Jump Out!

The App Store is full of games described as “the new Angry Birds!” or “Cut the Rope on acid!” but rarely does the reality live up to the billing. So when an App Store review suggests that Jump Out! is, “a blend of Angry Birds and Cut the Rope”, it’s easy to be wary.

But you’d be wrong to dismiss that observation, because on this occasion it’s just about spot on. Combining those two iOS mega-hits but still emerging with a personality and feel all its own, Jump Out! is a terrific physics-based puzzler of the kind that has you missing bus stops and stumbling bleary-eyed to bed at 3am after that one more level you promised yourself turns into ten or 12.

It starts with two bugs trapped in a cardboard box, with but a tiny hole representing our insectoid heroes’ shot at freedom. Your fingers act as an invisible catapult to help them achieve this aim.

This is complicated ever so slightly by the fact the bugs sit on a rotating wheel that looks very much like a beer bottle top. As soon as you press your finger down it stops moving, allowing you to take the time you need to adjust your chosen bug’s trajectory.

Reaching the exit is one objective, but there are also three stars to collect on each stage. Early on, their position is a useful guide to the route you need to take, but later they’re positioned a little off the beaten track, proving tricky to obtain without sacrificing at least one of your six-legged friends.

As with all good puzzlers, Jump Out! layers on new ideas as you progress. These new elements are introduced at just the right pace, the developer allowing you a few stages to adjust to a fresh concept before throwing something new into the mix.

It never explains what each new obstacle or bug does, instead respecting your intelligence by letting you figure it out for yourself.

Before long, your regular green bugs have been joined by bouncy crickets, feeble worms, and heavy snails, the latter being particularly useful for moving obstructive blocks of sugar.

Marbles, fans, nails and even pinball bumpers show up to make life harder, though some you can use to your advantage. And when one box isn’t big enough, Avallon Alliance expands stages across multiple screens, with your minibeast mates given longer and more circuitous routes to the exit.

What’s remarkable about Jump Out! is that, despite clearly using elements from other games, it doesn’t feel anything like a clone.

The bugs themselves are characterful and well-drawn, burbling in a manner that’s just the right side of the cute/annoying divide. The controls are excellent, too – simple, tight, and forgiving.

With just 75 levels to get through, you’ll find yourself reaching the finish before too long, although some stages will require a few repeat plays before they’re truly ‘complete’.

All of which is another way of saying Jump Out! leaves you wanting more, which the developer has promised to supply in future updates. But even as the game stands it deserves its 'next Angry Birds' accolades.