Paper Toss is one of the most popular applications for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch. The game’s objective is a simple one: simply toss your crumpled up piece of paper into a garbage can at the other end of the room. This is done by swiping one’s finger up, across the touch screen. Simply get as many scraps of paper into the garbage can in a row as you possibly can.
This may sound simple, but the game is actually quite difficult, because there is a fan that generates a wind current that will blow your paper off course. On the screen, a wins speed will be given, and depending on the severity of the wind (with 0 being nonexistent, and anything above 5 being extremely strong), you must adjust your paper’s trajectory. The direction of the wind will also be given.
In order to compensate for the wind, you must swipe the screen at a different angle, and allow the wind to carry your paper into the trash can. For example, a wind current value of 5 will require a very large deviation from the imaginary straight line connecting you and the trash can. Thus, you may have to swipe the screen at 45 degrees toward the wind to result in a successful toss. However, this will vary depending on the difficulty level. There are 3 levels of difficulty that one can choose from, each with a different distance from the shooter to the can. On the hardest level, strong wind currents require a more drastic shift in swipe direction in order to counteract the effects of the wind. Each level has its own high score, so if someone is having a hard time beating one level’s high score, they can try another level.
Paper Toss is an excellent diversionary app. It can become quite addictive, and you might very well find yourself tossing paper when not needing something to pass the time. While many “High-Score” style games easily become boring over time, Paper Toss remains timeless, because it’s a very quick game to play, and a bunch of friends will have tons of fun trying to beat each others scores. Of all the free apps in the app store, paper toss would be an excellent candidate to become a paid app, simply because it is a very fun and enjoyable one, and it would still have as many downloads as it does with a 99 cent charge tacked on.
In short, Paper Toss is a must-have app if you intend on having your iPhone when you need to pass the time, such as on a bus or train. It is a blend of high entertainment value and simplicity, which makes for an extremely enjoyable game.