Cheesy backgrounds earn an age 12-and-up rating in iTunes.

iPhones have ruined the ways awkward junior-high kids get close. There's no need to pass notes, ask a cute girl or guy for payphone change, or even talk at lunch. Thankfully, an iPhone game with Japanese sensibilities introduces a new, awkward ritual for today's youths. Q?pid unravels like a game of finger-Twister, where you're guaranteed to touch the other player. If that sounds heart-pounding exciting, you're probably a tween obsessed with chaste vampires. Also, you'll totally love this bizarre game.

One player traces along a pink line, and the other simultaneously traces blue. You'll both follow the pattern and hold tight at the end for three seconds to advance. The first levels are simple, even for adults. But Q?pid rapidly introduces overlapping patterns and gradually raises the number of simultaneous lines so you're sure to graze fingers. And a love-tester component gives snarky commentary, saying you're more compatible the faster you complete levels.

Created by 12-year-old girls for 12-year-old girls.

You'll constantly have to nudge and communicate with your partner to pass each step. And if the bubbly music effects aren't reward enough for winning, each level unscrambles a karaoke-background-quality photo that poetically projects your lifelong partnership. Images are sometimes suggestive but never graphic, including shadows holding hands over a grassy field, lingerie on the hallway floor, and a woman drinking coffee--presumably the next morning.

We kept playing to reveal more of the subtle narrative--the images span a lifetime--but Q?pid feels too repetitive. At least puzzles take planning, so it has more substance than we expected. Some kids will like it as a courtship game, but even that fad-driven audience could get tired of it quickly. Creative kids will enjoy Q?pid most, since you can put your own photos, text, and music into the game to be revealed at the end of each round.

A novelty that's worth a brief try, Q?pid's action and bizarre imagery only mildly engage players. But maybe you'll get to touch fingers with a cute girl or boy. Swoon!

Q?pid 1.0
COMPANY: Q Entertainment
CONTACT: www.qentertainment.com/eng/
PRICE: $1.99
REQUIREMENTS: iPhone or iPod touch with OS 3.1.2 or later
Multiplayer line-tracing initially feels interesting. DIY option lets you insert hidden images and messages. Love-tester banter amuses with first read. You'll get to touch fingers with someone else.
Limited substance feels repetitive. Title screen shows ads. What's up with the name? You'll have to touch fingers with someone else.