The last two weeks have been full of great news for Xbox Windows Phone gamers. Last week we got the stunning Rayman Jungle Run, yesterday Microsoft announced Halo: Spartan Assault, and today doesn’t disappoint either. No, Gameloft didn’t suddenly release N.O.V.A. 3. But an equally requested title has just popped up…
Halfbrick Studio’s Jetpack Joyride is finally – FINALLY available on Windows Phone 8. It runs on devices with 512 MB of RAM. And it’s free! Are you ready for an endless runner that involves a lot more flying than running? Of course you are.
To infinity and beyond
The game’s protagonist Barry Steakfries has recently started working as a jetpack tester. He soon discovers that his bosses plan to take over the world. He steals the jetpack and begins a desperate escape from the testing laboratory… But this is an endless runner, so don’t expect to actually escape from the lab.
Jetpack Joyride’s controls couldn’t be simpler. Since Barry runs forward automatically, all you need to do is tap the screen to activate his jetpack. The longer you touch the screen, the higher he’ll fly. Sometimes he’ll gain vehicles like a dragon and chicken that mix the controls up a bit and keep things exciting.
Coinage
The ever-present goal is to collect as many coins as possible before you run into one of the lab’s many death traps. Coins can then be spent in the shop to unlock new clothes (including an outfit based on fellow publisher Miniclip’s Fragger!), jetpacks, and various items and upgrades. Utilities are single use items while Gadgets and Vehicle Upgrades offer permanent benefits.
Being a free-to-play game, coins can also be purchased with real money. The IAP prices are actually reasonable, so you know Gameloft didn’t make this one. One purchase you’ll definitely want to make as soon as possible is the Counterfeit Machine. It permanently doubles the amount of coins you pick up during gameplay. Wish Gravity Guy 2 had offered that option!
Mission to Mars
Just like Gravity Guy 2 (which basically copied this game), Jetpack Joyride gives players three optional missions to work on at any given time. These include things you’d do anyway like playing X number of games or collecting Y number of vehicles. Other goals require a change in routine, such as reaching a specific distance without collecting precious coins. I know it hurts, but sometimes you’ve gotta leave money on the table.
Naturally completing missions will unlock several Xbox Achievements. Jetpack Joyride has a total of 20 Achievements, all of which are identical to the Windows 8 version’s. All told, it should be a fairly easy completion.
Strap on and get flying
So far Jetpack Joyride looks every bit as enjoyable and addictive as the Windows 8 version we’ve been enjoying for months. Yes, this version took far too long to pass Xbox Live certification, but it’s here now and that’s what matters. Let’s hope Halfbrick brings us their latest game Fish out of Water much sooner!
Jetpack Joyride – Windows Phone 8 – 36 MB – FREE – Store Link
Thanks to everyone who tipped us. We love you all! Even Mark Tepper.
