Martial arts legend Bruce Lee always struck me as a fighter, not a runner. But whatever. Now he’s the latest guest personality to make an appearance as a character in Temple Run 2, the endless-runner mobile game that has been downloaded more than a billion times.
Imangi Studios and The Bruce Lee Estate have partnered to bring Lee to Temple Run 2.
The original Temple Run debuted in 2011. Two developers, Natalia Luckyanova and her husband, Keith Shepherd, built the pioneering 3D game that popularized the “endless runner,” or a game where a character is constantly running toward the horizon. On your mobile device, you swipe the touch screen to make them turn left or right. You swipe down to make them slide, or swipe up to make them jump. All the while, monkeys or other creatures are chasing them. These simple mechanics have proven to be incredibly addictive, and that is why Temple Run has run circles around the million-plus active apps on the App Store.
To keep Temple Run 2 from getting too routine, Imangi has been adding new famous characters such as NFL players. It also created a free virtual reality version for the Samsung Gear VR device.
The legendary Lee, who popularized the martial art of Jeet Kune Do and starred in films like Enter the Dragon, died in 1973. But Imangi struck the deal with Bruce Lee LLC, which is owned and operated by Shannon Lee, the daughter of Bruce Lee.
Players can harness Lee’s swift and agile athleticism to blast by obstacles, earn points, and escape the scary Demon Monkey. Every now and then, you’ll hear one of Lee’s inspiring quotes.
“As one of the most talented martial artists of all time, we think that Bruce Lee is a perfect fit for the Temple Run franchise,” said Shepherd in a statement. “In addition to his speed and agility, we also celebrate his philosophies with words of wisdom when players need it most.”
“I’m very excited to have my father become part of the Temple Run family,” said Shannon Lee, the CEO of Bruce Lee LLC, in a statement. “It’s apropos the character will launch in 2015, which just happens to be his 75th birthday year! Not only is this a great and fun way to celebrate my father’s birthday, but I’m grateful that my father’s legacy will continue to live on for fans of all ages via our partnership with Imangi.”
Temple Run 2 is available on iOS, Google Play, Amazon, and Windows Phone 8.