Item: Jetpack Joyride 2
Rating: 88
Author: Dinsun

Our Site Score

88/100

As an enthusiast who spent hundreds of hours on the original back in 2011, I was skeptical about how a sequel could improve upon such a perfect loop. Jetpack Joyride 2 manages to pull it off by shifting the focus from 'how far can you go' to 'how well can you fight.' The addition of a health bar and actual weapon upgrades turns Barry into a mobile powerhouse, making the gameplay feel more like a rogue-lite shooter than a simple runner.

The visual upgrade is stunning. The laboratories feel more lived-in, and the boss designs are genuinely creative, requiring more than just fast reflexes—you actually need a bit of strategy. The progression system feels fair, especially on Apple Arcade where you aren't being pestered by microtransactions. It’s rare to see a sequel that respects the roots of the original while completely modernizing the mechanics. If you enjoyed the first one, this is an absolute must-play.

Reviewed on: Sun Apr 12 2026

Dinsun Review

Dinsun here. The first Jetpack Joyride was a pioneer of the 'endless runner' plague. This sequel is actually an improvement because it adds structure. There are levels. There are bosses. It feels less like a slot machine and more like a game. The shooting mechanics are basic but functional, and the variety of vehicles keeps things from getting stale too quickly.

The removal of microtransactions is the best feature. You actually earn upgrades through play, not through your credit card. The art style is a bit too 'modern mobile' for me—very clean, very safe—but it’s vibrant. It's a decent way to kill ten minutes, even if it feels a bit shallow after a while. It’s an arcade game through and through.

Overall Stats

Pros & Cons

Structured level progression
No microtransactions (Apple Arcade)
Fun boss battles

Repetitive core loop
Simplistic combat
Lacks the 'magic' of the first game's novelty

Technical Report

Performance: Very fast; optimized for high refresh rate screens.

Accessibility:

One-touch controls
Visual cues for projectiles

Audience Fit

Buy if: You enjoyed the original and want a more robust, ad-free version.

Skip if: You are bored of the 'runner' genre.

Similar Games:

Subway Surfers
Temple Run
Dan the Man

Reviewer Context

Reviewer: Dinsun, 40-year-old conservative critic
Hardware: iPhone 15 Pro
Playtime: 8 hours
Status: Finished story and some challenges

Jetpack Joyride 2 is the long-awaited sequel to the legendary side-scrolling runner. This time, Barry Steakfries isn't just dodging zappers; he's packing heat. Featuring a new Story Mode, players progress through various laboratories, unlocking a massive arsenal of weapons and skins. The gameplay shifts from pure survival to a bullet-hell action experience where you must defeat challenging bosses and upgrade your equipment to survive the escalating chaos. With polished HD graphics and smooth mechanics, it’s a modern evolution of an arcade classic.

Features

New Story Mode with multiple sectors

Expansive weapon system and upgrades

Challenging boss fights

HD graphics and fluid animations

No ads or in-app purchases via Apple Arcade

Gameplays

Story-Driven Action

The core gameplay involves navigating Barry through hazardous environments using a jetpack. While the 'hold to rise' mechanic remains, the addition of automatic shooting and health management creates a more strategic loop. Players collect XP and coins to unlock power-ups and skins that provide passive bonuses.