App Review: RuPaul’s Drag Race: Dragopolis

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Dragopolis is not going to win any design or gameplay awards, but it will win the heart of any Drag Race fan. In Dragopolis, players must save the Pit Crew from the evil Apocalypstyk by jumping over drag trash, sliding under flying high heels, and dodging Mimi Imfurst (I don’t think it’s officially Mimi, but it sure looks like her) while still looking fabulous. Players can earn in-game money to spend on new outfits, wigs and power-ups by completing levels and participating in photo shoots. This is very important because you better don’t show up on the runway twice in the same outfit. You can also buy upgrades with real money, and unlock Manila Luzon, Pandora Boxx and Yara Sofia for $0.99 each. Hopefully more RuPaul Drag Race contestants will be added in future updates. I suggest adding a dunk Roxxxy mini-game, and getting more queens to do voiceovers. It would be great to hear Willam tell you, “you are not doing that right” every time you screw up.

Even with the lack of guest stars, the developers did a miraculous job of including all the important RuPaul-isms and capturing the true outrageousness of RuPaul’s Reality TV series. RuPaul’s Drag Race has been slowly climbing its way into the hearts of pop culture fans and outcasts since its debut, and while not a masterpiece, Dragopolis is an excellent addition to the RuPaul universe. Unlike other lackluster apps based on celebrities, RuPaul’s iOS game manages to capture the charm and magic of RuPaul and the queens that have been captivating fans on Logo since 2009.

The gameplay is simple, you just swipe up to jump, swipe down to do a split, and swipe right to claw your way through Apocalypstyk’s minions. The best part of the game, besides the music, is the ability to “beat up your face” by uploading your own image to the drag character. I spent the same amount of time sending iPhone screenshots of me as a drag queen to my friends as I did playing the game. What also makes Dragopolis a hit is its attention to details and its campy look. Players can call on their Squirrel Friend to give them an extra life, buy a sparkle shield for protection, and get an Eleganza Extravaganza bonus by finding the right wardrobe combos. Drag Race fans will also enjoy hearing all RuPaul’s catch phrases, music, and critiques while playing the game.

My only complaint is that there are not enough cheap upgrades and outfits in the workroom. You will have to play the game a few times before you earn enough money to buy your first outfit. However, no one ever said drag is easy, and you’ll have to spend the early days of your drag queen career struggling just to get by.

RuPaul’s Drag Race: Dragopolis will be available through the App Store on Monday, May 6th. The same day RuPaul will crown either Jinkx Monsoon, Roxxxy, or Alaska as America’s Next Drag Superstar.