Axl & Tuna

Here we are, nearly six years since the launch of Apple's App Store. Maybe it's finally safe to say we've done everything we possibly can with the endless-runner, a genre that remains enormously popular on the digital marketplace.

On the other hand, it might be premature to declare that this upstart sub-genre has reached its peak, as the human mind is endlessly inventive, and unstoppable in its pursuit of perfection.

Axl & Tuna by Game Collage is a good example of what happens when a developer focuses on polishing the endless-runner formula instead of innovating upon it. It's a light-hearted, fast-paced game that twists and flips, but never dips in quality.

It's not exactly vital for an endless-running game to have a background story, but Axl & Tuna provides nonetheless.

Axl, a cheerful robot that zips around on a single wheel, is chugging through a typical day in the "Fuzzbot" factory.

Suddenly, crates of Fuzzbots are tipped over by Tuna, Axl's ornery co-worker. Axl must zip through the factory and collect as many loose Fuzzbots as he can, or he'll presumably be robo-fired.

Axl automatically moves from left to right on a rollercoaster-like track that undulates through several zones. As Axl moves through each zone, he picks up speed.

Ploughing ahead at a reckless pace becomes especially dangerous when other robots begin throwing themselves in Axl's way. The wild-haired runner is only allowed to stumble twice before the game is over, so he needs to leap over his fellow 'bots whenever they wind up in his path.

Axl can do more than passively sidestep the robots, however. He can also plunge down from above and demolish them, which is supremely satisfying. You can even attempt to flip after flying upwards and away from the track - another fun manoeuvre that lets you rack up a few extra style points.

Like most endless-running games, Axl & Tuna is about travelling as far as you can in a single run. However, Axl & Tuna also scores you according to how many Fuzzies you manage to pick up in a session.

There are power-ups galore to help you extend your run, including shields, extra life energy, and turbo boosts, but they're all being hoarded by Tuna. When the irritable bird shows up on-screen, that's your cue to tap him and plunder his power-ups.

One particularly nice thing about Axl & Tuna is that the game lacks free-to-play mechanics. There's no option to "Save yourself!!" with hard currency when you die, and nor are you expected to buy costly power-ups with real-world cash. Your final score is entirely dependent on your reflexes.

Axl & Tuna is a tight, polished endless-running game that's a lot of fun. Its bright colors and cute character designs should also be big draws for old and young players alike. Roll with it.