No thoughts, no feelings, only Temple Run: Legends

Whenever I find myself on the New York City subway, I often lose myself in a game on my Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch. The idea of being able to play a complex, visually stunning game like Elden Ring on the go still amazes me. I admit I’m a bit spoiled, but sometimes I can’t help but envy those playing simpler mobile games like Subway Surfers.

In those moments, I find myself conflicted. Part of me is excited that portable gaming now offers more than just mindless entertainment. However, another part of me wishes I was enjoying those simpler games instead.

Although I’ve typically avoided and even looked down on infinite runner games, I’ve recently succumbed to the charm of Temple Run: Legends. This latest exclusive from Apple Arcade adds bite-sized platforming levels to the traditional infinite runner gameplay, providing a perfect balance for players who enjoy games like Temple Run but crave more defined goals and objectives. This experience has helped me appreciate the appeal of a popular genre, even if it doesn’t revolutionize my gaming world.

Temple Run: Legends is a familiar concept where players control an explorer dodging obstacles and collecting coins through swiping gestures. The game’s simplicity is its strength. While there may be a storyline woven through its 500 levels, I’ve barely scratched the surface after playing over 150 levels.

Games like Temple Run serve as time machines rather than intellectual challenges. During my initial playthrough on the subway, Legends felt tailor-made for the experience. Each level aligns almost perfectly with a subway stop, making the journey feel shorter as I progress through the game. The simple gameplay mechanics engage my thumb as I collect coins and experience small bursts of satisfaction. I now understand why fellow commuters find solace in games like these; it’s a soothing distraction.

Legends introduces a bit of depth with unlockable characters, each possessing unique abilities. From magnetizing coins to running on water, these abilities can be upgraded using collected coins, offering a sense of progression. Daily rewards, challenge levels, and an infinite mode complete a well-rounded package catered to Apple Arcade subscribers.

Is it a “good” game? Well, infinite runners are inherently repetitive, and Legends amplifies this with its numerous similar levels. While there are occasional variations and character abilities to explore, the core gameplay remains unchanged. Trying to immerse yourself fully in Legends like a traditional game will likely lead to boredom.

However, that’s not the intended way to enjoy it. It’s more of a fidget toy to occupy your hands while multitasking, akin to watching a familiar TV show. This explains why games like Subway Surfers are popular in TikTok videos, showcasing their mindless entertainment value. Legends offers a similar experience in a level-based format that caters to my gaming preferences.

In essence, Temple Run: Legends serves as a satisfying way to keep your hands busy. It’s a simple pleasure that helps you unwind and disconnect from the world. Sometimes, that’s all you need.

Temple Run: Legends is now accessible through Apple Arcade.