SpringFling Hands-On Preview

PapiJump clones have taken many forms, including the charming Doodle Jump, squirrel-filled Hopple, and vertical platformer Leaf Bound. However, GT Productions’ upcoming SpringFling is done in a way unlike the rest.

Much like similar titles, SpringFling has you guiding your character (in this case, a spring) up a series of platforms. However, instead of having the character constantly move upwards, here you precisely plan every jump by dragging down anywhere on the screen so that the power bar is filled to the right level, then letting loose.

Along the way, you'll find multiple powerups such as pogo sticks, balloons, and rockets. These give you a little boost for about 50 meters. More interesting, though, is how they change the gameplay. Much like the wind-controlling mechanic in Parachute Panic, you affect the direction of these objects by swiping on the screen. Once the powerup is nearing the end of its life, a parachute will appear so that you can land strategically.

SpringFling has two types of levels. “Static” levels move the camera with your spring, while “Scrolling” maps constantly move upwards, meaning speed is the key. Each has two or three different skins, some of which are more difficult. For example, “The Falls” has you jumping up rocks along a rush waterfall, while “The Pits” is set in a sewer.

The game’s visual aesthetic seems interesting. Detailed backdrops and a different soundtrack for every level are above the average fare. You can customize your spring with different hats, glasses, and facial hair, creating lots of personality. Every level has a new piece of clothing to be unlocked, which adds some incentive to continue playing.

Leaderboards and achievements are powered by AGON, a social networking platform that has caught on as of late. You can play online or offline, so signing up is as easy as entering a username.

With the Doodle Jump fad still in full motion, we think SpringFling could garner a large fanbase. The game has been submitted to Apple, so we hope to see it out in the coming weeks. It will launch at a $0.99 sale price for the first week, after which it will spring up to $1.99.