They Always Run similar games & best alternatives
They Always Run
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
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Autonomy3
"Players have control over combat style, upgrades, and bounty choices, but the game is linear with fixed progression."
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Competence4
"Combat and platforming provide skill challenges and require mastery, though some controls are clunky."
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Competition-4
"Focus is on single-player experience without competitive or leaderboard elements."
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Continuation3
"Players report being engaged and wanting to continue playing despite some frustrations."
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Cooperation-5
"Entirely single-player with no cooperative gameplay."
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Creativity2
"Players can customize upgrades and combat approach, but level design and story are linear."
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Domination-5
"No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; single-player focus."
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Escapism4
"Players use the game to immerse in a sci-fi bounty hunter world, escaping real life."
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Expectation-4
"Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation."
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Experimenting2
"Some experimentation with combat combos and upgrades, but overall linear gameplay."
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Exploration-3
"Game is mostly linear with limited exploration and no metroidvania style backtracking."
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Expression1
"Limited character customization, mostly fixed presentation with some upgrade choices."
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Fantasy5
"Strong sci-fi fantasy setting with bounty hunter narrative and imaginative world."
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Fellowship-5
"No multiplayer or social community features; solo play only."
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Growth3
"Players develop skill in combat and platforming and unlock upgrades."
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Health-5
"Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."
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Idle-4
"Requires focused attention due to challenging combat and platforming."
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Intimacy-5
"No social or emotional relationship building features."
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Leadership-5
"No leadership or group management elements."
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Progression4
"Players accumulate upgrades, weapons, and abilities as they progress."
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Relaxation-2
"Gameplay can be tense and challenging, with some frustration reported."
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Sensation3
"Visuals, animations, and soundtrack provide strong sensory stimulation."
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Status-5
"No social recognition or status systems."
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Story4
"Engaging narrative with character interactions and plot twists, though linear."
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Strategy2
"Combat and upgrade choices require some planning, but overall straightforward."
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Thrill3
"Combat and platforming provide moments of tension and excitement."
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Value3
"Players feel the game offers good value for time and money, especially on sale."
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Violence4
"Combat involves defeating enemies with weapons and melee attacks."
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Survival2
"Players must manage health and avoid death in challenging combat and platforming."
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Where to buy
Last update: 06/03/2026