Simple can be fun. Simple can be addictive Simple can also be frustrating. Cubes—developed by George Buckenham—manages to be all three in beautifully annoying fashion.
The only thing you need to do with this indie game is tilt the device to avoid the never-ending onslaught of the titular shapes heading at you. It's not like you're playing a first-person-shooter where bullets fly at you in terribly threatening fashion. As you play, a series of visual effects and distortions distract and soothe you. Overall, there's an oddly meditative feel to the experience. But there's stress too, as the randomized patterns constantly keep you guessing and reassessing where to "move" next.
Honestly, though, it's the great ambient pop soundtrack from Popolo that keeps me coming back to Cubes. Every time I want to throw my iPad to the ground, the swooping synths sand swirling aesthetic pulls me back in. Damn it all.
Cubes [$0.99, iTunes]