Free Running | |
---|---|
Developer(s) |
Rebellion Developments (PS2, Wii) Core Design (PSP) |
Publisher(s) | Ubisoft, Reef Entertainment, Graffiti Entertainment |
Composer(s) | Martin Iveson |
Platform(s) | Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii |
Release | Wii, Windows |
Genre(s) | Sports, platforming |
Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Free Running is a 2007 video game for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii and Microsoft Windows, developed by Rebellion Developments and Core Design and published by Ubisoft, [1] Reef Entertainment, and Graffiti Entertainment. A Nintendo DS version was planned, but cancelled. [2]
Free Running is a freerunning sports game, with mechanics similar to those found in skateboarding titles such as the Tony Hawk's series. [1] The objective of the game is a representation of freerunning, and players must demonstrate speed, rather than flamboyance. [1] The player is required to navigate their character through an urban environment by climbing, leaping, wall-running and other acrobatic maneuvers. Points are earned by performing combinations of such moves, and completing mini-challenges such as checkpoint races. The Wii port is played with either the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, or the Classic Controller.
Aggregator | Score |
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Metacritic | (PSP) 65/100
[3] (PS2) 61/100 [4] (Wii) 51/100 [5] |
Publication | Score |
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Edge | 7/10 [6] |
Eurogamer | 5/10 [1] |
GamesMaster | 75% [7] |
PlayStation Official Magazine – UK | 6/10
[8] (OPS2) 5/10 [9] |
PSM3 | 70% [10] |
VideoGamer.com | 5/10 [11] |
The Sydney Morning Herald | [12] |
The game received "mixed" reviews on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic. [4] [3] [5] Eurogamer criticized the PlayStation 2 version's stiff controls and camera, leading to unease in performing tricks and combinations. It did not compare favourably to the fluid movement in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Crackdown – titles that were deemed to be better free running games than Free Running. [1]
Free Running is a noble effort to apply the platform game template to a seemingly appropriate real world pastime, but it's hamstrung from the start by gameplay that is neither agile nor fluid enough to deliver an engaging experience, and by a concept that is considerably less unique on a joypad as it is in reality.