Whirlybird

 
Google Chrome has hosted a simple pixel dinosaur game for years. Whenever you lose your internet connection, Chrome gives you a delightful little distraction while you wait to be productive again. Whirlybird appears to be Google's follow-up to their dinosaur, providing a fun and simple time-waster with every install of Google Play Games. The monochromatic pixel graphics carry over here, with the exception of the propeller-beanie power-ups. This minor highlight adds an appreciated flare to the game without sacrificing the "feel" established in the Chrome original.

As an obvious clone of the mobile gaming legend, Doodle Jump, Whirlybird behaves largely the same. You control a cute little Android as they try to jump higher and higher, with the game ending if it ever reaches the bottom of the screen (or gets spiked). As your Android bounces, you steer by tilting your phone in the direction that it should travel. Landing on a platform during its descent will usually cause the little one to bounce higher, with other effects possible depending on the platform. The real target is definitely the colorful propeller-beanie that allows your Android to ascend without bouncing for a short time, making your job extremely easy. The game's difficulty doesn't seem to increase very quickly, but you're sure to slip up eventually and lose all of your hard-earned progress. However, I was never upset for very long, since starting up a new round is as easy as tapping the screen.

Whirlybird ultimately is not a very in-depth game, lacking many features present in its legendary inspiration. However, it is still the perfect successor to Chrome's hopping dinosaur. It comes built-in to Google software already, it has simple but enjoyable graphics, and it is a fun distraction during short bursts of inactivity. If you have an Android device, chances are you already have this game on your phone. If so, give it a try! There's hardly a reason not to.

The game is available for Android here (as of 3/17/21): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.play.games&hl=en_US&gl=US

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