iPhone game of the day: Oddy Smog's Misadventure

Game: Oddy Smog's Misadventure
Price: $1.99 / £1.19
Size: 32.7MB
Buy it now from the iTunes Store: US/UK

Chances are good that you only half pay attention to these posts, but at the very least I want to take notice of this one, because it shouldn't be passed up. Oddy Smog's Misadventure is about a little ball of smog called Oddy – okay, so the game name gets no points for creativity, but hear me out. The titular hero wants to escape "The Machine" and make a bid for freedom. In order to escape, he needs to stick to rotating cogs and use inertia to fling himself higher and higher. It's pretty tricky, but very rewarding. Along the way, you'll encounter tricks and traps, as well as little Smog buddies who need rescuing.

The game evokes memories of the "spinny electric ball" bonus stages in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, as you climb the vertical levels using physics and deft timing while being chased from below by a game-ending entity. You'll definitely play it more than once.

Endearing graphics and a great backing tune help the package along, making this a definite keeper. Download it, play it, enjoy it. You will do all three of those things.

Dec 8, 2010