Game Reviews

Joe Danger Infinity

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iOS
| Joe Danger Infinity
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Joe Danger Infinity
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iOS
| Joe Danger Infinity

Joe Danger Infinity is not the game I was expecting. Despite the name, and despite my assumptions, this is not an endless-runner spin-off of the terrific Joe Danger Touch.

Infinity does not go on for infinity. Instead, it features short stages with a finish line at the end. They are hand-crafted rather than randomly generated, and feature set challenges for you to finish.

The name comes about, then, because the game moves from level to level automatically, like how Netflix cues up the next episode of a TV show within seconds of the last one finishing.

And the effect is the same - a hazardously compulsive state of binge gaming where you don't even need to press the button when you mutter "just one more level" under your breath. The game does it for you, and who are you to argue?

D is for Danger

It doesn't hurt, of course, that the game is so much fun. As Joe tears through the environment automatically, you're left to worry about jumping over obstacles, ducking beneath barriers, doing tricks, and collecting coins, often with precise timing.

Everything is controlled through simple gestures like tapping, swiping, and holding your finger on the screen. It's got a more complicated move-set than your usual auto-runner, but it's easy to make Joe do what you want - even when the challenge and pace of the game ramps up.

But it's also true that the game sticks firmly to the formula of last year's Joe Danger, and you'll recognise almost every obstacle from that game. You've got fans, tunnels, targets to land on, loop-de-loops, bits that let you change lanes on the track, and more.

It feels a bit been-there-done-that. Even the challenges, like getting all the coins, hitting every jump perfectly, busting out tricks to boost your score, and besting a rival driver in a race, are all lifted straight from the original.

Fan-tastic

The vehicles are new, at least. As well as a stunt bike you can also drive planes, cars, a jeep, a tank, a quad bike, and a firework. These offer dramatic boosts like longer jumps, higher top speeds, and the ability to break barriers or not slow down for spillages.

You also get different characters like before. Aside from Joe Danger, you'll play as a pirate, a walking cupcake, a pea green soldier stuck to a plastic base, a Gundam warrior, and more.

The idea is that they're tiny action figures or toys, and you get them from a gumball machine. The whole game is shrunk down to Micro Machines scale as you race across kitchen tables and pool tables, and levels are measured in centimetres.

Falling with style

Joe Danger Infinity also has a more distinct social element with leaderboards on every track, but it's hard to get too competitive when so much of your score is described by the bonuses awarded by your character or the boosts you can buy with in-app purchases.

So while Joe Danger Infinity is every bit the addictive, challenging, charming, and joyous game that Joe Danger Touch was, there's also a feeling of déjà vu. If you loved the first game and want more, buy this. If you didn't like that game, move along.

Joe Danger Infinity

Joe Danger Infinity is another top auto-runner from Hello Games with style and bucketloads of content, but it's way too similar to last year's offering
Score
Mark Brown
Mark Brown
Mark Brown is editor at large of Pocket Gamer