Cookie Run

Cookie Run (Hangul: 쿠키런; RR Kukireon) is an endless running game created by Devsisters, a game developer based in Seoul, Republic of Korea. The game was released on April 2, 2013 for Kakao,^[1] and January 29, 2014 for LINE.^[2]

The main characters of the game are Cookies whose aim is to escape the Witch’s oven. The characters originate from the earlier games created by Devsisters: Ovenbreak and Ovenbreak 2.

There is a difference between LINE and Kakao versions of the game. The Kakao version is available only in South Korea with only Korean language supported, while the LINE version is available globally with 4 languages available: English, Thai, Japanese and Traditional Chinese. Also, the update schedule of the Kakao version is slightly ahead of the LINE version.

In Cookie Run players have to help a Cookie run as far from the starting point as they can, passing obstacles, jumping through holes and collecting Coins and Jellies.

Gameplay

Controls

Running in Cookie Run is automatic. There are only two control buttons on the screen: Jump and Slide. Cookies can also perform a Double Jump, if the Jump button is tapped twice.^[3] Some Cookies possess skills that require using Jump and Slide buttons in order use the ability.

Cookies and Pets

The Cookies are main characters of the game.

Each Cookie has their background story, which reveals their relation to other Cookies, the Witch and their place in Cookie Run World, and a special ability. All Cookies are divided by grades. Currently there are four grades: C, B, A, S and L with L being the highest. In the beginning, most Cookies are blocked. To unlock them, player must complete a specific mission (for example, ‘Have 160 Friends’ or ‘Reach level 57’) or use Crystals. After a Cookie is unlocked, they must be bought with Coins.

Pets follow Cookies in the game. Each of them possesses a minor skill.^[3] Most Cookies form a combination bonus effect with a pet. Such combination provides a specific bonus in game, but it is also possible to use any Cookie and Pet. Low-grade pets can be found in Gifts Lucky Draw while higher grade ones can be randomly hatched using Crystals.

Each Cookie and Pet can be upgraded up to Level 8 by using coins. Upgrades raise their Energy level allowing them to run for a longer time (applicable only to Cookies) and their Skill level. Each Cookie and Pet provides a special Treasure once upgraded to their maximum Level.

Treasures

Treasures are special items that can add various bonuses to the game. Only three treasures can be equipped at the same time. The bonuses stack: for example, three Magnetic Aura treasures equipped have a triple effect.

Treasures can be obtained in two ways. The first way is to upgrade a Cookie or a Pet to the maximum level. Each Cookie and Pet has a special treasure that can be granted for reaching level 8. Treasures can also be obtained from Treasure Chests by spending Coins, Crystals or Treasure Chest Tickets.Treasures can also be upgraded and evolved to improve the bonus or even add a new one. They can also be destroyed in order to get Magic Powder, which is used to create the Ingredients. Ingredients are used to evolve Treasures and can be found in Mystery Boxes throughout episodes.

Ingredients

Ingredients can be obtained from the Mystery Boxes randomly appearing throughout the game levels. They can also be found among the Weekly Rewards. Ingredients are used to evolve Treasures in order to improve them and/or add new skills. Each Treasure requires a specific set of Ingredients to perform evolution. It is also possible to create missing Ingredients using Magic Powder which can be extracted from Treasures or received as a reward for accomplishing various game missions.

Game Score

As it was mentioned above, a player can obtain Coins and Jellies while running through a level in Cookie Run. Jellies make the final score which appears in the Weekly Ranking on the main screen of the game. Player can increase the score by upgrading Energy and Jellies, using certain Cookies, Pets. Treasures and Boosts. Player’s score also affects the League Rank. The higher the League Rank, the more medals a player can receive in the end of each week. Medals, in turn, are exchanged for various game goods. Coins are Cookie Run in-game currency which are used to buy and upgrade Cookies and Pets, upgrade Treasures. There are several Cookies, Pets and Treasures that can increase Coin income.

Episodes

Currently there are four Episodes that share common rules and goals.

• Episode 1 - Escape from the Oven
• Episode 2 - Primeval Jungle
• Episode 3 - Dragons’ Valley
• Episode 4 - The City of Wizards

There are also two Special Episodes in which players have to spend Keys in order to play.

• Special Episode 1 - Ghost Pirate’s Island of Coins
• Special Episode 2 - Tower of Frozen Waves

Unlike other episodes, Special Episode 2 currently consists of 100 Floors. There are three missions in each Floor. In order to proceed, at least one mission must be completed.

Levels and Experience

A certain amount of Experience is awarded for completing Episodes. Experience Points raise a player’s overall Level. The higher the Level, the more bonus points a player can receive in each Episode.

Boosts

After an Episode is chosen, players can equip up to six different Boosts. Energy Boosts increase Cookie’s Energy, Power Jelly Boosts prolong the effect of Power Jellies, such as Giant Potion or Magnetic Jelly. Double XP Boosts double the amount of Experience awarded for Episode completion. Fast Start allows a player to skip the first stage of an Episode. Cookie Relay provides a player an opportunity to continue playing after your Cookie’s Energy has depleted. There is also a Random Boost option, randomly providing Boosts such as Double Coins or Magnetic Aura.

Reception

Thanks to the vast user base of Kakao and LINE messengers, Cookie Run has become immensely popular not only in its home country, South Korea,^[4] but also Thailand and Taiwan.^[5] In 2013, Cookie Run was the most downloaded game in South Korea.^[6] Cookie Run was also the top grossing game in South Korea for 11 months.^[7]

Timmy Feng from AppsGoer has called LINE Cookie Run an ‘extraordinary platform runner’. He also praised its simple controls and gameplay.^[3]

References