'n'Gun is yet another running game, but adds an interesting style to recognizable gameplay.

Download Run'n'Gun 1.0.0 in Softonic

Temple Run: Brave plays very much like the original Temple Run game, only with the ability to shoot things with your bow and arrow. The character, Merinda from Brave, runs automatically and it's your job to guide her by swiping right and left to turn, up to jump and down to duck under something.

During the run you can pick up coins in Temple Run: Brave, which you can use to buy power-ups and magic. Occasionally you'll need to hit things with your arrows in order to score more points.

The graphics in Temple Run: Brave have been updated from the original Temple Run game. The lavish new scenery is based around the settings for the movie, which takes place in the Scottish wilderness. It would be nice if there was more variety in the graphics and gameplay, at least with the ability to play as different characters from Brave.

Temple Run: Brave is fun to play, but there's not enough variety or innovation to make this more than just an ordinary Temple Run spin-off.

Download Temple Run: Brave 1.3.0 in Softonic

Into the Dead doesn't do much for introductions. The beginning cut scene shows a downed helicopter and your character scrambling away frantically from a horde of zombies. Into the Dead is a simple running game but differs from games like Temple Run and Pitfall! Gameplay from Into the Dead harkens back to retro arcade games where you avoid obstacles by strafing left or right.

The environments in Into the Dead are beautiful, with eerie glowing eyes poking out from tall grass and cornfields. The scenery is broken up by the occasional fence and wooden post, helping to make it feel as if you're running through the countryside.

As the game progresses, you're introduced to a whole range of weapons like guns and chainsaws. You gain coins as you play, which can be used to purchase weapons and powerups. Of coure, like every other free-to-play game, you can purchase more coins with real money.

Into the Dead offers simple and addicting gameplay but can become repetitive.

Download Into the Dead 1.0 in Softonic

Pitfall! offers an interesting take on running games like Temple Run and Agent Dash. The game starts off as a side-scroller, moving from left to right. Swipe up and down to jump or slide your way over and under obstacles. As you play, the perspective will shift behind your character, turning Pitfall! into a very similar game to Temple Run.

As you run, you collect coins, which can be used to purchase in game items. One annoying aspect of Pitfall! is that the game really pressures you to buy in-game items using real money. To resume at a checkpoint, you'll have to use a bird coin. While you can gain these coins by playing Pitfall!, they are few and far between.

Players won't really mind playing the same levels over and over as Pitfall! features enough changes in gameplay elements to keep players coming back. There are vehicles and animals that you have to whip in order not to get poisoned. Gameplay is constantly changing and keeps the game feeling fresh after many plays.

Pitfall! keeps gameplay fun with constantly changing levels but be prepared to be nagged to spend money on in-game items.

Download Pitfall! 1.2 in Softonic

Temple Run is up there with Canabalt and Monster Dash as one of the most fun and exhilarating endless running games for iOS.

Run for your life

The game starts with a scene of you being chased out of a temple by a pack of scary screaming monkey creatures, and from here on you have to keep running for as long as you can. Imagine Usain Bolt playing Indiana Jones and you get an idea of what the gameplay is like.

The controls in Temple Run are simple to pick up. You tilt your device to weave along the paths and swipe sideways to turn corners. Swipe up to jump over a gap or obstacle and down to slide under something.

What makes Temple run addictive?

Along the way you also need to collect coins in Temple Run which you can use to upgrade with new power-ups, utilities and characters. It's great that you can upgrade without using real money, like many freemium iPhone games (though you can if you want to).

Temple Run is a very more-ish game where you'll want to keep restarting in order to beat your furthest run and complete the many and varied challenges.

The 3D graphics in Temple Run are very good and have an Indiana Jones feel to them. The Aztec bongo soundtrack fits well with the exotic vibe too. Perhaps the only complaint you can make about Temple Run is that there is little variation in the scenarios. It would be nice if there were a variety of locations available rather than just the temples.

Temple Run is a fast and furious endless running game that will keep you coming back time and again.

Download Temple Run 1.6 in Softonic

If you're familiar with the popular Temple Run game, then you'll feel at home playing Agent Dash. While gameplay is exactly the same, Agent Dash differentiates itself with quirky characters and fun power ups like jetpacks, parachutes, and "bullet time." Agent Dash also adds Facebook integration so you can challenge your friends and keep track of their scores.

The premise is simple: run and collect diamonds to unlock powers, characters, and one-time-use aids. Being a free-to-play game, you can use real money to buy in game items. There is a trend in the mobile gaming industry of moving to the free-to-play business model and some games have been ruined because of constant nags to spend money.

Thankfully, Agent Dash doesn't nag you constantly to spend real money, although the impatient will probably do so. You can buy more diamonds to unlock in-game items but players who don't want to spend money won't be punished. It will just take longer to unlock things but it will be good practice gathering diamonds in the game anyway.

Agent Dash is an addictive arcade running game with tons of unlockables, characters, and achievements that will keep players coming back for more.

Download Agent Dash 1.1 in Softonic