[Bu-aeri's Game Dictionary] Anipang VS KartRider National Game Pride 'Clash'

[Asia Economy Reporter Buaeri] Nexon's 'KartRider Rush Plus' and SundayToz's 'Anipang 4' are competing for the title of the nation's game.

According to mobile application (app) analysis site Gamevolution on the 4th, 'Anipang 4' surpassed 'KartRider Rush Plus,' which had held the number one spot for over a month and a half on both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, to rank as the most popular game. KartRider Rush Plus is currently in second place.

The Return of the Nostalgic 'Anipang'

"Pang! Pang!" First released in 2012, Anipang was called the 'ultimate casual game' enjoyed by people of all ages, to the extent that it was hard to find someone who wasn't playing it at the time. With Anipang returning in its fourth season, many who reminisce about the past are enjoying the game. Released on the 30th of last month, Anipang 4 has received positive reviews for its puzzle play, real-time battles with 20 players, real-time chat, and a family system that allows exchanging hearts.

SundayToz is putting all its efforts into the game's success, featuring popular celebrity IU as the model for Anipang 4. Lee Hyun-woo, PD at SundayToz, said, "We will continue to provide services and events that respond to user feedback and ensure the market establishment of ‘Anipang 4,’ which consolidates the know-how accumulated through developing and servicing the Anipang series of puzzle games."

'KartRider' Becomes a Healing Game for Office Workers

"Oh~ Overtaking!" The PC game 'KartRider,' featuring cute characters racing in small karts in the mid to late 2000s, enjoyed tremendous popularity. In May, Nexon launched 'KartRider Rush Plus,' a mobile casual racing game reborn for smartphones, in Korea and global markets. The company aims to recreate the former glory of KartRider. It combines the nostalgic feel of the original hit with the latest technologies such as touch controls and 3D cartoon-style graphics.

The response has been enthusiastic. For the 30s and 40s generation, it revives memories of their school days and has become a 'healing game.' For the 10s and 20s generation, in a mobile market dominated by MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games), KartRider's cute retro-style characters offer a refreshing novelty, gaining popularity. Nexon is targeting users with continuous updates, including new karts and tracks.

A Nexon official explained, "KartRider is well-received by users because it offers honest competition based on skill," adding, "Each round lasts only about three minutes, making it easy and light to enjoy without much burden."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.