Review: Manuganu 2
Manuganu 2, a twitch-reaction auto runner platformer, was just released with full MFi controller support.
In this game, you play as the titular Manuganu on a quest to rescue your kidnapped best friend on a journey through 40 levels.
Manuganu 2 nails the basics of the auto-runner genre. The traditional âthree-starâ mechanic is here, with each level offering stars for picking up a certain number of the small collectables, picking up three big coins, and reaching the goal under a certain time. Trying to hit all of those at once brings a very welcome extra challenge for the hardcore gamer – thatâs how I always try to play these things, and this game plays very well from that perspective.
In addition to getting the basic design right, Manuganu 2 introduces a mechanic that you donât see much of in this style of game: the ability to stop. Your character still runs by default, but a quick press of the stop button allows you to stand still, causing certain traps and obstacles to miss you. Stand still too long though, and youâll miss the time bonus. Itâs an interesting game mechanic, and a welcome addition.
Swimming, flying, and the occasional boss fight round out the basics with a welcome variety, making for a more in-depth experience than usual for a mobile game.
Manuganu 2 enters a relatively crowded genre – there are no shortage of excellent auto-runner platforms on iOS, many of which have controller support. What Manuganu brings to the table is a high degree of polish, solid level design, and addicting gameplay. This is the type of game that youâll keep pressing ânext levelâ without thinking about it, until you find that youâve spend the past hour playing – it has that addicting element that is so critical in mobile gaming.
Ultimately, unless youâre completely burned out on the endless / auto runner genre, Manuganu 2 is a solid recommendation. Itâs a polished, fun game with great controller support at a fair price; you canât ask for much more than that.