CookieRun India review: A desi twist on a classic adventure

Krafton and Devsisters have joined hands to make CookieRun India a reality. The game was launched on Android and iOS on December 11, 2024. It is the Indianized version of the popular CookieRun IP, which has ruled the casual gaming industry for decades.

Due to its position as a successor to the CookieRun franchise and the fact that Krafton and Devsisters, two prominent gaming studios, collaborated on it, I had high expectations for the title. However, does it live up to expectations?

Keep reading this CookieRun India review to find out my thoughts on the game.

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CookieRun India is made for casual mobile gaming fans

CookieRun India's gameplay is simple yet engaging (Image via Krafton)

The CookieRun franchise from Devsisters has been the top casual mobile gaming series for over a decade. It has garnered popularity, thanks to its vivid lore and catchy gameplay. The IP's art style and music is unique as well. So I was surprised to learn there was going to be a desi version of the title, made specifically for the Indian audience, alongside Krafton.

Back when CookieRun India was still in the pre-registration phase, Krafton invited me to an event in New Delhi, showcasing their game there. Multiple Krafton higher-ups, like Minu Lee and Srinjoy Das, were present at the event, showcasing the achievements of Krafton and Devsisters together.

At that event, I had my first taste of CookieRun India (also won a competition for making a high score and got a box of Kaju Katli as the prize). At first glance, it looked like a normal side-scrolling game with references to India sprinkled in, and you have to collect coins as you run. However, it offers more than just that, and this was evident with the grand reception it had on launch.

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Gameplay and mechanics

CookieRun India stays true to the franchise’s hallmark mechanics, offering an engaging side-scrolling adventure. Players steer their selected Cookie through vibrant, animated courses, gathering jellies and coins, evading obstacles, and making the most of various power-ups (pro tip: press down on your slide key for better control and double tap on the jump key to double-jump).

The gameplay is filled with powerups and animations (Image via Krafton)

Pairing your Cookie with Pets adds more depth to the game. If you select the right Cookie, it may help you attain a higher score.

Experimenting with various Cookie and Pet combinations is an essential feature of this game.

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Visuals and design

Gulab Jamun Cookie in-game (Image via Krafton)

Visually, CookieRun India is a feast for the eyes. The game is full of engaging animations and adorable character designs.

The Gulab Jamun and Kaju Katli Cookies are a treat to play with. Coupling them with Tiny Tabla and Parrot Dada Pets gives a desi touch to the game. Two existing pets have been repackaged into new variants, Ms. Sa-Re-Ga and Mr. Ma-Pa-Dha-Ni, a nod to Indian classical music.

The inclusion of an exclusive game mode called Coin Palace Rush, set against backdrops of Indian palaces, gives yet another localized touch to the game.

Apart from the Indian references, the animations are smooth, and the overall art style is charming, making it appealing to players of all ages.

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Cookie Pass and Invitation Tree

The in-game Cookie Pass is great, whether you are opting for the premium or free tier. The premium tier sometimes offers the same rewards as the free one but in double or triple volume. Naturally, players seeking to unlock and upgrade their favorite Cookies and Pets might find themselves investing considerable time here or opting for in-app purchases.

However, the game is not a cash-grab title, as all Cookies can be unlocked by sheer grinding for coins (or lucky prizes). For Pets, players will have to spend Crystals. They may sometimes get the same Pet over and over again, though.

Invitation Tree Event is a unique addition in-game (Image via Krafton)

One thing I found unique about this game is the Invitation Event Tree. Here, you have to invite four or more players, who, in turn, will invite more players.

As your Invitation Event Tree grows, you can expect better rewards coming your way. All you have to do is invite your friends via your Invite Code.

This simple yet innovative mechanic will surely drive more people to invite their friends to CookieRun India, boosting the player base of the title.

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Conclusion

CookieRun India successfully brings a classic yet casual game to the Indian masses by embedding it with rich Indian cultural elements, offering both nostalgia and novelty. Its easy-to-learn gameplay, combined with charming visuals and animations, makes it a delightful addition to the casual mobile gaming scene.

However, players looking to max their Cookies and Pets should be ready to invest a good amount of time (and sometimes money) in the game.

Overall, CookieRun India stands as a testament to the potential of thoughtful localization of an already-established franchise.

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CookieRun India

Final verdict (Image via Sportskeeda)

Platforms: Android and iOS (As of the time of writing the review)

Reviewed on: Google Pixel 7a (Android)

Developers: Krafton, Devsisters

Publishers: Krafton

Release Date: December 11, 2024