Running with Scissors: Pre-Season (RwS:PS) is sLeek games’ red-carpet debut in the App Store. This release is a very good first offering for sLeek, and they are looking to capitalize on the iPhone’s multitouch capability in a unique way. The premise of RwS:PS is simple, win the race. Controls? Just as simple, run on screen with your fingertips.

First, the premise of the game is to win the race. To do this, you run by swiping your fingertips in a “scissoring” motion. Yes, I said “scissoring motion”, but not the kind you perverts are thinking of. Idiots. Anyways, as you run, an energy bar fills up, you use this energy to jump over, or even to fly over, obstacles on the track. At the end of each race, you get a scratcher (like a lottery ticket) with which you can win coins, items, and clothing to equip on your character. All of these add-ons add obstacle bonuses to your character, and the coins can also be used to unlock new maps. The addition of this customization feature really makes RwS:PS a deeper game, and adding your own personal touch to your character is always a sought-after option.

Second, the How-To option in the game is very long and overwhelming to view. I got about 4 pages in, and skipped the rest of it completely. I suggest turning on the tutorial mode in the options menu during your first couple of plays to help you with controls, and just use the How To guide for reference on details you might have questions about later. I used the tutorial mode, and found it to be informative enough to get me through my first few challenges. The graphics are very streamlined, with an easily defined, solid-colored stick man character, contrasting with the backgrounds being textured and rendered to be much more realistic looking. The soundtrack is pretty good as well. It’s a loop of pre-event music like you would hear at any professional sporting events, or a concert. It’s really designed to get you hyped up for a little running, jumping, flying action.

I initially thought that all the finger swiping would make me lose interest quickly, but with all the upgrades you can get, it’s pretty entertaining and will keep you coming back for more. Running with Scissors: Pre-Season is $2.99 in the App Store, and I believe they also have a lite version available as well. I’d call this one a very good purchase. Definitely worth the money for the content you get, and plenty entertaining.

[A copy of the game was provided by the publisher for review purposes.]