The Run Review (PC, Steam Deck)
Summary: Don't walk but run to The Run... while it channels an older style of game, the delivery is almost flawless with exceptional acting and fun gaming choices.
4.5
Don't run!
Paul Raschid has become one of the most recognisable names in the FMV space, building a catalogue that includes The Complex, Five Dates, Ten Dates, and The Gallery. With The Run, he continues that momentum, delivering a tightly crafted thriller that first appeared on mobile before making its way to PC and Mac via Steam in a far more polished and cinematic form. It’s a natural evolution of Raschid’s style which is sharper, more confident and more intense than his earlier work… and before we started the review, let’s just say that I really need this game in my life right now.
The premise is clichéd but enjoyable as you play as Zanna Hendricks (Roxanne McKee), a fitness influencer filming a scenic run through northern Italy when masked hunters suddenly emerge from the forest, turning her peaceful VLOG into a frantic fight for survival. With no explanation and nowhere safe to go, Zanna is forced to rely on Matteo, a local farmer whose intentions remain uncertain right up to the final scenes which creates a dynamic that keeps the tension simmering throughout.
Gameplay is entirely choice‑driven, with decisions made in real time. Players can opt for a high‑pressure timed mode or a more relaxed paused mode, making the experience equally suited to solo play or group decision‑making. There are no puzzles or filler mechanics as every choice pushes the story forward and many lead to sudden death. Some of these death scenes are surprisingly brutal in their presentation, adding real weight to the consequences of a wrong decision without ever tipping into gratuitous territory. With multiple endings, including death sequences, The Run encourages replayability and experimentation.
The star of the game is Roxanne McKee who delivers a strong performance as Zanna who convincingly shifts from confident vlogger to terrified survivor. Known for her roles in Game of Thrones, Dominion and Hollyoaks, McKee brings the same emotional clarity and intensity here. George Blagden offers a quiet, compelling presence as Matteo, maintaining an air of ambiguity that keeps players guessing. Both leads are British playing Americans and while Blagden’s accent is consistently convincing, it’s the emotional performances from both actors that ultimately carry the story.
Visually, The Run stands out among indie FMV titles. The cinematography is clean and confident, with smooth camera work and a tense score that heightens the sense of danger. Northern Italy’s landscapes is like a post card with its misty forests, stone ruins and wide‑open trails which add both beauty and menace, functioning almost like a character in their own right and giving the game a distinctly European thriller feel.
The PC version is flawless with its smooth sharp video quality, seamless transitions and solid audio. It also runs perfectly on the Steam Deck, with smooth playback and responsive controls and in my eyes, one of the best ways to experience the game thanks to its cinematic pacing and handheld immersion. The branching Story Map is another highlight, showing the player’s chosen path and revealing missed routes, making repeat playthroughs genuinely rewarding.
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As to length, a single run typically lasts 30–45 minutes, though as mentioned, exploring all branches and outcomes can stretch the experience to around an hour or more. For its modest price, The Run offers strong value, delivering a tightly paced, replayable thriller that feels more like a European suspense film than a traditional FMV game.
Final Thoughts?
The Run is one of Raschid’s strongest FMV projects to date which delivers a tense, well‑acted survival thriller with sharp pacing, high production values and genuine emotional stakes. Fans of interactive storytelling and cinematic horror will find plenty to enjoy.
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