Item: Manuganu
Rating: 88
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

88/100

Manuganu is a masterclass in how to execute a 3.5D side-scrolling runner with precision. Unlike many endless runners that feel like they're playing themselves, Manuganu requires genuine intent. The dual-action control scheme—allowing you to halt Manuganu in his tracks to dodge swinging boulders or time a jump—adds a layer of platforming depth that is rarely seen in the genre.

The environments are lush and vibrant, moving from sun-drenched tribal lands to icy caverns with seamless transitions. Each level feels like a mini-adventure rather than a repetitive track. The 'Halt' mechanic is the standout feature here; it turns what could have been a simple reflex test into a rhythmic puzzle. Whether you're dodging giant hammers or timing a leap over a bed of spikes, the game feels fair but demanding. It’s a polished, tactile experience that sits comfortably alongside the Rayman Jungle Run series in terms of quality.

Reviewed on: Fri Feb 27 2026

Dinsun Review

Manuganu is a step above the usual 'runner' trash you find on the App Store. By making it level-based and giving the player the ability to actually stop, it becomes more of a platformer. The prehistoric theme is done well enough, and the 3D models are decent for a mobile title from this era.

It’s still a fairly simple game, though. The challenges are standard—collect X number of things, don't die—and the controls can occasionally feel a bit floaty during the rope-swinging segments. It doesn't have the personality of a Rayman game or the precision of Mario, but it’s a solid, honest little platformer. It doesn't try to scam you with a thousand IAPs, which is something I always appreciate in this modern hellscape of mobile gaming.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Level-based structure provides a sense of progress
Unique 'stop' mechanic adds tactical depth
Clean, colorful 3D art

Slightly floaty controls
Generic prehistoric setting
Only 30 levels

Technical Report

Performance: Very smooth on older devices; high frame rate consistency.

Accessibility:

Two-Button Control Scheme

Audience Fit

Buy if: You enjoy platformers and want something with a bit more structure than an endless runner.

Skip if: You demand pixel-perfect controls or a deep storyline.

Similar Games:

Rayman Jungle Run
Leo's Fortune
Wind-up Knight

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun
Hardware: iPhone 12 Mini
Playtime: 4 hours
Status: Finished all levels with 3 stars

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

623959333

$0.99 9+★4.8 13 reviews

Author : ALPER SARIKAYA

Pubish Date : Fri May 03 2013

Last Update Date : Mon Jan 06 2020

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.1.2Mon Jan 06 2020

- Optimized for iPhone X an iPhone 11 screens.
- Few changes have been made to the user interface.
- Minor bugs fixed.
PURE ACTION
Run, jump and slide from ropes, dodge rocks! Not enough? There is much more in Manuganu. Avoid swinging hammers and jump over moving ice blocks. Don’t get burned and jump between walls to collect coins and medallions. Break stone blocks and activate platforms before you fall into fog and much more...
A RUNNING ADVENTURE
Manuganu is a 3D side-scroller running game, in which you control the boy “Manuganu”.
Unlike other usual running games, Manuganu brings on the “Halt feature” to avoid swinging rocks, hammers, flames and other enemies with the right timing. Another important feature of Manuganu is the ability to switch from “running” mode to “rope climbing” mode when needed. But be careful! This mode has its own challenges.
GAME FEATURES
•Platforming Actions: Double Jumping, Wall Sliding, Hovering, Wall Jumping, Rolling, Breaking Stone Blocks
•Run through 30 different levels, each with it’s own unique design according to the level theme.
•Two button controls and specific swipe controls.
•Run into alternate paths to get 3 Star in all Levels.
•Three different environments with full 3D graphics.
•Original Soundtrack by Tolga YURDABAK
•Turkish-English Language Support
Requires iOS 10.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
PURE ACTION
Run, jump and slide from ropes, dodge rocks! Not enough? There is much more in Manuganu. Avoid swinging hammers and jump over moving ice blocks. Don’t get burned and jump between walls to collect coins and medallions. Break stone blocks and activate platforms before you fall into fog and much more...
A RUNNING ADVENTURE
Manuganu is a 3D side-scroller running game, in which you control the boy “Manuganu”.
Unlike other usual running games, Manuganu brings on the “Halt feature” to avoid swinging rocks, hammers, flames and other enemies with the right timing. Another important feature of Manuganu is the ability to switch from “running” mode to “rope climbing” mode when needed. But be careful! This mode has its own challenges.
GAME FEATURES
•Platforming Actions: Double Jumping, Wall Sliding, Hovering, Wall Jumping, Rolling, Breaking Stone Blocks
•Run through 30 different levels, each with it’s own unique design according to the level theme.
•Two button controls and specific swipe controls.
•Run into alternate paths to get 3 Star in all Levels.
•Three different environments with full 3D graphics.
•Original Soundtrack by Tolga YURDABAK
•Turkish-English Language Support

Ratings & Reviews

4.8 out of 5 with 13 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 9+

Join Manuganu in his quest through beautifully rendered 3D environments. This action-runner blends classic platforming with unique mechanics: you can stop Manuganu to avoid swinging rocks, hammers, and flames. With 30 levels featuring varied environments like canyons and ice mountains, players must master jumping, sliding, and climbing to collect coins and medallions while overcoming dangerous obstacles.

Features

Unique Halt/Stop mechanic

Stunning 3D environments

Alternative paths in levels

Original tribal soundtrack

Tips

Mastering the Halt

The blue button on the left is your 'Halt' action. Use it when you see swinging obstacles. Don't rush; many levels require you to wait for a specific pattern before sprinting forward to grab all the blue medallions.

Promotion Videos

Manuganu Trailer - YouTube

News on this game

Manuganu Review

The iOS market seems to be overflowing with cute little platforming games that are all basically the same game with different designs.

Arcade Sushi - Thu Oct 02 2014

Sword of Xolan to deliver premium, old-school action-platforming to iOS on May 21st

The next game from Alper Sarikaya, the developer of the Manuganu series, is an action-platformer called Sword of Xolan.

Pocket Gamer - Sun Oct 02 2016

New releases round-up: Jacob Jones, Frozen Synapse, Fast & Furious 6, and more

Every Thursday, we take time out to look at the week's new and noteworthy iOS games in both words and video. This week, the standout games...

Pocket Gamer - Thu Oct 02 2014

MANUGANU Review – Gamezebo

TV Tropes defines Master Higgins Syndrome (named after the protagonist of the Adventure Island series) as an in-game compulsion to consume...

Gamezebo - Tue Sep 02 2014

Available Now: Manuganu 2: A Vibrant and Winsome 3D Platform Runner

A couple of months ago I came across the sequel to one of the platformers I enjoyed playing, Manuganu. Manuganu 2 was released on iOS and I...

Droid Gamers - Sat Jan 02 2016

Gameplays

Dynamic Movement

Manuganu can perform wall jumps and rope slides. Timing your jumps at the very edge of platforms will give you a slight speed boost, which is essential for hitting the 'Time' goal on harder levels.