On iOS, Orbital Slingshot combines hard physics with the joy of gravitational science

Developed by Stephen Dewhurst, a student out of the Entertainment Technology Center at Carnegie Mellon, Orbital Slingshot using the Unity engine, is an interesting mix of game and simulation.

Well, at least, it's interesting if - like me - you're a bit of science geek.

You see, Orbital Slingshot grew out of a project to encourage adolescent girls to pursue science-related careers. Not that it's a pink-themed experience. Actually, the experience is rather bare bones and green/blue in hue, at least in terms of the user interface.

In terms of gameplay goals, you have to fire a probe at and into various planetary configurations, tapping on the screen to place your aiming marker. You can then tweak the power (5 levels) and launch. The trajectory of your probe will be influenced by the planets in the inverse square law formalised by Isaac Newton over three hundred years ago.

Still, unlike NASA, if you fail, you get as many goes as you like and you can press and hold the aim button to use your iDevice's accelerometer to fine tweak your aim point.

When it comes to modes: there's Colonization, where you just have to hit the various planets; Tour, where you have to pass as many planets as possible with one probe; Explorer, all about passing near as many planets as possible; and Rift, which is hitting planets while avoiding hidden gravity wells.

In terms of monetisation, there's a limited free version, or you can drop $1.99, €1.59 or £1.49 for the full version that includes tutorials, introductions to the modes, and the ability to play infinite arcade versions for each mode and create your own levels.

Check out the following video for gameplay.

Subscribe to Pocket Gamer on