Temple Run, aka the now classic endless runner, may be getting old but that hasn’t stopped Disney from teaming up with Imangi Studios to release the latest movie tie-in, in this case Oz. The version for Windows Phone 8 has finally landed on the Store today for the usual $0.99 and while it’s not Xbox Live enabled (sorry, folks) it is one sweet ride.

The immediate difference between this game and the other two Temple Run games on the Store is the improved HD graphics. Indeed, these are probably the best graphics we’ve seen for this type of game—they’re almost too good as you just want to look at them instead of paying attention to jumping, sliding or turning. The game is also not just a re-skin but adds new elements like flying baboons and new powerups to help you along the way. Heck, you even get to ride in a hot-air balloon.

Temple Run: Oz (description)

"Disney and Imangi Studios present Temple Run: Oz – a brand-new endless runner inspired by Temple Run 2 and the film Oz the Great and Powerful. Play as Oz and outrun the shrieking flying baboons as you turn, jump and slide your way across the land. Begin your exhilarating adventure now and see how far you can run!"

• Stunning environments inspired by the film – explore them all.
• Fly in a hot air balloon – earn even more coins.
• Explore different locations in Oz – follow sign posts!
• The environment changes as you run – test your reflexes.

The game weighs in at an impressive 50MB and it is a tad slow to load all of those graphics, but if you’re a fan of the Temple Run series, we have to give it a thumbs up (you can watch the gameplay trailer above for an idea).

You can grab Temple Run: Oz for Windows Phone 8 devices here for $0.99, or scan the QR code below; no free trial. 1 GB of RAM or more required, sorry 512MB devices!

Thanks, Daniel S., for the heads up

If you're a massive fan of endless runner gamess, Temple Run is widely considered one of the best. Imangi Studios has teamed up with Disney to launch Temple Run: Oz on Windows Phone, but they're not halting there as the same game is now also available on the Windows Store. The only downside is the price tag - $4.99.

Much like other versions of the popular runner already available on Windows 8, you're tasked with essentially "legging it" for your life, avoiding obstacles, collecting coins and more. Just like the Oz version on Windows Phone, your eyes will be distracted by the HD graphics testing your willpower and making it seemingly more difficult to score those pesky jumps.

Whether you're looking to kill a few minutes while waiting for public transport or are actively seeking a Temple Run: Oz counterpart for Windows 8 (or Windows RT - you can get those updates on your ARM tablet too), this is a highly recommended download.

You can catch Temple Run: Oz on the Windows Store for $4.99. Let us know how you get on in the hot air balloon.

In India, films are one of the biggest indulgences. One after the other, there are big releases with huge budgets and extensive marketing. And the latest trend is to have mobile games based on movie’s theme or characters. It’s a win-win for both the producers and the audience.

While these games create buzz around the movie release, it also provides free entertainment to fans featuring their favourite movie stars. Who doesn't want to download free games?

Microsoft pulled two exclusives recently with Krrish 3 : The Game and Dhoom:3 The Game which were very popular, supported with a huge marketing push from Microsoft.

Another one now joins those big ticket titles. Chennai Express – Escape from Rameshwaram arrives on Windows Phone… a tad late after launching on Android and iOS few months back and when the movie is off the theatres now. But, most Windows Phone users or movie fans won’t complain.

The game inspired by endless running games like Temple Run and Subway Surfers features the main protagonists of the movie – Rahul and Meena – embark on a running adventure, fighting their way through an army of thugs dropped by helicopters while dodging obstacles like vehicles, coconut carts, manholes, and more. You can purchase Magical Urns using the coins collected in-game and can also upgrade the time duration for which all power-ups last.

The game offers exciting fast paced unlimited running action with simple controls and immense replayability. The game features unique graphics and music score inspired by the movie and the South Indian town it is set in - Rameshwaram.

The game is available for free for Windows Phone 8 devices from the Windows Phone Store. The Indian flavour of the game and addictive gameplay makes it great fun. There's no reason why you shouldn’t grab this one!

Windows Phone owners have been enjoying the sprint in Temple Run, but many have been anxiously awaiting the release of the game's sequel - Temple Run 2. We've got some fantastic news for you as the game has just been released. Not only that, but we have support for Xbox Live! Speed on past the break for the details, links, QR codes, coins and more.

If you're not familiar with Temple Run 2 (or the Temple Run series itself), you're looking at another infinite runner, designed to test your reactions and skill as you traverse through the environment, avoiding obstacles, collecting coins and being a general badass. In Temple Run 2, all this gameplay is enhanced with cliffs, zip lines, mines and forests to provide more variety in each play through. 

Not only are the graphics vastly improved in Temple Run 2, compared to the outdated original (even though it's still a classic and worth the download), but you're also set to battle new obstacles to test your experience in endless runner games. But fear not as you'll have more powerups to choose from and achievements to unlock - so prepare your hands for some grinding action as you aim for those G's.

So who are you able to play? Just like in versions already available on other platforms, you can control Guy Dangerous (the default character), Scarlett Fox, Barry Bones, Karma Lee, Francisco Montoya - Spanish conquistador, Zack Wonder - American football player and Montana Smith. 

Just like the original game, there's the option to purchase optional upgrades like the coin doubler, as well as coin packs to help you fund your Temple Run 2 addiction. If you're short on cash, there are a few ways to get some free stuff, including daily and weekly challenges. Finally, you have some artifacts to obtain (as well as the XBL achievements), leaderboards and statistics to boast about.

What are you waiting for? You can download Temple Run 2 from the Windows Phone Store for free (needs 1GB RAM - Windows Phone 8 only). Can you outrun the cursed idol?

Update: Microsoft's Joe Belfiore just confirmed that 512 MB support is coming in a future update

Big thanks to everyone who tipped us!

Indie and mobile games go through various genres of the moment over time, sort of like how console and big-budget PC games have been stuck on First-Person Shooters for the last ten years or so. For the longest time, it seemed like every new small-scale release that came along was a tower defense game. Hardly anybody complained, due to the inherent joy of defending towers.

The new genre of the moment on mobile is definitely the endless running game. A slew of endless runners have recently flooded Windows Phone 8, including such high profile releases as Subway Surfers and Despicable Me: Minion Rush. Only one endless runner with 3D graphics sports Xbox Live features, though: Temple Run 2 from Imangi Studios (makers of Harbor Master). Does the only non-spin-off sequel to Temple Run stand tall above its competitors? Read on to find out.

