Free Running

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This article is about the video game. For the athletic discipline, see Freerunning.

Free Running
Developer(s)Rebellion Developments (PS2, Wii)
Core Design (PSP)
Publisher(s)Ubisoft, Reef Entertainment, Graffiti Entertainment
Composer(s)Martin Iveson
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii
Release
  • AU: 19 April 2007[1]
  • EU: 20 April 2007
Wii, Windows
  • EU: 1 October 2009
  • NA: 28 April 2010 (Wii)
  • NA: 3 December 2019 (PC)
Genre(s)Sports, platforming
Mode(s)Single-player, multiplayer

Free Running is a 2007 video game for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Wii and Microsoft Windows, developed by Rebellion Developments and Core Design and published by Ubisoft,[2] Reef Entertainment, and Graffiti Entertainment. A Nintendo DS version was planned, but cancelled.[3] The game was originally due for release in 2005 but was delayed due to apathy from its original publisher, Eidos.[4][5]

Gameplay

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Free Running is a freerunning sports game, with mechanics similar to those found in skateboarding titles such as the Tony Hawk's series.[2] The objective of the game is a representation of freerunning, and players must demonstrate speed alongside flamboyance.[2] The player is required to navigate their character through an urban environment by climbing, leaping, wall-running and other acrobatic maneuvers. Points are earned by performing combinations of such moves, and completing mini-challenges such as checkpoint races. Sébastien Foucan, the inventor of freerunning, is your mentor and guides you through the game's tutorial in the PS2 version.[6] He was removed in later ports. The Wii port is played with either the Wii Remote and Nunchuk or the Classic Controller.

Reception

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The game received "mixed" reviews on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[8][7][9] Eurogamer criticized the PlayStation 2 version's stiff controls and camera, leading to unease in performing tricks and combinations. It did not compare favourably to the fluid movement in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time and Crackdown – titles that were deemed to be better free running games than Free Running.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Jastrzab, Jeremy (19 March 2007). "Updated Australian release list, 19/03/07". PALGN. Archived from the original on 24 March 2007. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e Dan Whitehead (10 April 2007). "Free Running (PlayStation 2)". Eurogamer. Gamer Network. Retrieved 6 July 2010. Free Running is a noble effort to apply the platform game template to a seemingly appropriate real world pastime, but it's hamstrung from the start by gameplay that is neither agile nor fluid enough to deliver an engaging experience, and by a concept that is considerably less unique on a joypad as it is in reality.
  3. ^ "Free Running – Release Details". GameFAQs. GameSpot. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
  4. ^ "Free Running Preview". Edge Magazine (171): 32. January 2007.
  5. ^ "Free Running Review". Edge Magazine (172): 82. February 2007.
  6. ^ a b Eliot Fish (14 May 2007). "Free Running (PS2)". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  7. ^ a b "Free Running (psp: 2007): Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 13 September 2008. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  8. ^ a b "Free Running (ps2: 2007): Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on 13 September 2008. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  9. ^ a b "Free Running for Wii Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  10. ^ "Free Running (PS2)". Edge. No. 172. February 2007. p. 82.
  11. ^ "Free Running (PS2)". GamesMaster. May 2007. p. 71.
  12. ^ "Free Running (PS2)". PlayStation Official Magazine – UK. No. 5. April 2007. p. 96.
  13. ^ "Free Running (PS2)". Official UK PlayStation 2 Magazine. No. 82. February 2007. p. 75.
  14. ^ "Review: Free Running (PS2)". PSM3. June 2007. p. 78.
  15. ^ Will Freeman (22 April 2007). "Free Running Review (PS2)". VideoGamer.com. Resero Network. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
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