Bounce On For iPhone – 2D Sidescroller That Won Us Over

(written by guest author Connor Coghlan. follow Connor on Twitter @Condawg)

Bounce On, by Team Phobic, is a simple 2D sidescroller. While it doesn’t bring much of anything new to the genre … the game is a quality build, very charming, supported by solid updates from the developers and the 75 levels will keep you coming back for more.

Bouce-On-Banner

When I first started playing the game, I was a bit skeptical (that’s how I roll). I’m not a big fan of games that require heavy accelerometer usage … they tend to feel clunky and inaccurate. I don’t think I’ve ever loved being WRONG this much! The controls feel refined and natural … this really is a platformer FOR the device. Its natural vibe makes for a very native feel. I’m a big fan of games with good physics and Bounce On definitely shines here.

Bounce-On-1

The premise of the game is straightforward … you are a red ball. You roll around (tilting left and right, with accelerometer-based controls) and jump (by tapping the screen) on enemies. You collect gems and powerups along the way… stars are checkpoints and cannons are the exits of each level.

There are several different kinds of opponents and each acts differently. I’m not going to be a spoiler, but I the enemies are freaking awesome in this game.

Bounce-On-3

One thing I feel is lacking are the graphics … average in my opinion. While this is not a major flaw, it definitely doesn’t do much to contribute to the charm of the game and actually put me off at first.

But it’s like a sweet girl in high school who has a pizza face… get past that rough exterior to the golden center (in this case, the gameplay) and you’ll be rewarded big time. In fact, you probably won’t even notice the off-putting aesthetic aspects and just focus on the good.

Bounce-On-2

And let’s not forget the in-game music … excellent tunes are provided by electronica group, T3KL3R. Very cool stuff which adds an additional element of quality to the game.

At first I thought the Bounce On would get old pretty quickly, but it sucked me in. The game is Plus+ enabled, so achievements and leaderboards are supported. After playing for quite a while, I can tell you with confidence … Bounce On is a game that’s worth your time, money and space on your iDevice. And it seems others agree with me as Bounce On is a finalist in the Best Adventure Game category in the Best App Ever Awards contest. Considering the tens of thousands iPhone games … that is HUGE … congratulations Team Phobic!

Speaking of worth your money … Bounce On is available for $1.99 [iTunes]. No money? No worries! A Lite version available at no charge [iTunes], so no excuse – give it a bounce.

 

January 9, 2010 | Filed Under Games, Guest Authors 

Comments

  • A Boucing ball game? i think i already have one bouncing ball, oops you guys didn't need to hear that.LOL

  • well, at least you have one … some folks lose two balls and it makes
    them sad 🙁

    ——————————
    Web: KRAPPS.com
    Twitter: @KRAPPS
    (sent from my iPhone 3GS)

  • A Boucing ball game? i think i already have one bouncing ball, oops you guys didn't need to hear that.LOL

  • well, at least you have one … some folks lose two balls and it makes
    them sad 🙁

    ——————————
    Web: KRAPPS.com
    Twitter: @KRAPPS
    (sent from my iPhone 3GS)