Danger up high

The original Temple Run took place in a fictional South American-esque temple setting in which the player’s heroic adventurer desperately tried to outrun a horde of demonic monkeys. The sequel moves things to a more fanciful (and interesting) lost city above the clouds. This time, the adventurer must evade a single gigantic gorilla. And because the endless running genre demands it, the hero will always fail sooner or later.

Temple Run 2’s controls take very little time to learn. Dragging left and right steers your character around the track, allowing him or her to pick up coins and avoid hazards. Hard swipes left or right will safely get you through ninety degree turns.

Swipe down to slide under obstacles, or swipe up to jump over pits and the like. Not everything will kill you in this game, but slowing down proves almost as dangerous. That King Kong-wannabe is never too far behind.

Mine carts and waterslides, oh my

The change in environment has thrown some new wrinkles into Temple Run 2’s gameplay. Each run starts out with a zip-line that players must cling to in order to slide across a massive gap. Weaving left or right to grab up coins is always a fun diversion.

Other times, you’ll run into a gigantic waterslide. Splashing through one of these sections feels quite similar to the halfpipe bonus stages from the Sonic the hedgehog series, especially since you’re grabbing coins much of the time. You’ll also have to duck under obstacles and choose a direction at sudden forks in the slide, keeping you on your toes.

Mine cart areas fit perfectly with the series’ Indiana Jones-inspired theme. Cart riders will need to avoid fire and choose wisely at intersections as well. Take the wrong path and you’ll smack into a wall, ending your run. Thin parts of the track require the rider to learn in a safe direction - otherwise he or she will plummet into the abyss below.

Powers and power-ups

Even though the odds are stacked against players in this or any endless runner, a few items and abilities can stave off defeat at least temporarily. As you progress through a run, your special move meter will eventually fill up. Once it fills, double tap the screen to activate it and become invincible for a short time. You’ll run over gaps, make perfect turns, and everything. The game doesn’t actually teach us how to activate the special move, unless I missed it somewhere.

Players can also grab floating power-ups every now and again. Grab a coin magnet and unleash your special ability to turn into a coin-stealing machine. Strangely, you can’t just buy and unlock all of Temple Run 2’s power-ups like in other running games. Instead, several items can only be unlocked by purchasing characters. The game barely has any power-ups to begin with, and the character-based unlocks only make it worse.

Characters

Temple Run 2 offers several characters for players to purchase. Most cost coins, the game’s soft currency, but not all.

• Guy Dangerous: Generic explorer guy
• Scarlett Fox: A generic female explorer created for this sequel. Her voice samples are the worst I’ve heard in recent memory.
• Barry Bones: A black police officer
• Karma Lee: An Asian lady who doesn’t look very Asian an dresses really strangely
• Francisco Montoya: A Spanish conquistador
• Zack Wonder: A generic American football player
• Montana Smith: Returning character who resembles Indiana Jones
• Santa Claus: The Miracle from 34th Street costs 60 gems (approximately $7 worth of hard currency)
• Usain Bolt: A real-life Jamaican track star. He costs 99 cents in-game - cheap compared to Santa.

As with the first game, players can spend coins to upgrade their characters’ abilities. Upgrades include boosting coin value, increasing coin magnet duration, increasing score multiplier, and more. These ability upgrades are shared across all characters.

Players can opt to buy a permanent coin doubler for $4.99. Even then, you’ll need to play for quite a while (probably 10+ hours) before you can afford all of the upgrades and characters.

Missions and Leveling

The leveling system here works much like Jetpack Joyride’s. At any given time, you have three side missions to work on. Complete enough of them and you’ll level up. On top of those, the game also presents daily and weekly challenges to keep players coming back. Knock out enough of those and you’ll earn tons of coins or gems.

The missions and leveling structure are welcome, but they feel rudimentary compared to other games. Jetpack Joyride’s missions are much more diverse and quick to complete. The carrot at the end of the stick here is less appetizing and comes on an overly long string.

Pretty as you want

Left: Medium Detail. Right: High Detail

Unlike most Windows Phone games, Temple Run 2 offers graphical settings that allow users to tailor performance to their devices. On medium, the game runs perfectly smoothly on the Lumia 920. The high settings increase the character model’s detail and adds shadows, but the frame rate drops on the 920. I’m sure the more powerful Lumia 1520 could handle High without breaking a sweat, so it’s cool that the game can take advantage of it.

Run from the bugs

Temple Run 2 arrives on Windows Phone 8 with all of the same content as the iOS and Android versions, even the stuff those platforms received in a December update. Xbox games usually lag behind other platforms when they first arrive (if not forever), so it’s great to see this game keeping pace with sister versions.

That said, the Windows Phone game suffers from two nasty bugs. The first (which affects everybody) causes the game to falsely register presses of the Share button. So whenever you finish a run or move through various menus, you’ll end up at the Windows Phone Rate and Review screen. A minor relatively annoyance, but one that inspires many of us to leave negative reviews.

The far more serious bug only affects some users. These players will find the game fails to save their progress, basically making it impossible to amass coins or level up very much. For those people, Temple Run 2 won’t be much fun to play.

Finally, the friends leaderboards don't work too well. Some users have noticed they fail to update at all. My problem is the names and scores appear in a completely random order. Wouldn't it make more sense to list users by score or alphabetically?

Achievements

Nearly all of Temple Run 2’s Achievements involve completing side missions, nicely integrating them into the game’s existing structure. The odd thing is you can’t get a mission’s Achievement until that mission comes up, even if you complete the exact requirements beforehand. Still, it should only take around six hours to progress far enough to knock out all of the Achievements.

Overall Impression

It took almost a year for Temple Run 2 to make its way to Windows Phone 8. Even after all that time (and despite the graphical detail options), it still requires handsets with at least 1 GB of RAM. The memory limitation comes from Unity, the engine that makes Temple Run 2 tick. Unity’s Windows Phone support still lags behind other platforms, which also helps explain in part why the game took so long to arrive at all.

After all that time, Temple Run 2 has arguably been surpassed by other endless runners like Subway Surfers and especially Jetpack Joyride. Imangi would do well to staff up a little bit in order to compete with the scope that larger studios bring to their genre entries.

Still, Temple Run 2 is plenty of fun in short doses and should keep players interested at least until the last Achievement pops. The In-App Purchase structure is fair as well, so players won’t feel too pressured to spend. You can’t truly win at this game, but you’ll probably enjoy trying.

• Temple Run 2 – Windows Phone 8 (minimum 1 GB of RAM required) – MB – Free – Store Link

Windows Phone Central Roundup: Essential Games Collection

Over at the Windows Phone Store, Microsoft has created a handful of app and game collections that include photography apps, sports apps, music apps, and other categories. For this week's roundup we take a peek at the Essential Game's Collection.

