From the Archives

Run, Die, Repeat. Canabalt by Semi Secret Software

canabalt bannerIt is impossible to play only a single round of Canabalt.

You will find yourself retrying again, and again, and again, because the game sucks you into a place where you know that this time you will outdo yourself (and maybe others).

Canabalt is hardly revolutionary as a game concept but manages to be addictive.   It’s an endless runner, and you tap to jump over gaps or obstacles; that’s it.  The setting is in black, white, and shades of gray depicting a city under attack by aliens (presumably) and the story is simply run for your life.  The single element of Canabalt that stands alone is the music by Danny Baranowsky.  It’s entrancing, and fits the game flawlessly.  The real beauty and elegance of the game however is that all of it comes together to be much more than the sum of its parts.  I’m reminded of a quote you’ve probably read on the back of a ketchup bottle,

canabalt screenTo do a common thing uncommonly well brings success.

– Henry J. Heinz

You can play Canabalt on Android, iOS and it’s even available right now on the Ouya.  Good luck.

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