TechBits: Activision revives Pitfall! for your smartphone

Game developers are increasingly turning to smartphones to reimagine and reboot classic video games originally written for consoles that had a fraction of the processing power and 50 times the bulk (if not more) of your average smartphone. With Pitfall!, Activision has revived a much-loved title in the vein of current popular escape games such as Temple Run.

Players now control Pitfall Harry by swiping, tapping and tilting their phones to go over, under or through the obstacles in his path. The game lets you build up points and power-ups the old-fashioned way, but — as is typical of smartphone games — also has plenty of in-app purchases to speed your progress if you so choose.

In truth, this new version is far from the simple title you may remember, but keeps some of the jumping, dodging fun of the original. 99 cents, for iOS devices.

- Hayley Tsukayama