The Essential Game's Collection is a wide range of gaming titles that include puzzle games, word games, card games and more. We plucked four titles for this weeks roundup that we concur are essential games for our Windows Phones. Games that are addictive, entertaining, and a great way to pass the time with.

Where's My Mickey? ($.99): Where's My Mickey? is the latest "Where's my water?" styled game from Disney for our Windows Phone 8 devices. You have Where's My Perry? that features Perry the Platypus, Where's My Water? featuring Swampy the Alligator and Where's My Mickey? featuring Mickey Mouse and Goofy.

With Where's My Mickey? you are tasked with supplying Mickey with water so he can complete five story lines. You have to dig paths for the water pools to follow, avoiding obstacles and navigating mazes of pipes. You also have weather variables in that sometime the water source is from a rain cloud and you use wind to position the cloud just right.

There are over a hundred levels of play spread out across five scenarios. Animations are great and the between level transitions are humorous. Goofy is featured in six levels of bonus episodes that can be unlocked through an in-app purchase.

Where's My Mickey? is a perfect addition to Disney's "Where's my water?" series and fun for all ages. The only downside to Where's My Mickey? is that it lacks a trial version. The full version will run you $.99 and you can find Where's My Mickey? here in the Windows Phone Store.

Fairway Solitaire by Big Fish (free): Short take on Fairway Solitaire by Big Fish? It's a challenging, entertaining and addictive card game for your Windows Phone 8 device.  If you need something to help you pass the time with, Fairway Solitaire is well worth a try.

Fairway Solitaire molds a game of solitaire around the golf course. Scores are measured above and below par, you have sand traps, water hazards and more. Hands are dealt on more than 350 golf holes with the goal being to remove all the cards from the playing field in as few moves as possible.

Game play is spread out across levels that have either three or six hands of play. The first level of play is a tutorial that will walk you through all the nooks and crannies of the game rather nicely.  If you only have time for one or two hands of play, Fairway Solitaire will save your progress within the level.

As you play, you'll earn golf bucks that can be used in the golf shop to purchase enhancements and clubs for your golf bag. The clubs are used as bonus cards to keep the solitaire hand going. You also have four mini-games to conquer, 37 trophies to earn and a pesky gopher who is intent on ruining your game.

Animations are fantastic, game play challenging, and overall Fairway Solitaire is a solid game from tee to green.

Fairway Solitaire by Big Fish is a free game with additional levels of play unlockable through an in-app purchase. You can find Fairway Solitaire here in the Windows Phone Store.

Galactic Reign (trial/$4.99): Galactic Reign is an Xbox Windows Phone gaming title that calls upon you to conquer the galaxy. It is a turn based, online space combat game where you move to colonize planets, design bigger and better space ships and basically turn your opponent into space dust.

If you're not in the mood for online play, Galactic Reign has a healthy collection of single player missions to tackle.

While game play is addictive, entertaining and full of stellar graphics what might be the neatest feature on Galactic Reign it's multi-platform support.

There's a Windows 8 version of Galactic Reign that you can play on your Windows 8 tablet or home computer. Start a game on your tablet and you can pick it up on your Windows Phone without skipping a beat.

There is a trial version available for Galactic Reign and the full version is running $4.99. You can pick up the Windows Phone 8 version here in the Windows Phone Store and the Windows 8 version here in the Windows Store. Note: Once you buy one version, you don't need to buy the other. Just download the trial, sign in and you're good to go.

Temple Run: Brave ($.99): Temple Run: Brave is another Disney title making it to the Essential Collection. It is a version of the Temple Run Windows Phone game but set to the Disney Movie Brave.

Temple Run Brave is a running game where you have to guide Merida as she runs through the wilds of Scotland trying to escape the Mordu, the evil bear. Along the way you have to jump over fallen trees, jump over ditches, crevices and big old holes in the ground, as well as navigating around hair pin turns.

Coins are scattered about that can be collected to buy powerups in the store. If you want to get a jump on things, you can purchase coins via an in-app purchase.

One feature of the Brave version of Temple Run has Merida armed with her trusty bow that you can use to shoot targets the line the path for extra points. It adds an extra element of challenge to the game.

Game play is enjoyable, graphics sharp and overall Temple Run: Brave is an appealing Windows Phone game. Only downside, no trial version. Temple Run: Brave is currently running $.99 and you can find it here in the Windows Phone Store.

Microsoft lists about two dozen games in their Windows Phone Essential Games Collection. These four stood out to us and if we missed the game you feel is essential for Windows Phones, feel free to speak up in the comments below.

Disney makes several fine games for Windows 8 and RT, but they’re all a bit pricey compared to their Windows Phone counterparts. Temple Run: Brave for instance, launched at $1.49 on Windows 8 but soon went up to $4.99. Actually, $4.99 is the regular price of all Disney tablet and PC games.

That’s why Disney fans will want to take advantage of the Disney Windows 8 sale going on this weekend. All of Disney’s non-Xbox games are on sale for $3.49, including the just-released Temple Run: Oz. Disney’s Windows Phone 8 titles are not affected by this sale. Full descriptions and Store links after the break!

Temple Run: Brave

Windows 8 still doesn’t have the original Temple Run for some reason. Spin-off Temple Run: Brave, first announced at GDC in March, actually became the first Windows 8 Temple Run game when it launched in May. Disney branding aside, both Brave and Oz are better than the first Temple Run, so we can’t complain too much about the mainline Temple Runs’ absence.

This game plays just like the original but with a coat of paint based on the so-so Disney animated film Brave. Players control Merida, the feisty red haired protagonist of the movie, who is being chased by the complete jerk wad of a bear called Mordu. She shoots targets with arrows, not unlike the shooting in Gunstringer: Dead Man Running.

The Windows 8 version features widescreen graphics that make it look on PCs and laptops but a bit worse on tablets since everything is smaller in a landscape orientation. Check out our full review for more details.

• Temple Run: Brave–  Windows 8 and RT – 39 MB – Store Link

Temple Run: Oz

If you’re a guy and thus probably don’t care about Brave or just a person who appreciates L. Frank Baum’s Oz series, this game based on Oz: The Great and Powerful might be more to your liking.

Players control the titular “wizard” himself as he dashes down the Yellow Brick Road and away from danger. This installment is based on Temple Run 2, which had mine cart sequences to break up the running. Here Oz rides a hot air balloon instead of a cart – a better side activity than Brave’s target shooting in my opinion.

