Race Games: Temple Run and Tiny Wings

Michelle Wan
Game Design Fundamentals
2 min readMay 28, 2020

Temple Run and Tiny Wings both fall under the race games genre, but upon even seeing the artwork alone, these games are quite different from each other. Both games utilize a different theme to change the overall experience of the gameplay.

Temple Run (left) and Tiny Wings (right)

First, let’s start with Temple Run. This 2013 iOS game is an endless runner where players have to avoid obstacles while collecting gold pieces along the way. The art contains harsh contrasting colors and sharp edges, reflecting the adventurous theme of the game. The soundtrack is also intense, adding to its high-speed pace of gameplay. It requires quick reflexes and keeps players on there toes in anticipation to react to danger. One wrong move, and it’s game over.

Tiny Wings, on the other hand, is a stark contrast. The art is full of colors, utilitizing smooth shapes and soft outlines. The background music is really light and soothing, which keeps players relaxed as they soar across hills. Even if a mistake is made, there’s no punishment. The game simply continues as the bird goes up and down and across the screen.

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