Jetpack Joyride Review – So simple, but so damn fun
App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Halfbrick Studios
Version #: 1.1
Date Released: 2011-09-13
Developer: Halfbrick Studios
Price: 0.99
User Rating:
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One of the most addictive – and in my opinion underrated – mini-games I’ve every played was a little gem called Cave 2. It involved using a single button to keep a line/worm airbound as it travelled through an ever-shrinking tunnel, avoiding obstacles along the way. Jetpack Joyride brings with it the same fundamental gameplay, but overlays it with a nice look and tons of extras.
You control a man running along with a jetpack. As with Cave, you simply hold down on the screen to keep him airbound and avoiding every obstacle you encounter. As you progress, obstacles become more frequent, Jetpack Man runs faster, and the game quickly gets fast-paced and hectic.
Assisting you on your endless run/fly is a whole bunch of weird and wonderful power-ups, ranging from Cuddles the bionic dragon to a Harley-style chopper (which isn’t that effective a boost, but nevertheless looks very slick). Collecting coins allows you to purchase extra outfits, upgrades and one-off items at the end of each level, providing you with the pleasing allusion that you’re actually working towards something while playing the game.
Your character levels up by completing various missions that get increasingly challenging as you progress through the game. What’s nice here is that the missions actually add some character to the game. For instance, in an early mission you have to high-five ten scientists, and there is actually a corresponding animation that happens as you run past the hapless little bastards.
There is not that much that can be said about a game in which you hover across the screen using a single button except that it’s extremely good fun. Even without the fancy graphics, power-ups and satisfying missions system, there is something infinitely appealing about this kind of gameplay. With all imaginative additions however, this is one of the best iPhone mini-games you can get.
Quick Take
Value:High.
Would I Buy Again:Yes.
Learning Curve:Low - medium.
Who Is It For:Fans of simple Cave-style gameplay.
What I Like:Imaginative power-ups and extras.
What I Don't Like:If I had to be fussy, then maybe some level variety would be welcome.
Final Statement:An explosive and endlessly playable run-&-jump game.
jetpack Suit up with a selection of the coolest jetpacks ever made and take to the skies as Barry Steakfries, the lovable hero on a one-way trip to adventure! From the creators of the worldwide phenomenon Fruit Ninja comes the action-packed Jetpack Joyride, Halfbrick's most anticipated iPhone game ever!
****
Join Barry as he breaks in to a secret laboratory to commandeer the experimental jetpacks from the clutches of science evildoers. After lift-off, simply touch the screen to ascend and release to descend, raining bullets, bubbles, rainbows and lasers downwards as you fly towards higher and higher scores!
You'll start off with the legendary Machine Gun Jetpack to scatter the evil scientists, but throughout each game you'll collect coins and complete missions to earn cash and buy new gear in The Stash! Pick your favorite jetpack, snazzy outfit and stock up on items then get back out there for more action!
Keen reflexes are your best weapon to avoid the obstacles in your path. These include lasers, electricity fields and even guided missiles, but thankfully this is a top secret lab - there will be even more goodies to pick up and help Barry along the way. Stay out of harm and you'll reach massive scores, unlock Achievements and beat your friends on the online leaderboards!
Get a boost of speed and power using the Lil' Stomper, Profit Bird and Crazy Freaking Teleporter, just a selection of the vehicles pickups available - all playable with one touch controls. You can even splash out and upgrade the vehicles with coin magnets or shiny gold plating for that bonus style factor!
Stay alive, get funky and lose yourself in Jetpack Joyride. There's so much to see and do, all the time in the world and more than enough jetpacks! As always, Barry Steakfries will provide!
Screenshots
Article By Robert Zak
I'm an up-and-coming freelance writer (or so I like to think) specialising in film, apps and gaming. Aside from writing app reviews on what sometimes feels like a mass scale, I've also contributed work to The Independent and IGN.com, and am on the writing team of the popular Lifestyle blog, WhatCulture.com. Like what you see? Follow me on Twitter @Rob_Zed and get in touch!
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