• Temple Run:Oz–  Windows 8 and RT – 50 MB – Store Link

Where’s My Water?

Disney’s Where’s My Water? is the first in a series of physics puzzle games. This one stars Swampy the crocodile, a new creation as opposed to an existing character. The goal is to route a supply of water down to Swampy because he needs a bath. Players create a path for the water by digging away at the dirt. It’s a fun and simple mechanic.

• Where’s My Water? –  Windows 8 and RT – 88 MB – Store Link

Where’s My Perry?

Where’s My Perry?swaps out Swampy for Perry the Platypus from the Phineas and Ferb show. If you liked the first game, this one won’t disappoint.

• Where’s My Perry? –  Windows 8 and RT – 62 MB – Store Link

Where’s My Mickey?

Want even more water-directing fun? Where’s My Mickey? stars the one and only Mickey Mouse. It adds a few new mechanics like wind, rain, clouds, and plants to keep the puzzles fresh, and the art charms more than ever.

• Where’s My Mickey? –  Windows 8 and RT – 74 MB – Store Link

Toy Story: Smash It!

We haven’t covered it before, but Smash It! is a 3D physics puzzle game set in the Toy Story universe. You play as Buzz Lightyear and throw objects at the green aliens from the movies, trying to knock them over. Think of it as a 3D Angry Birds-style game, much like Wreckateer for XBLA.

It looks like Toy Story fans should have a smashing good time with this game. Just be advised that according to user reviews, Smash It! is incompatible with Windows RT and yet can still be purchased from RT devices.

• Toy Story: Smash It!–  Windows 8 only – MB – Store Link

Windows Phone Central Game Roundup: Games for all occasions

Windows Phone games are a great way to pass the time with. Whether it's waiting hours in the car tag line or just a few minutes before a class starts, there is a vast assortment of quality games available in the Windows Phone Store.  Some games are great for a quick gaming fix while others stand up to longer gaming sessiosn.

Then there's games that can cover all the bases, good for all occasions.  Entertaining for short bits and addictive enough to keep you entertained for more extended periods.

For this week's roundup, instead of picking three or four games, we focus on four developers/studios that have a respectable portfolio of Windows Phone games. Some of which that can hold their own for those short gaming sessions or the longer marathon sessions.  Along the way we'll spotlight a few of the titles offered by these developers and as always, if we've overlooked your favorite title feel free to sound off in the comments.

10tons Ltd.

Compared to the other developer groups, 10tons may be the little kid on the block but their games are anything but little. 10Tons' gaming lineup includes Boom Brigade, King Oddball, Azkend and Dragon Portals.

All of 10Tons gaming titles share the same qualities - impressive graphics, challenging game play and plenty of game time  Some take on a more humorous approach to gaming while others are more strategy in nature. Here are two standouts from 10Tons.

Tennis in the Face (trial/$2.99): Tennis in the Face is a humorous, challenging game where you play the role of ex-tennis pro Pete Pagassi who must battle the evil soda manufacturer Explodz Inc.Armed with your trusty tennis racket, you travel the game map to tackle over one hundred levels of play. You use your tennis racket to bounce tennis balls and exploding soda cans to take out Explodz's scientists, clowns, security guards, salesmen and other lackeys.

Each level has a limited number of shots at your disposal so you'll have to take careful aim. Tennis balls can ricochet and take out multiple enemies or trigger secondary explosions from soda machines and other destructive items that are laying about.

There is a trial version available for Tennis in the Face with the full version running $2.99. It is available for Windows Phone 8 devices and you can pick it up here in the Windows Phone Store.

Sparkle 2 (trial/$4.99): Sparkle 2, as you would guess, is the sequel gaming title to Sparkle. In a nutshell... think of the Sparkle games as a more robust version of Zuma and Sparkle 2 as a slightly refined version of the original.

Sparkle 2 has a story line to follow but if you choose to ignore the finer points of the narrative, you can still enjoy the game. But the Reader's Digest version of things has you challenging the dark powers to prevent orbs from falling into the abyss. In defeating the darkness, you discover keys that unlock the secrets of the land.

The game screen has a twisting path in which the collection orbs must travel. You take them out by shooting orbs into the string of orbs, creating matches of three or more of the same color/design. Bonus items are generated along the way to help you take out the orbs and if they reach the abyss, they are sucked into the darkness and you lose that round.

Sparkle 2 has three gaming modes (Story, Survival, and Challenge) along with sixteen enchantments you earn that will help your efforts. Graphics are outstanding, game play fast paced and full of challenge making Sparkle 2 well suited for short gaming periods as long as the more lengthy sessions.

There is a free trial version available with the full version of Sparkle 2 running $4.99. It is available for Windows Phone 8 devices and you can pick up Sparkle 2 here in the Windows Phone Store.

Rovio Entertainment

Like them or not, few will argue that the Angry Birds series of games haven't been successful. That humble battle between birds and pigs has extended to galaxies far, far, far away.

In the Windows Phone Store you have the original Angry Birds as well as the Seasons, Rio, Space and Star Wars versions. With each version being an Xbox Windows Phone gaming titles and being an entertaining way to pass short bits of time with and addictive enough to keep you busy for longer stretches.

While the Angry Birds games has a certain level of appeal, Rovio's support may be the one factor holding the games back on the Windows Phone platform.  Rovio took forever to make Angry Birds available for Windows Phone and updates have come about at a snail's pace.  All of which hasn't been good for Rovio's popularity within the Windows Phone community.

Still.. while Rovio has dropped the ball with regards to Windows Phones the Angry Birds games are fun games to play. But which title is the best? Star Wars and Rio seem to stand out based on the variety of environments and enemies you face.

Angry Birds Rio (trial/$.99): Angry Birds Rio is based on the animated movie that shares the same name. It is also the only version of Angry Birds that doesn't involve battling green pigs.

The goal is to sling your birds into various structure to free captured (or kidnapped) rare birds from their cages and take out an army of angry monkeys. There is a slight green pig influence in the form of floating green pig balloons that you can take out for extra points.

The original cast of birds are at your disposal that include the black exploding bird, the white egg dropping bird, and the big red bird that crushes everything in its path. Angry Birds Rio has 240 levels of play spread across eight different backdrops. You also have 40 bonus levels to extend the gaming further.

There is a trial version available for Angry Birds Rio with the full version running $.99. It is available for Windows Phone 8 devices and you can pick up Angry Birds Rio here in the Windows Phone Store.

