Jetpack Joyride

Jetpack Joyride is a side-scrolling runner with a fun idea at its centre. You play as Barry Steakfries, who has stolen a prototype jetpack from a laboratory, and you fly through the building collecting coins and dodging obstacles. You hold the screen to rise, release to fall, and try to travel as far as you can.

The obstacles are electric zappers, lasers and homing missiles, and they appear in changing patterns. Your task is to move smoothly between them, collecting coins along the way. The simple controls mean anyone can start playing immediately, but the pace increases the further you go, and the patterns become tighter and more demanding. That slow climb in challenge is a large part of the appeal.

The vehicles give the game its personality. Collecting a special token inside a crate lets you ride a machine such as a giant robot, a gravity-switching suit or a dragon, each changing the way you move for a short time. These moments are a welcome surprise in the middle of a run, and they offer safe stretches that let you collect many coins quickly.

Missions are a clever source of motivation. Each run presents a few simple goals, such as flying a certain distance or collecting a number of coins, and completing them raises your rank and rewards you with spins on a slot-style bonus. The reward is virtual, not real money. You can spend coins on new jetpacks, outfits and gadgets, and these upgrades often make missions easier.

For beginners, remember that smooth, small movements are better than big ones. Tap in short pulses to stay controlled near the ceiling and floor, and avoid flying too high where reaction time is shorter. Collect coins when it is safe, but never at the cost of crashing into a zapper. The gadgets you buy, like the coin magnet, are worth the cost.

The game is free with ads and optional purchases, and it works offline. It suits quick play, and a typical run lasts a minute or two. Parents should note the optional spending and the slot-style bonus, which is only for virtual rewards.

Over a few weeks of playing you will probably notice how much the upgrades matter. A jetpack with better handling makes narrow gaps easier, and outfits can give small bonuses. It is worth taking time to think about which upgrades suit your style, since a well-chosen set turns hard missions into comfortable ones.

If you enjoy funny, fast arcade games that are easy to begin and hard to put down, this is a classic choice.