Review: "Jumpster" - iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad

Reviewed by Working Man Gamer for FamilyFriendlyGaming

SCORE: 75/100 

Companies try different things to see what works. Jumpster is prime real estate in terms of that statement. This is a free app with in app purchases. That does not tell the whole story though. G5 Entertainment is trying to make money off this app. So they want players to purchase the in app purchases. How do they do that?

The main character in Jumpster is launched around the level collecting items and trying to get into his ship. Every time we launch this guy his health bar drops. When it is depleted then you are done playing for the day. Unless you spend coins to boost it. Every time a player levels up they earn five coins. Expect one level up for every two levels beaten.

If you are stuck on a level and keep dying, Jumpster will suggest you use your coins to purchase an item to skip the level. Which will most likely be out of reach at first. You can spam your friends on Facebook for some coins, or even give Jumpster a rating on the iTunes store.

This is the game design that Jumpster fits into. Maybe you would call it a business model.It is true that you can play through Jumpster without spending any real world money. As long as you are patient and do not mind playing say ten levels only per day.

The graphics are cute and colorful. The sounds are pleasant, and the music is good. There are numerous levels to get through. Most gamers are going to balk at how often Jumpster wants them to spend their hard earned coins. Also by stopping the players from playing in a day, Jumpster risks people just removing it from their iOS devices never to play it again.

Graphics: 83%

Sound: 83%

Replay/Extras: 72%

Gameplay: 61%

Family Friendly Factor: 75%

System: iPhone/iPod Touch

Publisher: G5 Entertainment

Rating: ‘4+' - 4+