Angry Birds Star Wars II (trial/$.99): The Angry Birds cast has been transformed into the various characters of the Star Wars saga. While the first Angry Birds Star Wars installment focused on the first trilogy of movies (chapters four, five and six) the second installment takes aim at the second trilogy of Star Wars movies (chapters one, two, and three). Angry Birds Star Wars II also has the bonus of being able to play for the Dark Side (or Pork Side) of the Force as well as the siding with the good side.

Angry Birds Star Wars II has over thirty playable characters that include Yoda, Darth Maul, Anakin Skywalker (equipped with his pod racer), Jar Jar Binks, and General Grievous.

Currently, Angry Birds Star Wars II has eighty levels of play that are spread across the worlds of Naboo and Tatooine. You also have forty bonus levels that are tied into your characters and become unlocked as they earn more points during game play.

Speaking of which, Angry Birds Star Wars II does take on a few new features to the Angry Birds games. You have a gaming store where you can purchase bonus characters that can be rotated into your arsenal of birds available during game play. So if you need a character that shoots a blaster, you can rotate them into play to improve your chances of success.

As characters are used in successful campaigns, they earn experience based on the number of points they earn. You also earn currency as you successfully complete levels that can be spent in the game's store.

The only downside to Angry Birds Star Wars II is that it only has forty levels of play. You do have the teaser of a "Coming Soon" chapter of play and hopefully we'll see additional chapters of play become available for Angry Birds Star Wars II sooner than later.

Angry Birds Star Wars II does have a trial version with the full version running $.99. It's available for Windows Phone 8 and you can find Angry Birds Star Wars II here in the Windows Phone Store.

Disney

Disney Games have enjoyed online success for some time now and are experience similar success on smartphone platforms. Two general themes resonate with the Disney Windows Phone gaming line-up... you have the endless running games and the physic's based water routing puzzle games. You do have Wreck-It Ralph and Monsters University thrown into the portfolio to mix things up a bit.

The endless running games are based on the Temple Run game but with Wizard of Oz and Brave themes. You're physics based puzzle games are the "Where's My..." collection that includes Where's My Mickey?, Where's My Perry? and the Where's My Water? games.

I think the attraction of the Disney Windows Phone gaming line-up rests with its ability to appeal to a wide range of gamers. These titles can easily find a place in our Windows Phone's Kids Corner as well as being pinned to our Start Screen for the older crowd to enjoy.

The only glaring downside to the Disney collection is the lack of trial versions. However, there is a few ways to try things out but not in direct fashion. Here's a look at two of the more popular titles.

Where's My Mickey ($.99): Where's My Mickey puts the focus on classic Disney characters, with Mickey Mouse taking center stage. The game follows suit with all the "Where's My..." games in that you must guide water around various obstacles to help Mickey complete various goals. You tunnel paths for the water supply to reach a drain that in turn supplies Mickey with the wet stuff.

You also have to use wind and clouds to carry the water around while avoiding toxic materials that will not make Mickey a happy camper. Where's My Mickey has over one hundred levels of play with bonus levels that feature the Disney character Goofy. Additional Goofy levels can be purchased in-app.

Graphics are fantastic and I like the classic look of the Disney cartoons. Animated transition screens are humorous and the game play itself is challenging enough to keep adults interested but not too hard to make the younger crowd frustrated.

The downside to Where's My Mickey is that there isn't a trial version available. The full version is running $.99. If you're curious if the game style is your cup of tea, try out the free copy of Where's My Water. If you like the game play there, you'll enjoy Where's My Mickey.

Where's My Mickey is available for Windows Phone 8 and you can pick it up here in the Windows Phone Store.

Temple Run: Brave ($.99): Temple Run: Brave is a version of the popular Temple Run game with a Disney flare. You play the role of Merida from the Disney/Pixar movie Brave. You've got to run, jump, slide and shoot targets in this constant runner game.

Your motivation? The demon bear Mordu is hot on your heals looking to gobble you up. The goal? Run as far as you can and always stay a step ahead of Mordu. So you have to hit every turn smoothly, clear all the hurdles and collect coins along the way. You maneuver Merida by a series of screen gestures and screen tilts. Miss a jump, slide, or turn and Mordu ruins your day.

The coins you collect along your journey can be used in the game's store to buy boosts, upgrades and outfits for Merida to use.  The initial load time does take a little longer than normal to load but once up and running, Temple Run: Brave moves along at a nice pace.  Graphics set the mood nicely for a hectic run through the Scottish neighborhood, game play challenging, and Temple Run: Brave is a nice edition to the Disney gaming line-up. 

The downside is typical of most Disney titles in that there isn't a trial version. You can, however, download and try Temple Run to get a feel for the game and if you want a Brave feel for the game, then plunk down the $.99 for Temple Run: Brave.

Temple Run: Brave is a Windows Phone 8 game that you can grab here in the Windows Phone Store.

Gameloft

May have bitten off more than I can chew by including Gameloft in this week's roundup. Gameloft currently had eighteen gaming titles in the Windows Phone Store, all Xbox Windows Phone gaming titles, and it's tough to pick out two to highlight.

You've got arcade styled games with Earthworm Jim HD, card games with UNO & Friends, sports games with Real Soccer 2013, adventure titles with Six Guns, and racing games with Asphalt 7 Heat. And that only scratches the surface.

Many of the gaming titles from Gameloft score four plus stars with user ratings in the Windows Phone Store and with those that we've taken a look at are entertaining gaming choices. While any of the titles are worthy of the spotlight, I decided to pick two of my personal favorites.

Shark Dash (trial/$.99): Shark Dash is an arcade title from Gameloft that is a fantastic physics based puzzle game. Where Angry Birds has you hurling birds to take out your enemies, Shark Dash has you slinging a toy shark around a bath tub in an effort to devour rubber ducks.

Shark Dash has 96 levels of game play that span four global environments. With each level you have to gobble up all the rubber ducks, collect as many coins as possible, avoid sending your shark out of the tub, and do all this in as few moves as possible. There is a limit on the number of moves for each level and when you reach that limit, the tub plug gets pulled and your shark goes down the drain.

As you complete levels, you'll earn coins that can be spent in the Shark Dash store for shark skins to dress up your shark, elixir packs to add a few mulligans/do-overs to the game, and a few special bundles to unlock all levels or all shark skins.

Shark Dash can stand up to quick gaming spurts or longer game sessions. It's challenging enough to stay fresh and has that nifty addictive quality that keeps the game appealing.

There is a trial version available for Shark Dash with the full version running $.99. It is available for Windows Phone 8 devices and you can find Shark Dash here in the Windows Phone Store.

