Ski Jumping 2010

Ski jumping is undoubtedly one of the most exciting, dangerous and extreme sports anyone could indulge in. Yet the actions of throwing yourself down an icy slope, tipping your head forward to be as aerodynamic as possible, then landing on two feet don't immediately seem enough to support an exciting mobile game.

And that's the task Ski Jumping 2010 has set itself. Rather surprisingly it lands with genuine grace.

There's no doubt this is a sport with a clearly descriptive name. There's no ambiguity about what you're supposed to do when you go ski jumping. And it all starts at the top of a slippery slope.

Adding some skill to sliding down this ramp is tricky, and something developer Vivid (which worked similar magic with a niche sport in Speedway 2009) hasn't attempted to sledgehammer into Ski Jumping 2010. Once you've pushed off from the top, the rest is down to (virtual) gravity.

This is actually a good tactic, as inventing gameplay mechanics would break the illusion of ski jumping. But the curve at the bottom of the ramp approaches incredibly quickly, and it's here you need to be ready.

Crouching as you hit the trough, then releasing at the end of the jump to gain as much height and distance as possible is the key to a long jump - and it takes needle-sharp accuracy.

Once in the air, balance is everything. Keeping your jumper stable and aerodynamic adds vital feet to your jump, and landing with similarly accurate timing puts you across the finish line with grace.

Admittedly there isn't a great deal more to Ski Jumping 2010, but the mechanics of play are surprisingly intricate and entertaining. Where another game might keep you playing with extra diversity, this one encourages you to keep jumping in an effort to master your technique.

The inclusion of pass-to-play multiplayer is always welcome too and a currency system allows you to upgrade your jumper as your skills improve.

All of which adds up to a very specific game, so it won't be for everyone, but the quality of its execution means any winter sports fans will find a lot to enjoy in Ski Jumping 2010.