Grapple

Initially, Grapple comes across as a very simplistic puzzle-platform game that's a throwback to earlier arcade-style games. But it's also addictive. Though the graphical elements aren't complex enough to challenge many computers, the game relies on the strength of the puzzle elements, which translates to the timing of the grappling and jumps to race across the levels as quickly as possible. This is a game that asks players to think and doesn't punish them for ill-fated leaps. Fall into the void of space? No problem -- just hit the R key and start again from the last save point.

Grapple bills itself as a sandbox game, and players can select how to get from beginning to end (except early on, and those levels are very straightforward, but they do teach players the moves and skills that will be necessary later on). Where the game falters a bit is in its 90 levels not being randomly generated, which may affect replayability. At least the easy controls make it accessible, and the affordable price should appeal. Grapple is a pleasant diversion.