Bitless by Nicholas Rapp is like Space is Key meeting up with a platformer. It's a tough but funny, unforgiving but strangely compelling arcade game you play simply by tapping the screen. You'll be mocked by the narrator, you'll be tricked into messing up, and you'll die more times than you'll admit, but you'll keep playing simply because you can. And because you must. Getting hooked on Bitless is almost like acing an exam just because your friends said you couldn't do it. That'll teach them to spout mildly non-supportive jargon at us!

In Bitless, your character runs to the right all on his own, so all you have to do is jump. Tap to jump, tap and hold for a long jump, tap multiple times to wall jump. You're going to want to avoid touching anything that isn't a wall, and even then you have to be careful, as some walls aren't quite what they seem. Don't fall in the pits, don't stare at the eye blocks, and just because your character is constantly going right, don't assume the exit portal is that way. Changing direction without meeting your doom is just another of Bitless' crazy tricks you'll learn to do.

There are four worlds in Bitless, each stocked with over a dozen levels and a boss. You can skip around and complete stages with some flexibility, but you have to complete most of a world's levels before you can continue. Beating a stage is an exercise in precision, and since each move you make directly affects how you'll make your next moves, there's absolutely no room for error. Made that first jump a little too soon? Too bad, you'll never leap over that next pit. Have fun starting all over again!

Despite being frustratingly difficult, Bitless will own your afternoon from the minute you start playing. Simple design and simple visuals come together to make a game that has the ability to inspire you to perfection via a careful mix of mocking and counter-encouragement. Have fun!

Bitless

(iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)

NOTE: This game was played and reviewed on an iPad. Game was available in the North American market at the time of publication, but may not be available in other territories. Please see individual app market pages for purchasing info.