Let's Golf 2 (trial/$4.99): A well done golf game can be a fantastic way to pass the time. Whether it's taking in a few holes while sitting in the waiting room or taking in a full 18 when you've got more time to kill.

Let's Golf 2 is one of the best golf games available for our Windows Phone. Sure, it has cartoonish graphics but from the large selection of golf courses to the character customizations/upgrades, it's a quality golf game.

You've got a handful of gaming modes that include a career mode, instant play, challenge mode (longest putt, bunker play, birdie or bust, etc.), and free hole (single hole play). Courses span six global locations including England, Africa, and Greenland.

Let's Golf 2 is strong enough to appeal to the duffer in all of us. Simple gaming controls, challenging golf courses, and super graphics add to Let's Golf 2's appeal. Only thing missing is a multi-player mode. Wouldn't it be need to have a turn-based, online mode?

There is a trial version available for Let's Golf 2 with the full version running $4.99. It is available for both Windows Phone 8 and 7.x devices and you can snatch up Let's Golf 2 here in the Windows Phone Store.

Who's the strongest contender?

Of the four Windows Phone developers in this week's roundup, it's very tough to find a clear cut leader of the pack. Rovio's Angry Bird gaming series is hard to ignore but the pace of updates may leave many frustrated.  10Tons has a healthy collection of entertaining games that cover a wide spectrum that shares common traits, they are challenging and well drawn up.

Disney is a well established brand and their Windows Phone gaming library mirrors the quality we have come to expect from Walt's name sake. Gameloft may be the wild card of the group with plenty of titles, but not all clear cut winners.

These four gaming sources aren't the only game in town with a cornucopia of worthy gaming studios contributing to the Windows Phone gaming library. Occasional Gamer, EA Sports, Ubisoft and Babaroga all have fantastic gaming titles on the shelf with several titles that are well suited for all occassions.

It really was hard to pick only four studios to highlight this week and as with all our roundups, if we've missed your favorite game or developer, feel free to sound off below in the comments.

Nokia continues to unleash the mobile apps this morning in Abu Dhabi, as more titles for Windows Phone have been given the green light.

Those apps include...

• Temple Run 2 – The popular endless runner game finally makes its way to Windows Phone 8
• CamScanner– Found on iOS and Android, the app turns your camera into a document scanner, allowing you to manage your receipts, documents and more in the cloud
• Goal Live Scores – Heralded as the “fastest real-time football scores application available today” and popular on Android, it finally makes its way to Windows Phone
• Phriz.be– An app that “…allows people to discover other devices that are nearby and share photos & documents”, found on iOS, Android and Windows 8, the unique social app is coming to Windows Phone 8 soon
• Rail Rush– An exciting game from developers MiniClip, the adventure has you accelerate through “insanely fast rails while tilting and swiping to avoid the obstacles”
• SophieLensHD – Building off of their popular Windows Phone app SophieLens Pro, SophieLensHD goes further by delivering even more Nokia Camera API support

We’ll try to get hands on with these apps today on the show floor, so stay tuned to Windows Phone Central throughout the day!

Temple Run 2 has been a highly anticipated game for Windows Phone 8. It was finally announced (along with a few other apps and games) at Nokia World 2013, but sadly didn’t include a release date for the platform. A new video has leaked showing off the game on Windows Phone and with a little surprise in tow – Xbox Live support.

The folks over at WindowsPhoneApps.Es have a video of what’s allegedly Temple Run 2 running on the Nokia Lumia 1320. What’s interesting is that there’s Xbox Live branding on the Live tile for the game. The version of the game they had on the device was only a demo, so accessing things like the challenges, objectives and other items were unavailable.

This is the first we’ve heard of Temple Run 2 potentially being an Xbox Live enabled game. Temple Run, Temple Run: Oz and Temple Run: Brave are the other games in the Temple Run series available for Windows Phone and don’t have Xbox Live onboard. This would make Temple Run 2 the first one with Xbox integration. We’re going to give this a 7 on the rum-o-meter until we can learn more about it.

In the meantime, how many of you are looking forward to Temple Run 2?

Source: WindowsPhoneApps.Es

Windows Phone Central Gaming Roundup: Endless Runners

Endless Runner games, also know to some as Infinite Runner games, are a fantastic way to pass the time with and there are plenty to choose from in the Windows Phone Store.  You know the games, the ones where the gaming character runs, jumps, dodges, and tumbles through various obstacles and dangers.  You run as far as possible before you eventually take a wrong turn, jump a little too late, or otherwise find your character stumble to their fate.

While this genre of games seems to be multiplying faster than weather apps, we shine the light on four of the top rated endless runners that are available in the Windows Phone Store for this week's roundup.  All four titles were highly anticipated titles that are drawn-up nicely and would be a great addition to your Windows Phone gaming library.

Minion Rush (free)

The hit movie Despicable Me spawned a collection of humorous characters called minions who are the little yellow sidekicks for the movies main character, Gru.  The minion’s high-pitched giggles and comedic antics easily brings a smile to everyone’s face.  As one would guess,  Minion Rush is a Windows Phone 8 game featuring these little yellow fellows.

Minion Rush Main Menu and Costume Shop

Minion Rush is a wonderfully animated game where you have to race your little minion down the halls of a Gru’s scientific lab, through the neighborhood streets and El Macho’s lair.  Along the way these little guys collect bananas that can be used in the game’s shop to buy upgrades, boost and costumes.

Dangers range from school buses, bombs, fire hydrants, road signs, and passenger cars.  Bonus items are available that will turn your minion into a Mega Minion where he stomps the little minions, shield your minion from dangers, place him on a rocket to zip through the course, and more.

Minion Rush Gru's Lab, Rocket Launch and Residential Scenes

Minion Rush also has a few boss fights where you duck and dodge attacks from various characters from the Despicable Me movie.  There are also side missions/goals that you can strive for that allows the game to go beyond just seeing how far you can run.

Game play is accomplished by a series of screen swipes and dynamic camera angles follow your character through thick and thin.  The only thing missing is a few downloadable minion ringtones.

Minion Rush is a great gaming option for passing short bits of time or when you have a little longer gaming time to burn.  It is a free game available for Windows Phone 8 (including the low-memory devices such as the Nokia Lumia 520).  There are a few in-app purchases available to build up your banana and token stash that you can spend in the game shop.

You can find Minion Rush here in the Windows Phone Store.

