Timeloop is an initially strange concept - how exactly does a robot janitor named Nik end up infused with the very fabric of the space time continuum? More to the point, how can he create copies of himself in order to fulfill his duties? We don't know. This game is itself an evolution of previous games such as Cursor*10, and Braid which used a similar mechanic albeit in a 2D platforming capacity.

Basically, you will do a simple task like repairing a switch to keep a door open, then you'll hit the loop button to create a clone that can walk through the door to reach the scientist and complete the level. Levels will stem from this simple mechanic - expect many doors and switches later on. Some doors require codes to unlock or a blowtorch to pass through them, but in any case you have to be quick - so that the professor doesn't run out of oxygen. Along the way you may encounter kittens that need rescuing, and certainly mazes do get more intricate as the levels advance. With 32 of them, there's a reasonable challenge for most players.

...the hilarious sound effects contribute largely to the game's humour...

The controls don't feel 100% solid in certain cases - it's entirely possible to get stuck on a wall for example. Otherwise the follow-finger method works well - we're not sure that a virtual D-Pad would be any better, but it would be nice to try an alternative control method. By touching the screen with two fingers, you pause the game and then you can pan around the level to work out a solution before you dive straight in. Remember that each robot fulfills a certain part of the puzzle and it's often impossible to complete the level without using them all in some capacity - so don't think of them as lives, but as a team.

Set from a top down perspective, the graphics in this title are simple but attractive. The comic styled, brightly coloured locations and characters really suit the feel of the game, which in all is a light hearted load of fun. Similarly, the hilarious sound effects contribute largely to the game's humour, the kittens adding the most sparkle. There's no music that we can really speak of however.

As a quick diversion Timeloop really shines. It's silly story is forgettable, but this is the first time we've seen this type of game on the iPhone, and it does work very well - indeed, there's a great gold/silver/bronze trophy system if you think you can beat your best score. If you like puzzles, chances are you won't go wrong with Timeloop, especially for the meagre introductory asking price.

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