Use Ben 10’s alien powers to run, jump and smash your way past enemies, obstacles and supervillains in Ben 10: Up to Speed! Question is … does it live up to expectations?
Ben 10: Up to Speed
Following the re-launch of the Ben 10 franchise, Cartoon Network also introduced Ben 10 to the mobile gamers. Ben 10: Up to Speed is what we call a runner game which has completely been rebranded to the Ben 10 franchise. The runner has launched earlier this month and is available for iOS and Android.
Up to Speed follows Ben Tennyson as he goes on the best summer vacation ever with his Grandpa Max and cousin Gwen. He discovers an alien artefact called the Omnitrix that allows him to transform into powerful alien heroes. Playing as Ben and his various alien alter egos, gamers will save the world by stopping evildoers, from giant robots to menacing magic users. **See the gameplay video here**
The game will launch with a selection of five alien forms and 60 levels, with new aliens and levels added regularly to coincide with Ben’s adventures in the television series. Additional game features include:
- Alien transformations for multiple character options
- 3D runner-style controls optimized for mobile devices
- Omnitrix and alien upgrades
- Multiple level paths for great replay value
What can you expect from Ben 10: Up to Speed
Well, as we already mentioned … it’s a branded runner game. If you’ve ever seen the Ben 10 series on Cartoon Network, you’ll know about Ben Tennyson. He was just an ordinary boy … nothing special about him. Until he finds something which looks like a watch … an alien watch. The actual name for the device is called the Omnitrix and it allows it’s wearer to transform into one of the 10 different aliens. Of course every life form or alien has it’s own skills, personalities and weaknesses. We won’t be going into details about the aliens and creatures, but if you have seen the series, then you’ll already have a pretty good idea!
Gameplay wise … it’s pretty easy … after all, it’s a runner clone … we did already mention that right? Your goal is to run a certain distance, collect coins, avoid obstacles and defeat enemies along the way. Sounds familiar? Well, it’s a r … never mind …
Controlling Ben is fairly easy. Swipe left or right to switch lanes, up and down to jump or execute a slide. Tap de icons at the bottom of the screen to trigger your omitrixu and transform into the selected alien, or trigger one of the power-ups.
The thing that makes Ben 10: Up to Speed not your default runner clone is that you will have to learn how to master your alien lifeforms and their abilities. Picking the wrong alien at the wrong time can end badly, and using your alien form for too long as well. Using an alien life form for too long wil deplete it’s power and you won’t be able to use it again until it has been recharged. Of course, this means you will be missing out on a bonus item, long jump, coins or kills!
Is Ben 10: Up to Speed fun?
Well, it’s the type of game you can launch quickly on your mobile device for a short play session. Waiting for a bus or train? Open Ben 10: Up to Speed and play a few rounds. But watch out, because it can get quite addictive pretty fast.