Temple Run 2 (free)

Temple Run 2 is the latest edition of the Temple Run gaming series.  You have the original Temple Run, Temple Run Oz and Temple Run Brave.  The latter two are based on the movies that share the same name.  Temple Run 2, unlike the other titles, is an Xbox Windows Phone gaming title, which lends itself to Xbox Live achievements and leaderboards.

Temple Run 2's Main Screen and Menu Options

Once again, you are tasked with running, jumping, sliding and turning to escape the temple with the cursed idol with Temple Run 2.  All while a giant ape-like monster is chasing you.  Movement is accomplished by a series of screen swipes and the pace of the game has a little zip to it.

Stumble and a monstrous creature that is chasing you will tear you from limb to limb.  Misjudge a jump, turn left when you should turn right, or blink at the wrong time your character will meet his doom as well.

As with the other infinite running games, as you race to safety you can collect coins (Minions collect bananas) that can be used in the game’s shop to purchase upgrades, boost, and unlock additional characters.

Temple Run 2 Game Screen and Scoring Summary

The only downside (and it is a small one) to Temple Run 2 is that it takes noticeably longer to load than the other Temple Run games.  It isn’t all bad though.  The longer load time gives you a few seconds to clear your mind and get ready for the run.

Of the four games in this week’s roundup, Temple Run 2 might be the least forgiving.  Barely miss a turn, jump or slide and that hairy beast could catch you.  While all of the endless runner games in this week's roundup has a quick pace, Temple Run 2 feels as though it has a little more pep to it.  The slightest glance away from the screen could find your character missing a turn or running off a cliff.

Graphics and animations are very respectable, game play challenging and Temple Run 2 shares the previous versions addictive quality.  Temple Run 2, like the original, is a free game.  It is available for Windows Phone 8 devices and you can pick up your copy here in the Windows Phone Store.

Temple Run 2 is currently not available for low-memory devices such as the Nokia Lumia 520.

Rail Rush (free)

Rail Rush is an infinite runner that relies on your ability to steer a run-away mine cart instead of your foot speed.  The Windows Phone 8 game is currently an exclusive to Lumia Windows Phones and was recently updated to add a Christmas theme into the mix.

Rail Rush places you in a runaway mine cart that is racing through an endless mine shaft.  You have to steer your cart from side to side, duck inside it, and lean the cart to one side or the other to avoid various dangers.

Rail Rush Main Menu and Gaming Options

The game includes six different worlds that include hidden levels.  Rail Rush includes two worlds, the Christmas themed world and a Halloween themed world free.  Two additional worlds are available through in-app purchases ($1.49 each).

Controlling your mine car is accomplished by a series of screen swipes and by leaning your Windows Phone left or right.  Leaning your phone allows your miner to reach out and collect gems and gold nuggets that can be spent in the game’s shop.  You can buy additional heroes, cart boost/upgrades, and other bonus items from the shop.  In-app purchases are available as well to buy nuggets and some bonus items.

Rail Rush Worlds Menu and Game Play

The further you travel down the mine, the faster the pace becomes.  You really need to stay on your toes to avoid hitting turn styles, barricades, or simply miss that the track runs out.

Rail Rush is a fun game to pass short bit of time with and does have an addictive quality that helps the game last a little bit longer if needed.  It is a nice change of pace from similar games that have you running all over the place.

Rail Rush is a free game and is currently an exclusive to the Nokia Lumia Windows Phone lineup (it will play on the low-memory devices).  You can find Rail Rush here in the Nokia Collection of the Windows Phone Store.

Subway Surfers (free)

Subway Surfers has seen its fair share of success over on iOS and Android platforms.  After much anticipation, the infinite runner game landed in the Windows Phone Store just a few weeks ago.

The game has your racing through the train stations of London.  The developers even added a Christmas theme to the game with holiday decorations and instead of running from the grumpy train inspector you are running from Santa.

Subway Surfers Main Menu and Surfer Shop

As you duck, dodge and race along the train tracks you can collect coins that can be used in the game’s shop to purchase upgrades, boosts, gear and unlock additional subway surfing characters.

Along with running around the various obstacles, you can tap the screen at times to activate your hover board and zip between the trains.  Bonus items will line the tracks to help your surfer survive the run such as jet packs, pogo sticks, and bouncy shoes.  However, if you stumble ever so slightly the inspector (or Santa) will catch you.  Even if you successfully out run the inspector, misjudging a jump or a dodge can send you head first into a train, which is never good.

Subway Surfers Game Screens

Subway Surfers also includes a collection of side-missions to help keep the game fresh.  Missions such as collecting a certain amount of coins in a run, jump a certain number of times in a run, etc.

All totaled, Subway Surfers is another quality gaming option for your Windows Phone and the Windows Phone version should share just as much success as the other versions have experienced.

Subway Surfers is a free game, available for Windows Phone 8 devices.  You do have a few in-app purchases for coins and keys bundles to give you a head start in buying boosts, gear and other items from the game’s shop.

You can find Subway Surfers here in the Windows Phone Store.  Subway Surfers is currently not available for low-memory devices such as the Nokia Lumia 520.

What is the best gaming option?

What is the best gaming option?  It is a coin toss.  All four gaming titles are highly rated and rightfully so. 

The Temple Run series gives Windows Phone gamers the option to choose a themed version of the game or stick with the standard version.  Either way, game play is challenging, entertaining and addictive.

Rail Rush gives you the option of racing through various worlds that can keep the game’s scenery from getting old.  While you are not running through the mine, piloting your mining cart can be just as challenging.  Some may say more challenging.

It is hard to find anything wrong with Minion Rush or Subway Surfers as well.  Both games have outstanding graphics and animations, game play is challenging, and there are plenty of side missions/goals to keep the game from growing stale.

These four gaming titles are a small sampling of the infinite or endless running games available in the Windows Phone Store.  If we have missed your favorite, sound off below in the comments and share your favorite running game.

For those looking to run Temple Run 2 on their 512 MB Windows Phone, you still have some waiting to do. This morning, version 1.6.1.0 of the app went live in the Store, bringing with it some small bug fixes, but no new features are present that we have noticed.

Released exactly 30 days ago, Temple Run 2 is one of many ‘must have’ games for Windows Phone that are slowly making their way over from other platforms. The game is free and even comes with the vaunted Xbox Live support, making it even more of a lust worthy time killer for endless runner fans (see our roundup of such games here).

The game, like a lot of ported versions, initially lacked 512 MB support. Microsoft’s Joe Belfiore tweeted that this was being worked on and support will come in a later update for Temple Run 2. The Windows Phone ecosystem is a little off balance with the low-cost Lumia 520 from Nokia making a surprising dent in internal market share. As a result, developers are having to play catch up by optimizing for that hardware instead of shooting for more high-end optimizations.

