This is a game type that is familiar, but timeless. And it doesn’t get much better than this. Seriously, you should check this out.

Jump O’Clock ($0.99)

Jump O’Clock is a new type of casual ascension game, and it does a great job at it, being set within a clock, and having to navigate infinitely upwards, trying to get as high as possible and beat your friends’ high scores.

Presentation

Jump O’Clock makes for a great casual game, because it adds a new twist that changes the whole dynamic in this ascension “how high can you go” game = your need for gears. And what do gears do? They spin. So, every time you grab a gear, you go for a spin, which make this game quite a bit like Dizzypad, as you have to time your jumps very precisely to stop to launching yourself downward in such a way that you fall into the abyss.

This gives the game the needed gameplay twists and functions, but what about the graphics? Those are crisp and golden, literally. Most of the game is bathed in a shiny, golden sheen that remains sensible, rather than overly glitzy. The controls are even good, being as effective as you could want them – the game only has one.

Controls

You have controls that are as simple as possible, and very easy. What is it? A simple tap. Tap to jump at any time, and you will launch straight outward. If you collect enough bolts, you can activate Super Jump, and propel upward regardless of obstacle. These controls are as easy as humanly possible, and there is no other way to play. More control, and it becomes easy. Less, and too hard. This is absolutely perfect.

Gameplay

The gameplay is basic, just like it should be. Your goal is infinite, and timeless. Climb as high as possible, jumping from gear to gear to do this. This is reminiscent of both Doodle Jump and Dizzypad, just coated in golden and bronze graphics. You start off easy, and collecting ample bolts, and gradually dwindle to fewer and fewer, and smaller and smaller gears.

You do not have to do perfect, you can grind on walls, and slide for some distance before going into the abyss. This is fluid and efficient. The gears rotate at varying rates, and many move back and forth or up and down, making them moving targets, and constantly changing variables. All in all, a very new, very fun, and very addictive experience.

Suggestions

* iPad version.
* iPhone 4 graphics.
* More power ups (negotiable benefit).
* More gameplay modes (going down? A game mode with a finish, just time based?)

Conclusion

Jump O’Clock takes the traditional, and awesome concept of getting as high as possible, and adds a unique twist to it that makes it even better than before. That is commendable, and I can’t help but recommend this game for EVERYONE. This compliments, not competes against Doodle Jump.