Kamis, 13 September 2012

Fuel your rockets and blast off with Jetpack Joyride on Android

Ready for another dose of free-running side scrolling games? While the weekly additions are yet to buckle the genre into obscurity, theres just something about Jetpack Joyride (an Amazon Appstore exclusive right now) that invigorates the tap to jump gameplay. Its one of those games that you find yourself saying just one more time straight past midnight.

Jetpack Joyride finds players guiding the developers culinary-inspired mascot, Barry Steakfries, a square-jawed and grizzled hero who breaks into a secret facility to take an experimental jetpack from the evil scientist and runs amok. Like most casual games on the market, storytelling takes a backseat in favor of gameplay. Thanks to Jetpack Joyrides addictive nature, its easy to overlook.

Like their previous smash hit, Fruit Ninja, Halfbrick Studios has crafted a game thats incredibly simple to play, but difficult to master. Like Canabalt before it, you can control Barrys actions by tapping the screen to make him jump simple enough but thanks to an endless hail of bullets, missiles, lasers and Barrys handy jetpack, things can get a little hectic.

Download the Appolicious Android app

Speaking of jetpacks, Barrys thrusters allow the player to ascend and descend through hazardous obstacles. By holding your finger on the screen you can propel Barry upwards. Let go, and he quickly descends. Its a simple mechanic but relies heavily on player reflexes and instinct. Barrys jetpack is no ordinary jetpack either. Instead of flames, the jetpack rains bullets and can hit anyone unlucky enough to be underneath its radar.

Aside from the titular propellers, Barry can hop on one of the many vehicles that litter the stages. Some, like the motorcycle, allow Barry to quickly go through the stage. Others, like a mech suit, lets you stomp enemies and glide through traps. Theyre varied and once they appear on stage, it becomes a mad dash to collect. They can also act as a second life as bumping into obstacles while on a vehicle does not penalize the round.

The stages are littered with coins which players can collect to purchase costumes, jetpack modifications, gadgets, vehicle upgrades and perishable items. Purchasing most of these goodies are quite rewarding and can help you gain more than a few yards. One, for example, allows you to magnetically collect nearby coins. Despite being a free-to-play game, these extras never feel out of range and can easily be gained by skillful players. Of course, you can just purchase them all out by dropping real-world dollars its less rewarding, but can save you some time.

Jetpack Joyride has an achievement system that awards you extra coins. They range from incredibly easy (run 300-400 yards) to difficult (avoid 10 close calls with lasers). Fulfill these objectives and youre rewarded with a star. Collect enough stars and you can cash them in for coins and gain a rank. Though, aside from the extra coins, theres not much incentive in ranking up.

Canabalts minimalist look was artistic. Unfortunately Jetpack Joyride visual doesnt bode as well. While the cartoony graphics are passable, the use of low resolution sprites in this day and age is just unacceptable. A screen sporting 3-inches and above, or any high-def screen, are going to be staring at some pixelation. It doesnt detract from the overall experience, but its a shame the developers couldnt pony up for some HD visuals like the iOS version.

Bottom line, Jetpack Joyride is a fun and addicting game. Despite the lackluster visuals, its core game mechanic and extras are worth sinking some time into.

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