Slice fruit, don’t slice bombs – that’s the simple rule in this iconic action game from Halfbrick Studios. Challenge yourself in Classic Mode, go head-to-head with friends in multiplayer or chill out with Zen Mode.
Slash away with a range of new blades and backgrounds. Combo attacks add a whole new level of fun and challenge.
The Original
There’s something utterly satisfying about slicing through fruit in this simple arcade game. Fruit is tossed up in the air, and it’s your job to cut them all without slicing the bombs (which are thrown in to trick players into slicing mindlessly). The gameplay is simple: you simply swipe down on the screen with one finger or multiple fingers to slice up fruit as it appears on-screen, earning more points for each successful combo.
Fruit Ninja is a prime example of an arcade game that became an instant success thanks to its simple gameplay and high entertainment value. It quickly spawned a competitive esports scene and has even been used as an educational tool for improving hand-eye coordination and reflexes.
In addition to the standard classic mode, there are many other ways to play this addictive game, with power-ups and special abilities like a ten-fruit Great Wave or swirling tornadoes. It’s also possible to compete with friends and other players around the world in multiplayer mode, adding a social component to the experience.
The game has received a wide range of updates since its release, with new blades and dojos to unlock as you progress through the ranks. It’s also now available in virtual reality, giving you the opportunity to slice fruit in a fully immersive environment.
While many would classify this game as a hypercasual title, it does have more content and metagame features than most – although it is still very easy to pick up and play. It’s also a touch-screen game, requiring the player to hold their device with one hand while swiping with the other. This already pushes it away from the ‘hyper casual’ definition, as most of these games require only one hand and are laser-focused on a single, simple core mechanic.
The Classic
Fruit Ninja, developed by Halfbrick, has become a global phenomenon with hundreds of millions of downloads and spawning merchandise including plush toys and T-shirts. The game is simple: players hold their device sideways and slice on-screen fruit by swiping with one or more fingers. Bonus points are awarded for slicing multiple fruits in one swipe. The game is free-to-play but contains in-app purchases.
The game has also been lauded for its educational value and is often used in physical education to improve hand-eye coordination and reflexes. It has also been used by professional athletes to sharpen focus and concentration. The game is regularly updated with new features, content and modes. It even has its own esports scene and competitive tournaments.
While the game is easy to pick up and play, it requires focus and sustained attention. The sporadic appearance of fruit on screen forces players to practice self control and prevent them from making knee-jerk reactions that would slice every piece of fruit that appears, as doing so earns an “X” which ultimately leads to a game over screen. The game also teaches players to wait for the right moment to cut – not just because of the Xs, but because slicing multiple pieces of fruit in succession can result in higher score combos.
The game is also a great way to pass the time and get a little exercise at the same time. It has also been used as a mindfulness exercise, helping players to train their minds to focus on the present moment and relax. Players can challenge their friends in local multiplayer or test themselves against the world with leaderboards. Players can also unlock a range of blades and dojos to enhance their gameplay experience. There has never been a better time to unleash your inner ninja!
