They Always Run: Deluxe Edition

They Always Run is a charming space-western platformer with chunky combat and endearing characters, but it's hampered by bugs.

Still, They Always Run may have its issues, but the good outweighs the bad. The combat is exciting and the chase sequences exhilarating. The platforming bits in-between are fun for the most part, too, apart from the odd moment where the controls feel like they’re working against you. And while the story may be quite brief, it does keep you invested. So, if you’re interested in becoming a bounty hunter for a short while, They Always Run is worth your attention.

In the end, They Always Run is a challenging, fun and especially electrifying title, with a lot of action in its combats and chase sequences. It merits saying the journey isn't infalible to errors and technical failures, with bugs and glitches happening sometimes and ruining the gameplay. But, overall, this doesn't mean the game doesn't offer happy moments while traversing the galaxy. After all, we have the company of Aiden, the raddest three-arms bounty hunter in the universe.

Having played quite a number of action platformers at this point, many on the Switch, I've begun to feel sometimes like developers are running out of new ideas...

They Always Run is a very well-made 2D platformer that stands out particularly for its graphics. The combat mechanics are complex enough to provide enjoyable gameplay, and at the same time, the attention to detail makes every enemy kill truly satisfying. However, there are some flaws that detract from the game. Even so, it’s a pleasant mix of genres that makes for a solid platformer.

Overall They always run is an intriguing example on modern 2-D platformers. Whilst it has minor problems with some of the platforming it does not take away from the atmosphere and aesthetic this game exudes. Whilst not having the most compelling story being very formulaic and told through long text breaks the combat and graphics more than make up for it.

They Always Run decides to work within the comfortable boundary of elements already established in action, adventure and platformer games. This is hardly a bad thing though, because the developers execute these combinations masterfully. The result is an epic narrative, full of combats, engaging events and twists that end with a beautiful plot twist that leaves us wishing strongly for Aiden's journey to continue. The fact this mercenary is too resourceful can weaken the challenges for players who are more demanding, but it's a small issue that the fights' malleability and villains' run-ins easily compensate.

They Always Run sprints into the finish line as one of the most unique action platformers of its time. Follow a three-armed bounty hunter as he travels the galaxy in search of revenge. Prepare for the brutal but satisfying combat and stunning views and landscapes.