The goal here is to run as far as you can into the game, avoiding the obstacles as you go along. These are of three types - obstacles on the ground (normally spikes, which will cost you a heart of energy, and oily mud which will slow you down); great big gaps in the running route because you are vaulting over the top of buildings so you need to jump from roof to roof; and zombies.
Which gives this lovely b-movie feel. You have the slowest horror creation around, the shambling undead from "The Night of the Living Dead" looking to eat your brains, roaming the roof. You'll need to jump over these or they'll chomp some of your energy, and you only start with three. Zombie purists should look away now, because joining the shambles you also have the modern "fast" zombies (see such films as 28 Days Later). They're always behind you, running almost as fast as you. Remember the mud that slows you down? Here's why you want to avoid running through these pools - you'll get caught. And when the squad of fast-zombies catches you, it doesn't matter how much life you have left, you're going to be torn limb from limb, and that's game over.
Going for the "doodle" approach to graphics, the hand drawn look provides a distinctive style to the game, with a certain "hip/cool" look to the central character. The animations in the game, from the running to the jumping and shooting are easily visible, and the whole thing, from the menu screens to the dialog boxes, and with the rotating backgrounds to have you running in Egypt, New York and others, it all feels holistic. And the sound is as memorable as anything in a John Carpenter film. It's bassy, driving and effective in creating atmosphere in the game. I just wish it didn't loop back to the start of the sample as quickly as it does.
But this is Dalton The Awesome, and I have to agree with this. A cracking little arcade game is on offer here, and while its longevity is going to be measured in weeks and not months, it's a worthy download for the summer months.
Marketplace description:
Do you love run n' jump games or do you hate them? Whatever the case, Dalton - The Awesome is made for you! Be sure that you think twice before downloading this game cuz it's insanely addictive!!!
Dalton - THE AWESOME! can be downloaded from the Windows Phone Marketplace for free.
Here's a trailer for Dalton - THE AWESOME!