Zip Zap, by Philipp Stollenmayer, combines physics and timing in a unique and lighthearted puzzle game. The interaction with the game couldn’t be simpler. You tap to contract Erector Set-like pieces at their hinges and release to retract the hinge, which makes pieces creep, hop, jump, and swing across the playing area. That’s it. The game even helpfully reminds you that swiping doesn’t do anything.
Each of the over 100 levels requires you to maneuver one of the pieces or a ball into a specific spot. What makes Zip Zap work is the realistic physics and variety of ways tapping affects the interaction of the piece you control with the obstacles in the game environment. Precise timing plays a big role too, complicating each level and requiring close attention and concentration.
The difficulty of the levels ramps up gradually, but before long, the route to the goal is no longer obvious and requires experimentation. There is no score or penalty for retrying a failed level and no timers. You just swipe from the right to reset the pieces to their starting positions if you want to retry a level. As a result, Zip Zap is low-stress. Add to that an upbeat soundtrack, bright colors, and the playfulness of the game mechanics and you’ve got an excellent puzzle game that’s great when you need a break fro whatever you’re doing.
