Lonely Sun, for its rather eccentric theme that might make it too alien for most players, more than makes up for its unconventionality with its engaging gameplay and equally strange settings. After all, it is a game that takes you to primordial space, where there are unfamiliar cosmic rules and powers.

You take control of five planet cores, starting with Ametho’s. You can be “gravity’s guiding hand” by swiping your finger on the screen to keep the core moving and afloat. Be extra careful, though, as there are obstacles in your way which are as apathetic as they are lifeless, not caring at the least bit whether or not your fledgling planet would break into a myriad pieces once it collides with them. Spikes, floating asteroids, and lofty mountains are but some of the elements that you have to evade.

It takes a little time to get the hang of controlling the planet’s core, but the app certainly has incorporated a more sophisticated control system that gives you greater freedom to exercise control on your core. It certainly trumps the rather elementary and overly simplistic controls of Flappy Bird, that much is for certain.

And, users do all of these things while being immersed in the breathtaking worlds that it takes you through. Indeed, if there is one other aspect that deserves the spotlight in Lonely Sun, it is its stellar original imagery. Its equally engrossing music and sounds are worth mentioning as well, and it’s highly encouraged for you to use a headphone while playing this game.

It can also be readily read in the app’s description that it was designed primarily to serve as a metaphor for life (although, one might argue that aren’t all games that test you and shower you with difficulties essentially as such?). Rarely do apps delve on something as deep and insightful as Lonely Sun has, and it is certainly one other characteristic that makes the app highly interesting, especially to first-time users.

Lonely Sun may bear slight resemblances to other games that tasks players with overcoming obstacles in a linear style of gameplay. Nonetheless, for the sheer originality of its features and motifs, it does not struggle to be labeled as an app that can stand on its own. It blatantly defies categorization, as is evident in its entirety as a game. And, many would agree that it is this very audacity that could either make or break an app. With the generally positive feedback that it has gotten thus far, though, it’s safe to say that Lonely Sun’s avant-garde approach has made it a veritable success.

Price: $2.79