We added most of the objects at the bottom. Our failed, first idea: send the ball into that wrench-like lever, flinging it at the star.

Crayon Physics Deluxe amazingly, creatively turns your drawings into game objects. In each level, you'll get the ball to roll into one or more stars by sketching bridges, wedges, pendulums, and other objects to push it to the destination. Delightful, simple graphics wrap up this playful package; this fresh, fun game overcomes its drawbacks.

As you progress through the 50 levels, the game teaches basic techniques. You'll only directly control the ball by nudging it slightly to the right, mostly to start it rolling. Otherwise, your fingertip sketches of lines--and even levers--create cascading mechanisms that carry the ball along. In later levels, we drew elaborate baskets, ropes, pulleys, counterweights, and other devices to send the ball to its goal. At the end of each level, we always smiled at the brilliance of the game… and our creations, of course.

The open-ended challenges work for and against the game. After learning a few of the techniques, you can usually just repeat them each stage; that style of play grows repetitive. We wanted more challenges to break us out of our tried-and-true habits. But with many levels just consisting of the ball on a platform, a gap, and the star, you can solve them however you like; build a swinging club, tugging rope, bridge, or other device.

A few other, minor complaints hold the game from perfection. The clunky level editor creates new challenges but never did quite what we wanted; it also can't share your boards online. While the slow-paced game hides this issue, the frame rate often feels like it's hesitating. And we wanted some sound effects; all you get is repetitive music or the ability to play your own.

Drawing on buoyant, jubilant play, Crayon Physics Deluxe rises above its limitations. It's one of our favorites.

Crayon Physics Deluxe 1.0.1
COMPANY: Hudson
CONTACT: www.dothehudson.net
PRICE: $4.99
REQUIREMENTS: iPhone or iPod touch with 2.1 software update
Your drawings become physical, game-world objects. Simple, creative, puzzle-solving. Open-ended levels can be completed in a wide range of ways.
Lazy players can repeat old solutions and may not be challenged. No sound effects. Animation frame-rate often feels slow. Level editor can't share files or save more than three.