Freeverse, one of the kings of Apple iPhone/iPod touch video gaming universe, returns with a new offering, the $0.99 Parachute Ninja. The name may initially sound like an odd coupling, but upon firing up this immensely addicting title, you’ll soon realize its aptness.

Parachute Ninja‘s backstory isn’t the most compelling, but, really, how much does one expect from a mobile ninja game? It’s all about gameplay, which Parachute Ninja has in abundance. Instead of stalking prey and slitting throats in the shadows, Freeverse has a far more family friendly take on the murderous martial artists. The goal? To bounce a round, limbless ninja from floating slingshot to floating slingshot, while collecting fireflies, and having lots and lots of fun.

You navigate the game world by jumping from one slingshot to the other by pulling back on the sling, aiming your trajectory, and letting go. While in the air, you can tap the screen to open the umbrella, and tilt the iPhone/iPod touch to drift around to collect fireflies and land on other slingshots. Freeverse has managed to implement the iPhone/iPod touch’s multitouch  and accelerometer in a way that feels perfectly natural and satisfying–something that few other games on Apple’s platform can boast.  In the process of slinging and drifting, you’ll encounter enemies that you can jump on, spikes to avoid, and fans that elevate your drifting so you can ascend to higher levels.

Parachute Ninja features crisp and colorful cartoon like graphics that are simple, yet appealing. The audio consists of a fitting Far East soundtrack that helps maintain the mystical, ninja-like aura of the game.

There’s a story mode and a survival mode. Story serves up 30 levels of action in which the goal is to get the highest score possible (Plus+ has been integrated into the game, making scores and achievements fully featured and online). It’s also the mode you’d probably want to play while riding the subway or bus, as there’s no time limit or, basically, any way to lose. Falling into the watery abyss simply respawns you at the last checkpoint you’ve visited, which greatly cuts down on the frustration factor.

Survival mode, on the other hand, is where the intensity lies. Here, you have to climb as possible without falling into the water below while capturing fireflies for score. But don’t take your sweet time; slowly rising water will entice you to move swifter.

Even if Parachute Ninja doesn’t sound like the typical game that you’d download from the App Store, I highly suggest giving this quirky title a chance. Like any great title, it’s easy to jump into and its charm and simple play mechanics makes it one that will steal away minutes of your life each day.