They Always Run is a single-player 2D action platformer set in a space-western galaxy. Players control Aiden, a three-armed bounty hunter who tracks dangerous criminals across linear stages filled with platforming challenges and combat encounters. The game blends precise movement with a distinctive combat system centered on the extra limb, all wrapped in a narrative about pursuit, conspiracy, and personal history.
Gameplay
Progression takes place through side-scrolling levels where running, jumping, climbing, and vaulting over obstacles form the core movement loop. Combat revolves around a three-hit combo system supported by parries and dodges. The third arm serves as a charged special tool that delivers directional strikes, breaks enemy defenses, and interacts with the environment. Charges for these abilities build through successful parries during fights.
Health management relies on stimpacks collected in stages and carried in limited inventory slots. A radar mechanic highlights active bounties, which appear as tougher enemies. Players decide whether to attempt a live capture for higher rewards or eliminate the target outright for a lesser payout. Scattered upgrades improve maximum health, expand third-arm capabilities, and increase healing capacity. The design keeps focus on short, self-contained stages that combine traversal puzzles with escalating enemy encounters.
Game Modes
The game offers only a single-player campaign. No multiplayer options, co-op features, or separate challenge modes exist. All content unfolds through the main story progression across linear stages, with difficulty choices limited to bounty capture methods within those levels.
Story and Setting
After the collapse of a galactic empire, crime runs rampant and skilled trackers command high value. Aiden pursues bounties that sometimes pay in credits and sometimes in clues about those who altered him. The plot threads a larger conspiracy through these jobs, introducing twists as Aiden travels from fringe outposts to ruined ancient sites. Dialogue and pacing emphasize a gritty, character-driven tone without relying on heavy exposition.
Is It Worth Playing?
They Always Run delivers a focused single-player experience built around its unique three-armed combat and clean platforming. Steam user reviews stand at Mostly Positive from 765 ratings, reflecting appreciation for the visual style, frame-by-frame animations, and satisfying combat flow. Critics noted strong presentation and animation quality while pointing out occasional stiffness in controls and uneven integration of the third arm outside combat. The game contains no post-launch seasons or major updates, remaining a complete title released in 2021. It suits players who enjoy linear 2D action-platformers with a distinctive mechanic and a self-contained story, particularly those drawn to space-western themes and deliberate combat pacing. Those seeking open-ended exploration or ongoing content may find the structure too contained.
