Currently jumping up high in the iTunes chart and developed by Lima Sky, Doodle Jump is evidence that sometimes the best concepts for games are the most simple.

The aim of the game is to get your bug-type-thing as high as it possibly can, by jumping up on an endless set of platforms.

The game is controlled by the iPod touch’s tilting mechanism. The bug will simply jump in whatever direction the device is tilted towards.

Being a game all about jumping, the way only way is up on Doodle Jump and should the bug-type-thing miss a platform, it will plunge all it’s way down to it’s death.

Along the way, there are several obstacles to over come.

There are several other bug-type-things and aliens that hover aimlessly, in the hope that you coincidently jump into them – doing so will result in the long fall to your death again.

Luckily your bug is equipped with the ability to spit bullets at him through his snout (this creature has a weird anatomy).

The platforms themselves also present problems from time to time. Some of them move around, panning left, right and up and down. Others will disappear once you have jumped on them or completely collapse.

The game doesn’t just throw nothing but inconvenience your way.

On some platforms you’ll find various tools that will help you in your quest to become the highest jumper. These can include springs, jet packs, trampolines and, um, springy boots (a pair of boots with springs on).

These items are spread out rather neatly and should you hit a lucky run and collect them, you can gain yourself a pretty respectable score.

Rather neatly, the developers have included the option to share your scores on Twitter and facebook, so you can see how well your friends are doing. An interesting technique that also brings a hint of competition to the mix. Seeing some one who has scored higher than you, makes you want to load the game up and try to beat them.

All in all, Doodle Jump is an addictive little title, which priced at the value as a can of soda, will entertain you time and time again.

Verdict: 9 out of 10

The game starts off with a rather impressive introduction sequence, featuring shot after shot of quad bikes performing stunts and jumps over muddy bumps, it’s hard not to be impressed with the level of production. Needless to say this sequence is not actual game footage, but its a nice little taster of what this game is about – quad bikes.

The game gives you three different modes to play. The first is the standard arcade mode, where you select your racer, bike and track. From here you take part in the race and do you best to come first. That’s about it for that mode really.

The Career mode is a little bit more involved, encouraging you to take part in a league before each race.

With multiplayer you can play against other friends who have the game via a local wireless network.  Sadly, there’s no online multiplayer.

Graphically the game is as solid as an iPhone/iTouch game can get. The environment is rendered well, along with the drivers and quad bikes. Whilst there is the odd bit of clipping here and there – particularly on the edges of the screen – this sort of thing is to be expected on this format.

On the audio side of things the game does its job. The quads sound like quads and the drivers scream out in pain when you run straight into a tree. The game menu’s are accompanied by some suitable guitar rock music which wouldn’t be out of place on Eurosport or Dave TV.

At times the game does stagger and brings the proceedings to a grinding halt, leaving the player waiting for it to load. This can be quite frustrating considering the game is all about speed and quick reactions.

The game also suffers from its chosen control standard – tilt the iPhone/iTouch to steer your quad in that direction.

The sensitivity can be amended, but it would of been nice if the developers included the option of a virtual joystick for those cack-handed gamers like myself.

Having said that, 2XL ATV Offroad is a fine little title from the app store, and whilst its controls are a slight hindrance for some there is a bit of fun to be had with the game. Here’s hoping the developers release an update which will address its flaws.

Verdict: 7 out of 10

The Good
Good graphics
Great attention to detail
Lots of tracks

The Bad
Tilting controls
Suffers from lag occasionally