Anino Games makes a comeback with ‘Manila Rush’

Help! Miguel is running late!

 

Now he has to run through the streets of Manila, avoid construction sites, and jump over cars to get to work on time! Except he's not really going anywhere.

 

"Manila Rush", an app developed by Anino Games boasts very Filipino branding but nothing new in terms of game play.

 

The set looks very much like EDSA, complete with its uneven, cracked surface, and the MRT on the side.

You'll even see the red and yellow “Hotel Solo” buildings and traffic barriers that Maynilad puts up around areas they're repairing. Its delightful seeing such a familiar set up in an animated game.

 

Clad in what looks like a blue barong, brown pants, and slippers, Miguel has to literally run through a street, jump over cars, avoid buses, and acquire power-ups hidden behind the traffic barriers. If he gets hit, he dies.

 

Akin to Subway Surfer, the player controls the character by swiping the screen. He also collects coins along the way to get more points.

 

While "Manila Rush" is truly Filipino, it is not exactly unique.

 

In game development, copying a game's concept isn't a mortal sin. It's actually the rule of the trade. Concepts, mechanics, even names are copied, improved on, and fixed until it hits the audience's sweet spot.

 

One of the first games to ever go viral with this kind of gameplay is Temple Run, where the player swipes and tilts the screen to control the character. Another similar game is "Minion Rush", where the adorable yellow twerps from "Despicable Me" run through obstacles and collect bananas (instead of coins) along the way.
 

"Manila Rush" is yet another rendition of the Temple Run gameplay, but whether or not it has that magic element that will hit the sweet spot of the Filipino gaming community, only time will tell.

 

"Manila Rush" is the first independently published game from Anino Games after it debuted in 2003 with "ANITO: Defend a Land Enraged."

 

"For the past 10 years, we've been doing games for others. Now we would like to go back to our roots as an independent developer." said Niel Dagondon, CEO of Anino Games, in a press release.

 

Since 2003, Anino has supplied games to various game publishers such as Electronic Arts, Namco, Gamehouse, and Big Fish Games. It has produced hits like Cake Mania 4, Littlest Pet Shop, and Turbo Subs.

 

"Manila Rush" is now available for both iOS and Android. — JDS, GMA News