Topic: Let's talk about endless runners

Hi all!

It's always intrigued me how developers can make a one-button experience engaging, especially when they all follow a similar snowclone. Looking at the iOS appstore for example, games like Tiny Wings, Doodle Jump and Jetpack Joyride consistently get the highest on the charts, while incredibly similar games follow close behind. Since simplicity is more or less required for an endless runner, how does each game differentiate itself for the rest? And what are your favourite ones to play?

My favourite has to be the Flood Runner series, particularly the third. Punching sharks generally makes anything better ^^ Canabalt is also very cool, if only for the atmosphere.

I really like Robot Unicorn Attack. Oh, and it uses more than one-button.

Nyanicorn!
(Which is essentially RUA...)

I dunno why, but I have yet to play a good runner game on my android phone. My biggest problem with them is that they get repetitive and boring..

TOMENA SANNER!
So much win.
_{although i guess technically it's not really an "endless runner", as it has distinct stages}

Jetpack Joyride is the best of these (i.e. the most addicting).

I actually never could get into the big name ones like Jetpack Joyride or Temple Run.

I really enjoyed this one called Action Hero, though (by Donut Games).

Donut Games are great, those guys make fun games. Action Hero is enjoyable, but from what I remember it is pretty slow.

This is a fact and is not up for discussion. Thank you!