Draw Rider for iPhone

Think you can bike from A to B?

Draw Rider is a frustratingly fun physics-meets-BMX game for iOS where you really shouldn't let the simple visuals lead you into a false sense of security.

Sparse visuals, physics-heavy play

The idea behind Draw Rider is very simple. Get your biker from A to B as fast as possible. You must finish the journey within a time limit if you want to progress to the next level, so even if you finish, if you're not fast enough, you'll have to start again.

Of course, Draw Rider's not as simple as all that. Once you pass the very early levels, you'll find yourself traversing landscapes full of pointy hills, deep trenches and rocky terrain. Since your little biker obeys all the laws of physics (and then some), you'll need to control speed, direction and strategy if you want to make it to the end.

Funny controls, but totally customizable

The default controls for Draw Rider have accelerate and brake on the left, and right and left lean on the right. Some people might find this a little awkward, so you'll be glad to hear that you can change this in the settings.

Draw Rider encourages user participation and customization. Not only can you freely design your own levels in the editor, but you can also play levels designed by other players (in the premium version only).

Deliberately bare

Draw Rider looks very sparse, but this is a deliberate design feature. The physics are believable, and the gameplay is smooth. When your little rider falters, his falls are definitely credible, if not a little gory.

Like the visuals, Draw Rider's sound effects are the bare minimum, but totally suit the style of the game.

Frustrating physics fun

There has been a bit of a trend for games that focus on physics, and the vast majority - like Sprinkle, World of Goo and Cut the Rope - are pretty cute. It's refreshing to see a new, pared-down contender on the scene, although ultimately the gameplay is more of the same.

If you like the genre though, Draw Rider is definitely worth a look, if not least to take a peek at the many gory ways your poor stick rider can fall off his bike.