Every now and again we come across an app or game for a mobile phone that we just cannot put down. We all thought Angry Birds was addictive, but just wait until you play Jetpack Joyride.
Jetpack Joyride has been created by the developers at Halfbrick Studios, who incidentally were also responsible for your addiction to Fruit Ninja and numerous other games for Apple devices.
You can pick up Jetpack Joyride for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch from the app store for just 69p, and trust us when we say it will be the best 69p you’ve spent for a while!
In the game you are a lovable chap with a jetpack on your back. The idea of the game is similar to the classic ‘Helicopter’ game – you have to get as far as possible while using your jetpack to help you hover over, under and through obstacles that get in your way. Tapping the screen causes the jetpack and your character to rise, letting go causes him to fall – simple.
Jetpack Joyride is much, much more addictive than Helicopter anyway. On your journey you’ll need to use the jetpack to help you collect golden coins – Mario-styley – while avoiding electric barriers, missiles and lasers that try and stop you getting that high score.
The golden coins you pick up go into an account of sorts, which can then be spent in ‘The Stash’, which is a store containing Jetpack, clothing and vehicle upgrades to buy.
Vehicles can be picked up along the way by hitting a multicoloured box. Without giving much away, our favourite is the ‘Stomper’ – so much fun!
Along with the goal of getting as far as you can distance-wise and collecting gold coins to exchange for upgrades and goodies, the game also throws missions your way to complete as you go. Things like ‘high 5 10 scientists’ will get you a golden coin bonus to go towards more upgrades.
Perhaps our favourite feature of the game is the random ‘Spin Coins’ you come across throughout the level. Pick these up and once you crash and the game ends you’ll be presented with a slot machine.
Depending on how many Spin Coins you collected, you’ll get a certain number of spins. If you’re lucky enough to get three of the same icon line up, you’ll be rewarded with a prize which can include boost starts and extra golden coins. This is potentially the most addictive part of the game, so beware.
The gameplay is smooth and looks great with a cool cartoon feel. The soundtrack is pretty cool too, with sound effects for explosions and such keeping you gripped.
We think Halfbrick Studios are on to a winner here with Jetpack Joyride. The combination of wanting to get as far as possible, collecting all the golden coins, upgrading and the cool coin slot extra makes Jetpack Joyride a thoroughly enjoyable, insanely addictive game.
If you’ve got 69p to spare and you own an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, then get downloading Jetpack Joyride and let us know what you think!