APP OF THE WEEK:3 cert, FDG Entertainment, iPad (also iPod Touch, iPhone) ***

‘Tis the season for festive tie-ins! Some might argue that the Christmas Edition of Beyond Ynth is too short, but it’s so charming and cheerful that it feels churlish to look this gift horse in the mouth. Once again you play the Kribl, the smiling ladybird who moves within boxes, tipping them to the side to make his way through hostile terrain. This time he’s happened across some Christmas presents that he vows to return to Santa. (Hey, we didn’t say the story made sense.) The Yuletide setting has changed things somewhat, as snow and ice help or (mostly) hinder Kribl’s journey. What follows is a cute, funny and utterly engaging puzzle game app, all wrapped up in catchy music and adorable graphics.

The indie/folk theme song is as amusing as it is endearing. Yes, it’s a brief running time, but you’d be hard- pressed to find a more playable free app game, and it’s a nice introduction to the character and series. The zero-cent price tag makes it feel like an early Christmas gift.