Some time ago Imangi Studios, the developers of Temple Run, announced that they would be bringing a follow up to the Apple App store and the Google Play store.

 

That title,Temple Run: Brave, has been released on the US apple app store as of this morning, and the Android version is expected during the course of today.

 

The game, which was inspired by the Disney/Pixar movie Brave, will be both familiar to the legions of Temple Run players, while also bringing a few standout differences that distinguish it from its first predecessor. The first difference is that while Temple Run is free (a fact which no doubt only helped it reach 50 million players earlier this year), Temple Run: Brave costs 99c (R8) to purchase.

 

 

The title’s graphics are also significantly brighter and more colourful than its predecessor, and the textures seems to be more detailed than Temple Run’s dreary and dark colour palette as well. Rather than trying to elude the monkey on your back, it is a ferocious demon bear who you need to keep one step ahead of.

 

Additionally, Merida, the flame haired girl from the movie, is the only character on offer, although as you earn those all important coins, more costumes can be bought for her, including the Tartan Safeguard outfit, the Shadow Armour outfit and the Quilted Raiment outfit.

 

Of course, more coins can always be bought for actual currency, so you might want to disable in app purchases if you intend buying the game and handing your tablet over to your children.

 

 

While the controls are very similar to the first Temple Run (swiping to turn, jump and slide), there is the addition of archery in the game. At certain points, an archery icon flashes on screen and the player can let loose arrows to several targets on either the left or the right sides within the environment.  

 

One aspect that has remained the same is the presence of power-ups, such as the coin magnet power-up, the invisibility power- up and the resurrection power-up

 

Additionally, the spirited and wilful Merida’s rich Scottish brogue comes through at certain points in the game. If you favour jumping over obstacles as opposed to sliding under them, she will let you know all about it.

 

 

Playing it on our iPad 2 felt a bit smoother than playing the original, while Merida’s animations in particular seemed more fluid than Guy Dangerous, Scarlett Fox and co.In short, considering the updated graphics and addition of archery, alongside the well-loved controls and running gameplay, Temple Run: Brave looks like a winner.

 

However, parents be warned: considering that we have literally seen parents attempting (unsuccessfully) to prise their offspring’s fingers from an iPad while playing Temple Run, you may want to think twice before handing them Imangi’s latest. Unless you really are that Brave.