Common Sense Media Review
By Dana Anderson , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cool, challenging platformer leaps above competition.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Chameleon Run
Parent and Kid Reviews
What’s It About?
Tap the Play icon on CHAMELEON RUN and watch as your character begins to run across the platform. Tap with your thumb or the finger of one hand at just the right time -- and as many times as the length requires -- to enable him to leap onto the next platform. If the platform is a different color, tap with your other hand's thumb or finger to change to the matching color before landing. Avoid black obstacles, and watch for certain platforms that operate differently from others. If the character doesn't make it or runs into an obstacle, he puffs into a cloud of smoke and restarts at the beginning of that course. As you collect objects, you get points that help move you to new levels. Tutorials help you get used to the controls and learn new maneuvers. In the settings, players can flip the controls from one side of the device to the other, control the music and sounds, and reset the progress of the game. There's a face-cam feature that uses the reverse camera to record the user's reactions during gameplay, but it wasn't working during the review period.
Is It Any Good?
There's so much more going on than just running and leaping over obstacles, which makes it more interesting and, potentially, more frustrating. Dozens of similar games, such as Temple Run, are all based on a similar concept of running, avoiding obstacles, collecting stuff, and reaching new levels. However, Chameleon Run sets itself apart with the color-switch twist, the different types of jumps, and customizable options such as the ability to replay recordings, a face cam, and adjustable controls. Though the layered challenge might be too much for some kids (and adults), Chameleon Run is a really fun, challenging, and visually appealing game.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about in-app purchases and set expectations around them before downloading. Is it OK for your kid to download another app if it's free?
Talk about how the timing of jumping and color-changing on this app works. Ask your kid, "How do you know when to tap?" Discuss anticipating next action, planning ahead, noticing patterns, and where these skills can help in real-life situations, too.
Ask your kid: Why do you think this game is called "Chameleon Run"?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android
- Pricing structure: Paid
- Release date: June 14, 2016
- Category: Action Games
- Publisher: Noodlecake Studios Inc
- Version: 1.2.1
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 8.0 or later; Android 4.1 and up
- Last updated: December 9, 2020
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
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