JUMP, developed by SMAGA Bakery, is an addictive and easy to play physics game which takes full advantage of the ipod touch or iphone’s accelerometer.

The game is unique, unlike many other physics based games for ipods or iphones. JUMP involves a 3D basketball and tons of colored boxes. During game play, the user is given a bird’s eye view of a basketball and the playing field which consists of the colored boxes and “special boxes”.

The ultimate goal of the game is to keep the basketball from falling into the abyss between the boxes and reach the “cup” tile at the end of the level. This is done by directing the ball via tilting the iphone or ipod and bouncing it off the boxes. During the game, the player’s field of view will be moved progressively forward (towards the goal) which prevents you from bouncing the ball backwards. This can often be tricky when approaching large gaps, but as you play and replay the levels you will expect the gaps and be prepared.

In addition to trying to advance to the next level, players are also encouraged to focus on achieving the maximum amount of points. This is done by bouncing on the aforementioned “special” boxes which include “point boxes”, ranging from five, to ten, to fifty.

Other special boxes include warp boxes, check points and arrow tiles, which will bounce you especially far in the direction it is pointing. Players must also avoid boxes which will subtract points. The game has no music, but this is not a problem as players can listen to their own music while playing. JUMP does have sound effects during game play, which vary depending on the box you hit. When hitting flat, normal boxes, a realistic sounding basketball bounce noise is played.

The basketball itself is also very realistic looking; it rotates, has shadows, and appears to have the texture of a real basketball. Overall the game has basic, yet good graphics and colors. Under options, located on the main menu, users can adjust the sensitivity of the accelerometer which can prove very advantageous to game play.

The current version of JUMP is priced at .99 but the developer’s website lists that upgraded “regular” and “fat” versions will be released in the future. Future versions will have a hi-score system, music, ball calibration, more levels, and online level downloads.