Doodle Jump - Space Edition: New Arcade Planets – A Game Review
Introduction
Doodle Jump, the iconic mobile game that took the world by storm in 2009, has returned with a fresh twist in Doodle Jump - Space Edition: New Arcade Planets. This latest installment takes the beloved bouncing adventure to the cosmos, introducing new mechanics, planets, and challenges. But does it live up to the original’s addictive charm? Let’s dive into this in-depth review.
Gameplay & Mechanics
At its core, Doodle Jump - Space Edition retains the same simple yet engaging gameplay that made the original a hit. Players control a cute alien (or "Doodler") that continuously jumps upward on platforms, avoiding obstacles and enemies while collecting power-ups.
New Features:
- Gravity Shifts – Unlike the original, where gravity always pulls downward, Space Edition introduces planets with varying gravitational pulls. Some levels have inverted gravity, while others feature low-gravity jumps, adding a fresh challenge.
- Unique Planets – Each planet offers distinct environments, from icy moons with slippery platforms to lava worlds with disappearing tiles.
- Space-Themed Enemies & Power-Ups – Players encounter UFOs, alien creatures, and cosmic hazards. New power-ups like jetpacks and anti-gravity boots enhance mobility.
- Boss Battles – The game introduces occasional boss fights against giant space monsters, requiring strategic jumps and timing.
Controls & Accessibility
The tilt-based controls remain intuitive, but Space Edition also supports touch controls for players who prefer tapping. The learning curve is gentle, making it accessible for casual gamers while still offering depth for veterans.
Graphics & Sound Design
Visuals
The game retains the signature hand-drawn doodle aesthetic but with a space-themed makeover. The planets are vibrant, each with unique art styles—neon cyber worlds, retro arcade-inspired zones, and eerie black hole dimensions. The animations are smooth, and the doodle-style characters maintain their quirky charm.
Sound & Music
The soundtrack features upbeat, electronic tunes that fit the space adventure theme. Sound effects, like the boing of jumps and alien growls, add to the immersive experience without being overwhelming.
Replay Value & Challenges
Progression System
Unlike the endless nature of the original, Space Edition introduces a structured level system. Players unlock new planets by completing objectives, such as reaching certain heights or defeating bosses. This adds a sense of progression missing in the classic version.
Leaderboards & Achievements
Competitive players will enjoy global leaderboards, where high scores are tracked for each planet. Achievements add extra challenges, like collecting a set number of stars or surviving a black hole.
Microtransactions & Ads
The game is free-to-play with optional in-app purchases for skins and power-ups. Ads appear between levels but aren’t overly intrusive. A one-time purchase removes ads entirely.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔ Fresh gravity mechanics keep gameplay exciting
✔ Unique planet designs add variety
✔ Fun boss battles break up the monotony
✔ Retains the original’s addictive simplicity
Cons:
❌ Some planets feel too gimmicky
❌ Ads can be annoying (though removable)
❌ Not as purely endless as the original
Final Verdict
Doodle Jump - Space Edition: New Arcade Planets successfully reinvents the classic formula with creative twists while keeping the core gameplay intact. The gravity shifts, themed planets, and boss fights make it more engaging than a simple reskin. While purists might miss the endless nature of the original, the structured progression adds a new layer of depth.
Rating: 4.5/5 – A must-play for fans of the original and a great entry point for new players.
Tags: #DoodleJump #MobileGames #ArcadeGames #GameReview #SpaceEdition #CasualGaming #IndieGames
