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Developer Simogo is no stranger to creating addictive high-score titles, having already
captured people's attention with the charming Kosmo Spin and their latest release Bumpy
Road shows no signs of letting up on this trend. A unique control system isn't the only
thing that makes this game worth picking up as players are treated to a rich world of
sights and sounds with story breadcrumbs to keep you coming back for more.
At its core, Bumpy Road is another endless platformer, but players control the world
itself instead of the vehicle and its passengers. Touching the screen will push up the blocks,
allowing you to push the little car around as though surfing on a wave. It's not an easy
mechanic to master, but there-in lies part of the fun as you attempt to push and punt
the car around the screen, jumping rivers; flipping switches; and avoiding traps in order
to survive. Various 'gizmos' also need to be collected in order to fuel the vehicle
under your care, with a bonus mode being activated if you manage to fill up the tank in the process.
The overall aesthetic of Bumpy Road is nothing short of fantastic, with simple touches like
a tinkling sound-effect as you swipe across the screen helping to highlight the game's
fun, casual style. Collectable images also act as an incentive to dive further and further,
contributing to a mini-narrative surrounding the couple you're protecting.
For those after something a little less stressful (if you can even call the game stressful at
all!) a 'Sunday Drive' mode removes all the traps in favor of a short timed run filled
with speed boosts to test your ability to control the car with precision.
While some may balk at 'yet another' endless platformer, Bumpy Road shows there's a lot
of space left to explore in the genre. It's worth grabbing Bumpy Road for the gameplay
alone, but its charm will keep you coming back for more.