Magrunner: Dark Pulse

Magrunner: Dark Pulse is a first-person action puzzle game. Using Magtech glove, the player can power any other Magtech objects with different, colored charges: either green/blue or red. Objects charged with the same color will attract each other, while objects charged with different colors will repel each other. The developer has intentionally changed the real physics approach of conventional bipolarity of Magnets when the similar colors repel each other to expand game mechanics. Interacting with three or more objects simultaneously proves the necessity of this change.

The player navigates through training modules, solving dynamic puzzles, interacting with platforms, cubes, catapults, cube transformers, and other elements. As the game progresses, its mechanics evolve in different directions, allowing for varied gameplay as puzzles become more and more complex and elaborate. Eventually, the protagonist is joined by a robotic dog, Newton, to be used when the player needs a movable, chargeable object. If powered with one of the color charges, it will influence the other charged objects.

The story begins as Xander, the CEO of Gruckezber Corporation, who is interviewed on 3D television as he announces the start of the contest using the corporation's magnetic technology, and that several contestants, known as "magrunners" will compete for the prize.

The player takes on the role of Dax, one of seven "magrunners" competing for the prize of being selected for a trip to outer space. Dax has to perform various puzzles in several large rooms, using the magnetic attraction and repulsion properties of some of the objects and equipment to be able to exit each room and go on to the next one. Dax is the only player without a corporate sponsor, and whose only assistance comes from Gamaji, a six-armed mutant who can communicate in 3D holography through a clandestine channel Gruckezber Corporation does not know about which can be activated when Dax is between puzzle rooms.

The first working on the game was started in 2011 by the members of Frogwares studio. After a year of development, the story was written, 25 levels built with Unreal Engine were completed, and design specifications for all 40 levels were ready.

On 2 July 2012, 3 AM Games started a crowdfunding campaign in collaboration with GamesPlanet, a digital European gaming platform and Ulule, a European crowdfunding site, aiming to gather €100,000 to finish the game and to add Player vs Player mode and five additional maps for the PVP gameplay. The game was successfully funded on 17 August 2012 but the PvP idea was abandoned. Developer also considered a Mac release, iPad and Apple TV compatibility for a specific gaming experience, professional soundtrack made by a famous composer, high-quality voicing, additional levels and a level editor for the players.

Magrunner: Dark Pulse received mixed reviews on Metacritic. GameSpot said the game had great horror ambiance and fun challenges, but they called the story too serious for its own good. IGN said that the game was challenging but had a boring storyline and under-baked horror. Destructoid called the game gorgeous but frustrating at times.