Bulba the Cat

It’s hard to argue with developer C4M’s claim that its newest title, Bulba the Cat, is the "best ever jumping-cat game on the App Store."

No question about it, because it's one of a small group. Based on the quality of its gameplay, let's hope that this sub-genre doesn't explode in numbers any time soon.

Despite the clear lack of competition in the category, the game's limited features and options may have you moving its ranking down a notch or two.

Kitty has claws

Set in a vast aquatic environment, you play as Bulba, a spring-loaded feline who looks more like a helium balloon with whiskers than a kitty. When a notorious crow steals a basket of sushi, Bulba jumps into action to rescue the booty, a mass of spicy tuna rolls that are strewn about a series of islands.

From island to island you bounce and bounce, careening off slopes and catapulting off mushrooms, all the while trying to avoid a dreaded splashdown into the sea, which is only natural since cats hate water.

Along the way you must avoid obstacles like spinning logs and windmills that hurl you into the drink or wooden rafts that sink after one jump. It's your run-of-the-mill cutesy, cuddly platformer complete with bright colours and cheery music.

Cat nap

With 60 levels, there's plenty of content, yet poor controls and a lack of creative levels make the game feel monotonous. Variety is in short supply, with levels offering tired challenges and unimaginative scenarios.

The controls, which are managed solely via accelerometer, do nothing to infuse the game with excitement. While the intuitive nature of the controls makes the game initially appealing, the novelty wears off when bouncing Bulba across a maze of islands feels more like playing paddle ball than controlling a platformer.

Bulba the Cat may look like a cute little platformer, but like a huge sushi platter overloaded with California rolls, its limited action and one-dimensional control scheme may leave you hungry for something more substantial.