Doodle Jump
Doodle Jump is a 2009 mobile arcade game developed by Lima Sky, a small independent studio, released during the early smartphone app boom on Apple's App Store. It challenges players to climb ever higher up an endless, procedurally generated series of platforms.
You tilt the device left and right to guide a bouncing creature called "the Doodler" as it automatically springs upward, landing on platforms, grabbing power-ups like springs, jetpacks, and propeller hats, and shooting or dodging hazards such as monsters and black holes. The intuitive tilt controls, endless vertical climb, and charming hand-drawn notebook aesthetic made it instantly accessible and highly addictive, with high scores driving obsessive replay. It became one of the defining early hits of the touchscreen era and a long-running fixture near the top of mobile charts.
It has been continually updated with new themes and ported widely over the years, remaining a recognizable example of pick-up-and-play mobile design.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Doodle Jump, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Jetpack Joyride Indie
Free + in-app purchasesA free endless-runner arcade game with quick pick-up-and-play sessions.
Jetpack Joyride runs on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck.
Downwell Indie
€ 2,99An acclaimed indie vertical arcade game about descending a well with gunboots.
Downwell runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Verified.
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