A few readers have noted that with today’s 1.6.1 update, the “review bug” is now fixed. We have only seen this intermittently, but for some users after each run, they were greeted with a “review this game” nag screen each and every time. Hopefully that’s the not case any longer. We’re also going to guess that there are a few other under the hood changes, but developer Imangi Studios is usually not too forthcoming on details.

We’ll keep an eye out for that coveted 512 MB update in the future, but for now, if you’re a Temple Run 2 fan, you can pick up the latest edition here in the Store. Windows Phone 8 only.

Thanks, Himanshu C., for the tip

Remember when Temple Run 2 came out in December with Xbox Live? It launched without support for low-memory devices like the Lumia 520. That changes today with the latest update for Temple Run 2. Head into the Windows Phone Store and you’ll be able to pick up Temple Run 2 for your 512 MB Windows Phone.

Temple Run has been updated to version 1.9.1.0. We’re not seeing any feature changes to the game, but that doesn’t really matter since millions of Windows Phone owners finally get access to the game. Do let us know if you notice anything else new with the update, but so far this looks just to be about giving access to those with low-memory devices.

How many folks with a phone like the Lumia 520 are picking up Temple Run 2 today? Don’t forget to check out our Temple Run 2 review. Don't forget this is a FREE game!

Download Temple Run 2 from the Windows Phone Store.

Thanks for the tip, Ashwin P., and everyone else!

Way back in March, Microsoft announced a big batch of Windows 8 games that would be launching the following weekend. These mostly included Xbox-enabled games, but they mixed some indies in there too. And all of those games did launch that weekend but one: Temple Run: Brave from Disney and Imangi.

We never learned what caused the holdup, but the important thing is Temple Run: Brave has launched for Windows 8 and RT at last! In our previous article I said it might not have Xbox Live features, and unfortunately that has proven to be the case. At least Windows tablet and PC users can now enjoy an installment of the popular Temple Run series… No word on a Windows Phone port of this one, unfortunately.

Head past the break for a hands-on video and our full impressions!

 Run, Merida, run!

Temple Run: Brave is essentially the original Temple Run game with a coat of Brave-colored paint on top. In other words, it plays like the game Windows Phone 8 owners have enjoyed since March but is themed after the Disney Pixar movie Brave.

Now, I didn’t care for the film but it makes for fine windows dressing in the game. Players control the feisty protagonist Merida as she runs away from the super ruthless and uncool bear Mordu. The areas she runs through include lovely Scottish hills, forests, and ancient ruins. Merida makes little vocal quips about the action, and the game displays cute drawings of whatever accident befell her when she gets a Game Over.

This version does add a new gameplay element in the form of archery. At certain times during a run, an archery symbol appears at the top of the screen. This lets you know that archery targets are coming up along the sides of the path soon. Hit them all and you’ll get a coin bonus. The Gunstringer: Dead Man Running borrowed the same mechanic when it launched on Windows 8 a while back.

Shop opening soon?

The main goal of any run is to collect as many coins as possible. These can then be spent on power-ups and new outfits for Merida in the shop. The prices are actually reasonable so you can conceivably unlock everything if you play enough. However, the game does still give the option to buy coins with real money.

At least, it’s supposed to – at launch, the game can’t actually connect to the online store. Hopefully Disney and Microsoft get that straightened out soon.

Windows 8 specifics

If playing on a touch-screen device, you swipe in the appropriate direction to move Merida left or right or make her jump or slide. You have to use the arrow keys for the same functions on a keyboard; this title unfortunately doesn’t support controllers. Shooting archery targets is much easier on a touch screen too because keyboard players have to move a mouse pointer to hit them.  Temple Run: Brave is still quite playable without a touch screen, but more control options would make it even better.

Graphically, the only enhancement of note is the game’s new widescreen display. It definitely looks better on a 16:9 PC monitor with the scenery extended from edge to edge instead of making a tiny portrait view screen with borders like they could’ve done. Otherwise, the geometry and environments make sparse use of polygons and certainly don’t look much better than a 2012-era phone game (or 2011, for that matter).

Overall Impression

Temple Run: Brave resembles Ice Age Village in that it combines a movie license with a tried-and-true game design. Does anybody else find it slightly creepy that the star of a Disney movie is basically guaranteed to die by the game design? There's no winning in Temple Run, and no escape from Mordu in Temple Run: Brave. Ah well, still fun!

Gamers who like endless runners and/or the Temple Run series in general will probably want to pick this one up. Gunstringer: DMR does boast slightly better graphics, an actual story mode, controller support, and Xbox Live Achievements, but it also has much longer loading times, steeper prices in the shop, and a very annoying narrator. Yeah, Disney and Imangi should have published this one as an Xbox title. Still, if I was playing just for pleasure, I’d choose Temple Run: Brave instead.

Temple Run: Brave for Windows 8 and RT costs $1.49 and clocks in at 39 MB. Get it here from the Windows Store.

Thanks to Edwin R for letting us know this game came out!

If you’re a fan of Temple Run, then you’ll want to grab the all new Temple Run: Brave game for Windows Phone 8. The game follows on the heels of the Windows 8 version released a few weeks ago and much like its predecessor, goes for $0.99 without a free trial.

We’re not sure why the devs at Disney and behind Temple Run are so against trials, but we bought the game and tossed together a quick video presented below. Off the cuff, we have no complaints about the game (well, it could use a double wide tile, we suppose). Graphics have been updated, it runs smooth and the touch response seems good to us at these early stages.

In case you’re curious, the game is a mashup between the Temple Run franchise and the Disney movie Brave. The backgrounds have been updated with lush forest greens, the main player is now a female lead (who seems to have lost her voice from the Windows 8 version) and you can shoot arrows from your trusty bow at some targets.

Overall, it’s quite fun and a great time waster. Like all Temple Run games, it features in-app purchasing via gold coins you collect or you can opt to “cheat” and buy packs of coins to enhance your character.

Other features include:

• Introducing ARCHERY – tap targets to shoot a bullseye and earn extra coins

• New, amazing visuals. It looks better than ever!

• All new environments inspired by Disney/Pixar Brave and the wilds of Scotland

• Play as Merida from Disney/Pixar Brave
• Outrun Mordu, the demon bear, to earn running glory

You can pick up Temple Run: Brave for Windows Phone 8 here in the Store. Note: Devices with 512MB of RAM are not eligible to play this game! Let the developer know you want 512 MB support by tweeting to @kshepherd and @imangi.