The team over at Halfbrick certainly knows how to make an enjoyable iOS game with titles like Fruit Ninja, Age of Zombies, and now Jetpack Joyride. They know exactly what gamers are looking for when it comes to mobile games with each title released being more polished than the last. Jetpack Joyride is a game I cannot stop playing even at home in front of my TV becoming one of my favorite iPhone games I’ve played this year.
Barry Steakfries returns in this game infiltrating a top-secret facility stealing a “machine-gun jetpack.” Barry has became an iconic figure for Halfbrick and for good reason; he’s a badass but goofy lead character that is a one-liner machine. Jetpack Joyride plays a lot like Monster Dash which constantly scrolled Canonbalt style. This style is fairly popular on iOS but not handled with as much care and appreciation that Halfbrick puts into their games. This game is more in depth than Monster Dash was offering tighter controls, better visuals, and a more dense experience that just constantly running.
There is a lot going on in this game as you are barreling through. You collect coins for upgrades while dodging lasers, missiles, and zappers things. You use coins to make upgrades to vehicles that are sporadic throughout the level as well as cosmetic changes to Barry and his jetpack. You can also purchase one time use upgrades to help gain more distance like bombs that will blow your lifeless body further down the lane to increase your score. You do ultimately want the highest score you can get which is always viewable on the main menu.
With the game already a blast, they had to adopt the concept that always brought me back to Tiny Wings which is challenges. These range from getting to a certain distance to how many scientists can you high five. When challenges are met, you collect stars which attributes to Barry’s level that means nothing except unlocking harder challenges. I’m still playing through these challenges and haven’t came across any that we’re impossible, although they are ramping up in difficulty.
The best is the vehicles that you can hop in in various parts of a level. They all use different mechanics and change up how you travel besides your jetpack. For instance, you might hop into a mech that can float, or a teleportation device that zaps you around to even a VVVVVV style that changes gravity. They also include a jab at some of the competitors on the top of the charts in the app store.
The short answer is that I highly suggest you buy this game, I’m having a blast with it and I’m confident you will as well. It’s packed with lots of content and is a steal at only $.99. Halfbrick remains a powerful iOS developer that gamers should keep an eye on for future releases.