Jump-O-Mania 3D

Every generation has its signature sporting activity. In the '60s it was surfing, in the '70s and '80s it was skateboarding and more recently we’ve seen "extreme" examples, such as the legally-questionable parkour.

The latest zany sport to gain widespread acceptance is powerblocking, which basically involves strapping two spring-loaded stilts to your legs and jumping around the place like a suicidal Tigger from Winnie the Pooh.

Jump-O-Mania 3D attempts to recreate the thrills and inevitable spills of this unusual pastime. The objective of the game is to complete each level by leaping over the various obstacles that litter your path, ranging from trash cans to fences to stretch limousines.

Overcoming these roadblocks is relatively simple: tap the 'jump' button located in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Controlling the height of a jump is somewhat less straightforward, as it involves the accelerometer. Tilting your device to the right gives you more air time, while tilting in the opposite direction reduces the arc of the jump.

While certifiably clever, it ultimately feels counter-intuitive. Anyone who has played a platform game in the past 20 years knows that if you want to perform a prolonged leap then all you should have to do is hold down the 'jump' button for longer.

Just passing obstacles isn’t enough to earn you major points, though. You need to spruce up your score by adding in mid-air stunts, all of which are triggered by a 'stunt' button in the bottom-left corner.

The longer you hold down your finger on the button the longer your stunt - ironic considering the jumping mechanic - and the more points you accrue as a result. The trade-off is that if you hold your pose for too long, you end up flat on your face.

Jump-o-Mania 3D spans several different levels all over the globe, each with its own setting and unique obstacles. The visuals throughout the game are above-average, with a high degree of detail and some lovely animation on the main character - the agonising contortions that occur as a result of you mistiming a jump are especially entertaining.

It’s also possible to post your best scores online, as well as unlock unique achievements and additional costumes for your character.

Sadly, while all this content unquestionably adds to the game’s appeal, it’s quite repetitive. Also, the way in which the accelerometer is used to control your jumps becomes increasingly awkward as you advance to the later levels.

Pinpoint accuracy is required for some jumps and you simply cannot achieve this using the tilt system. It’s a shame that an alternative method of control hasn't been included.