For movies, they usually say the sequels don’t hold any candle to the original. In the iPhone world, that’s hardly the case as evidenced by this game.

Bounce On 2: Drallo’s Demise ($3.99; FREE)

From Team Phobic comes the sequel to Bounce On, probably the most updated and content filled platformer  on the iPhone. But did they surpass what they did with Bounce On 1?

Presentation

Unlike the first, Bounce On 2 isn’t completely 2D, it’s more 2.5D. And just like with Rolando 2, the 2.5D graphics add a neat touch l although it’s not so 2.5D heavy. In fact, most elements are kept 2D, while some elements like bridges, enemies, etc. are now 3D.

Also back are the awesome environments along with parallax scrolling, and lighting effects, which all together make it visually stunning. The details in the graphics are pretty sweet. For example, as you pass by a candle as the fireball, you light the candle. Also included is a new soundtrack created for Bounce On 2.

Controls

You can either use tilt or touch controls, and tap to jump. Personally I was using tilt in the beginning, but touch became more precise for the ending levels. Depending on the powerup’s you get, you may get an additional control. For example, when you get the fireball power-up, you have to flick in the direction you want it to go.

Gameplay

The sequel follows up where the first left off, time to end Drallo (and make him your bi#@!). Bounce On 2 is a bit different from the original, in a good way, it feels more like a traditional platformer. Instead of going into the magic ball transformer to change balls types, this time the ball stays mostly the same, with power-ups. And when the ball does change, it’s by using one of the power-up boxes.

The power-ups are pretty sweet, from shield, to ninja headband (which allows for double jump), to a freaking parachute! However the bubble ball, metal ball, etc. from the original are all gone. The level progression is a bit different. At the end of each level you obtain a key. Most levels have more than one key though, but usually going back and getting the other keys is optional. As you pick up keys you unlock more levels until you make it to the final boss level of that world, and then proceed to the next world.

Suggestion

How about a pile of nothing. Though this game probably doesn’t surpass the first especially with the one world per update at a time experience isn’t here. I do understand however the decision to deliver all levels at once.

Conclusion

Does the sequel surpass the original? In my heart, no. Bounce On 1 will remain one of my favorite iPhone platformers to date, and although Bounce On 2 brings some improvements I love, I still prefer the original.

But any owner of the original one should check out the sequel, it’s pretty good. Bounce On 2 may not be more epic, at least this game holds a candle to the original and doesn’t fail faithful Bounce On fanatics, myself included.