To-Fu: The Trials of Chi Hits The App Store

To-Fu: The Trials of Chi, and To-Fu: The Trials of Chi HD (if you own an iPad), have hit the App Store and offer innovative platforming-based gameplay. The game is a slower paced platformer based more on patience and timing, rather than quick reflexes and jumping. Instead of controlling the To-Fu directly, you slingshot him across platforms, walls and other obstacles to safety. The way you slingshot the To-Fu is by stretching it and letting go of your finger. The app description calls it "stretch, ping, stick and rebound," and this is a simplified way to describe the gameplay. The controls work quite well on the touchscreen and have proven successful with hits like Angry Birds. However, this isn't a puzzler based on knocking down blocks, but a platformer where you must navigate through 100 levels with various types of hazards. Some of these obstacles include spikes, for instance, and others include surface types that the To-Fu can't latch onto. Along the way you will also be collecting blue orbs as you progress in your attempt to reach fortune cookies signaling the end of a level. One thing that makes the game stand out is that you can scroll around each level and learn where the traps are. This way you can prepare, and navigate carefully rather than by trial and error. Here is an additional list of gameplay features (taken from the app description):

Unique Stretch Control: Stretch and ping To-Fu using nothing, but your finger. Controls that are designed exclusively for touch-screen. No buttons required!

Substantial Challenge: 100 unique trials for To-Fu to master and perfect. Hours of gameplay and replay value.

Booby-Traps: A plethora of obstacles to overcome: including 5 different surface types alongside an abundance of taxing traps.

Truly Universal Experience: A game for everyone: from seasoned gamers to complete newcomers.

Retina Display: Take advantage of your extra resolution with crisp, high-resolution graphics.

The game is worth checking out for Angry Birds fans who also enjoy platforming action. To-Fu: The Trials of Chi is available on the App Store for $.99. To-Fu: The Trials of Chi HD is available on the App Store for $2.99.