Negative Nimbus is a fun platformer style game from developer CloudKid. I had never heard of CloudKid before but checking out their website, they’ve done a lot in terms of animation and children’s interactive media for other companies. In fact, some of their animations look familiar like something I would have seen on Nickelodeon or some other kids channel. I just happened to find Negative Nimbus by chance in the App Store thanks in part to its really attractive icon and its really fantastic artwork. After downloading, I was pleasantly surprised too by how fun it was and easy to play.

One of the stand out “features”a bout Negative Nimbus is its art style. It is simply gorgeous and one of the most well done and great looking games I’ve come across in a while. Everything from the levels to the menus are colorful, bright, and a real joy to look at. The character designs are also very well done and seem to really come alive. I believe it’s CloudKids background in animation that really helps here. These aren’t just static characters moving across the screen. Once you get past how awesome the game looks, you’ll come to find that the gameplay is just as good.

You play as Nimbus, a gloomy old rain cloud. Your job is to make the flowers happy by watering them but keeping the residents dry at the same time by not raining down on their fun. The game is a side scroller that automatically moves for you. Since Nimbus is a rain cloud, he is always dripping water. You tap and hold on the screen to make Nimbus hold in his water so he won’t wet any of the inhabitants enjoying their sunny day. Let go to water plants. Be careful though because Nimbus can’t hold his water forever. Eventually he fills up and has to release what he’s stored up.

Negative Nimbus contains 4 different worlds, each with 8 levels of play. Each is gorgeously rendered and filled with both visual and audio delights. Honestly, it’s one of the best looking games I’ve seen in while with terrific art work that will appeal to all.

Negative Nimbus is available now in the App Store for $0.99. It is a universal app and is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.