Item: Ragdoll Runners
Rating: 84
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

84/100

Ragdoll Runners is a hilariously frustrating and ultimately rewarding take on track and field sports. Unlike traditional sports games where you mash buttons to run, here you control each leg independently with its own dedicated button. The result is initially chaotic—your athlete will likely face-plant, do the splits, or stumble backward. But that’s the beauty of it; the physics engine is both your greatest enemy and your most satisfying tool.

Once you find a rhythm, the game becomes surprisingly deep. Learning the exact timing to launch for a long jump or clear a hurdle feels like a genuine skill. There’s a 'human' element to the movement that makes every world record attempt feel personal. The graphics are minimal, focusing entirely on the movement of the ragdoll, which works perfectly. It’s a game of 'just one more try' as you attempt to shave a hundredth of a second off your 100m sprint. It’s funny, challenging, and unlike anything else in the sports category.

Reviewed on: Sun Apr 28 2024

Dinsun Review

Dinsun here. Now this—this is a real game. It takes something we take for granted—putting one foot in front of the other—and makes it impossibly difficult. It reminds me of QWOP, but with a much better control scheme and a real sense of progression. You control each leg with a button, and the depth comes from the rhythm and timing required to maintain momentum without face-planting into the track.

It’s a 'hardcore' casual game. You will fail, and you will fail often, but when you finally nail a hurdle or a long jump, the satisfaction is immense. It’s a pure skill-based experience. No pay-to-win, no fluff, just you against the physics. The graphics are minimalist, which I prefer—it keeps the focus on the mechanics. It’s one of those rare mobile games that actually demands your full attention.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

High skill ceiling and rewarding mastery
Clever use of physics-based movement
Great 'ghost' racing features

Steep learning curve will frustrate many
Minimalist aesthetic might feel 'cheap' to some
Can feel repetitive after long sessions

Technical Report

Performance: Very responsive controls, which is vital for this genre. Low latency.

Accessibility:

Adjustable control positions

Audience Fit

Buy if: You enjoy 'masocore' games and like perfecting your technique.

Skip if: You want a relaxing game or struggle with timing-based controls.

Similar Games:

QWOP
Daddy Long Legs

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, critical veteran gamer
Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
Playtime: 8 hours
Status: Reached top 10% in several events

The Game

Available on: iPhone, iPad, iPod

1393025668

Free4+★4.7 3077 reviews

Author : Samuel Manier

Pubish Date : Sat May 11 2019

Last Update Date : Sat May 11 2019

Support Languages : English

Genres :

Version 1.0.1Sat May 11 2019

Fixed the bug: in replays of jump events, sand prints and triple jump footprints are not displayed.
In this physics-based track and field game, you are free to run and jump like you want. The laws of physics are your only limit.
You control independently the legs of your athlete: one button per leg. You cannot count on button mashing to achieve victory like in most track and field games. You require good timing and good feeling of your athlete.
At first, you run and jump in a disjointed fashion, causing funny situations. Then, the better you get, the more your actions resemble those of true champions and it becomes very rewarding.
8 events of different types are waiting for you: sprint, long jump, triple jump, hurdles. Compete against increasingly strong opponents and become a champion in each event. And if that's not enough, measure yourself against other players' records.
Requires iOS 8.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
In this physics-based track and field game, you are free to run and jump like you want. The laws of physics are your only limit.
You control independently the legs of your athlete: one button per leg. You cannot count on button mashing to achieve victory like in most track and field games. You require good timing and good feeling of your athlete.
At first, you run and jump in a disjointed fashion, causing funny situations. Then, the better you get, the more your actions resemble those of true champions and it becomes very rewarding.
8 events of different types are waiting for you: sprint, long jump, triple jump, hurdles. Compete against increasingly strong opponents and become a champion in each event. And if that's not enough, measure yourself against other players' records.

Ratings & Reviews

4.7 out of 5 with 3077 Counts

★★★★★

Age Rating 4+

Ragdoll Runners is a physics-based track and field game where you control your athlete's legs independently: one button per leg. Forget button mashing; victory requires timing and a feel for the physics. From disjointed, funny stumbles to the smooth form of a champion, the progression is incredibly rewarding. Compete in 8 events like the sprint, long jump, and triple jump against increasingly strong opponents or other players' records.

Features

Independent leg control mechanics

8 unique athletic events

Physics-based challenge

Compete against world records

Tips

Finding Your Rhythm

Don't tap the buttons too fast! Alternate between the left and right leg with a steady cadence to build momentum without falling over.

Promotion Videos

Ragdoll Runners (by Samuel Manier) - Trailer Gameplay Game (Android, iOS) HQ

News on this game

5 Video Games Parents Can Play With Their Kids

The kids have been out of school for a few weeks now, they can't play with their friends due to social distancing, and it feels like they...

GameSpace.com - Tue May 26 2020

7 Best Android Athletics games on Google Play Store

It includes many sports events in which you will be participating like- cycling, shooting, badminton, football, tennis, and many more.

How2shout - Tue May 26 2020

Gameplays

The Long Jump

Timing your jump is crucial. Use your momentum from the run and tap both legs simultaneously at the edge of the pit to launch yourself for maximum distance.