iGuyReviews

App Store aficionados may remember PapiJump, the first of several games featuring “Papi,” a bouncing red smiley face. PapiJump was well-received at launch - it was very simple yet surprisingly fun and addictive. The fact that it was also free probably didn’t hurt, either. Today we’ll be looking at Doodle Jump (App Store, $0.99) by Lima Sky. Doodle Jump’s gameplay basics are pretty much the same as PapiJump’s, with the exception of a few great new features.

The object of the game is to jump, as long (high) as you can. As you jump higher and higher, from platform to platform, the game is constantly scrolling. The platform you last jumped on quickly scrolls out of view, which means you’d better find a new platform to land/bounce on right away. Some of the platforms have springs which propel you higher and faster, some are breakable, others scroll side to side, and some will support your weight for a single bounce. You’ve got to be quick, using the iPhone’s accelerometer controls to tilt left/right to constantly find new platforms to land on, to continue your journey upward. Of course, you also have to watch out for black holes, UFOs, and monsters. So in addition to finding new platforms to land on, you’ve got to avoid all the bad guys, too. Fortunately you can shoot most of them, by simply tapping on the screen in the direction you want to fire.

Doodle Jump also has a very cleverly implemented leadboard system. In the game options you can choose to display local and/or global high scores in-game. These high score markers are discreetly shown on the right side of the screen as you play - red markers for global scores and green for local. It’s an unobtrusive, effective way to see what you (and others) have accomplished in the game - and incentive to try to top those scores, of course!

Priced at only $0.99, Doodle Jump is a fun and addictive game with great replay value that belongs on any iPhone. Highly recommended!