Subway Surfers - Kiloo

This review of Subway Surfers was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 12 March 2014.

About the app

This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.

ACCM review

This review of Subway Surfers contains the following information:

• The level to which the game was reviewed
• App description
• Reviewers comments
• In App purchasing
• Online information
• Gambling
• Advertising and product placement
• Gender stereotypes and sexual references
• Coarse language
• Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents
• Other

The level to which the game was reviewed

Miami

App description

This is an endless runner style game, where the player runs along train tracks, dodging trains and obstacles, collecting coins and other objects.

Reviewers comments

Players start with a default free character. There is a selection of other characters and outfits which can be bought with game coins or other game objects, which includes several multicultural options as well as a zombie, robot, ninja and a punk.  In the game, the player is caught spraying graffiti on a train and runs along the railway tracks and on top of trains, being chased by a man and his dog. The player uses their finger on the screen to guide their character. The player must dodge trains and obstacles, collecting game coins along the way. If the player crashes and the inspector catches him, the player can use a game key (if they have any) to be saved. For every run, the player can score points, determined by how far they have run. The player has missions (such as collecting a certain number of coins) which will earn them rewards. There is a Daily Challenge, which is to collect letters along the way to spell a specified word, to earn game coins.

In App purchasing

Players can purchase a Starter Pack for $0.99 or a Coin Doubler (which doubles all coins collected) for $5.45. Players can buy extra game coins and keys for $0.99 to $109.99.

Online information

The player is frequently asked to log in to Facebook to compete with friends, which will earn extra coins. Players can earn extra coins by liking the developer on Facebook, following them on Twitter or subscribing on YouTube. The game states that it will never post on Facebook without the player’s permission. When the player logs in to Facebook, the app collects the player’s public profile and friend list.

Gambling

When players choose the riskier train tracks to run on, they earn more coins – in effect, accepting greater danger for bigger potential rewards. Players can spend 500 games coins to open a Mystery Box. This could contain one of several prizes which can be used in the game, or more game coins – potentially 2500, 5000 or even a jackpot of 100,000 coins.  Some of the mystery box prizes unlock extra characters. Ads for slot game apps are periodically presented.

Advertising and product placement

Ads regularly pop up for other apps. Ads presented included an ad for a slot game app and one for a fantasy warrior game. To gain free coins and keys, the player can watch a video, which is an ad for another app.  Players can download and run another game app to earn free coins.

Gender stereotypes and sexual references

Some of the female characters wear midriff tops, but in general they appear more cool or sporty rather than sexualised.

Coarse language

N/A.

Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents

The game suggests that players jump barriers, dodge trains and not let the inspector catch them. This game contains a great deal of risk taking behaviour. The main premise of this game is to run along train tracks and on top of trains, dodging trains and obstacles, while running away from the police inspector. Players can be hit by trains, but there is no blood or other consequence. Players also spray paint trains with graffiti. Choosing riskier tracks to run on wins more coins.

Other

Violence and scary material: Players may be hit by trains - although they are flung into the air, there is no blood or gore.

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