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They Always Run

Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2021

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Quick resume

Become Aiden, a three-armed mutant who hunts the most dangerous bounties in the galaxy. Catch, slice, dice and destroy enemies in this exciting 2D platformer with a space-western setting.

Global score

80/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Platform, Hack and slash/Beat 'em up, Fighting, Arcade

Pros

  • Beautiful art style and animation
  • Engaging combat system
  • Compelling story with plot twists
  • Satisfying soundtrack
  • Linear progression with upgrades

Cons

  • Clunky and sometimes unresponsive controls
  • Janky platforming and collision detection
  • Repetitive enemy types and combat
  • Abrupt cliffhanger ending
  • Some bugs and glitches reported

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players have control over combat style, upgrades, and bounty choices, but the game is linear with fixed progression."

  • Competence
    4

    "Combat and platforming provide skill challenges and require mastery, though some controls are clunky."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on single-player experience without competitive or leaderboard elements."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report being engaged and wanting to continue playing despite some frustrations."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely single-player with no cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players can customize upgrades and combat approach, but level design and story are linear."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; single-player focus."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to immerse in a sci-fi bounty hunter world, escaping real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    2

    "Some experimentation with combat combos and upgrades, but overall linear gameplay."

  • Exploration
    -3

    "Game is mostly linear with limited exploration and no metroidvania style backtracking."

  • Expression
    1

    "Limited character customization, mostly fixed presentation with some upgrade choices."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong sci-fi fantasy setting with bounty hunter narrative and imaginative world."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No multiplayer or social community features; solo play only."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skill in combat and platforming and unlock upgrades."

  • Health
    -5

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention due to challenging combat and platforming."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building features."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate upgrades, weapons, and abilities as they progress."

  • Relaxation
    -2

    "Gameplay can be tense and challenging, with some frustration reported."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visuals, animations, and soundtrack provide strong sensory stimulation."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems."

  • Story
    4

    "Engaging narrative with character interactions and plot twists, though linear."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Combat and upgrade choices require some planning, but overall straightforward."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Combat and platforming provide moments of tension and excitement."

  • Value
    3

    "Players feel the game offers good value for time and money, especially on sale."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat involves defeating enemies with weapons and melee attacks."

  • Survival
    2

    "Players must manage health and avoid death in challenging combat and platforming."

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    Where to buy

    Last update: 06/03/2026