Shawn Grimes, a Baltimore-area independent game developer, has released Pond Hopper, a new casual puzzle game for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
The game, which features five levels and 125 different puzzles, provides a way for users to exercise their minds and entertain themselves while waiting in line or passing the time. It is the fourth app and second game Grimes has released for Apple devices.
"Pond Hopper is a game that's easy enough to learn for the casual gamer, yet still provides a challenge for more advanced users," Grimes says. "It's easy to learn and quick to play, and includes interesting characters and features that make game play a blast."
Game features include a replay option that allows users to challenge themselves to beat their own low scores, which can then be submitted to the Apple Game Center or shared on social networks like Facebook and Twitter. Grimes hopes that Pond Hopper proves to be a hit with users at all levels.
Grimes developed the app in his spare time, working nights and weekends. The self-taught programmer says he saw an opportunity shortly after the iPad was released in early 2010. The apps he initially developed were more utilitarian, designed to help him in his photography studio. He eventually turned to creating games like StackEm, inspired by one of his favorite board games. While his first creations were moderately successful, they were targeted toward niche audiences. Grimes developed Pond Hopper for a larger market.
"I wanted to make a game that would be fun for everyone," Grimes says. "It's really easy to pick it up quickly whenever you have a free minute. It's for people who need something fun to do for a few minutes here and there."
The official release of game is December 14.
Source: Shawn Grimes
Writer: Walaika Haskins