The mobile version of HAL Laboratory's Part Time UFO has been delisted from storefronts as of today, the game's official Twitter has announced. But don't worry, the Switch version isn't going anywhere.
Shared on Bluesky by AK, Part Time UFO's original mobile release is no longer available to download on mobile devices. The game originally launched on phones in 2017 in Japan, before getting a worldwide release in 2018, and an expanded Switch version in 2020.
"As of October 22, 2024 (JST), we have terminated the distribution and all services of the mobile app version of Part Time UFO." The official Part Time UFO shared on the social media website now known as X. It also thanked fans for playing and "enjoying the app" over the years, and confirmed that "The Nintendo Switch version of Part Time UFO is continued to be distributed, so please keep enjoying it."
In this adorable little physics-based puzzler, you control Jobski, a UFO who also doubles as a claw crane. Taking on tasks, modelled as part-time jobs, Jobski needs to pick up and carry various objects from one place to another. Weight, shape, and time are all factored into every single "level". Ultimately, once you've finished the job and put the structure together, if it can stay standing for five seconds, you're done!
The Switch version of the game added a couple of new modes to the already addictive puzzler — Treasure Island, Tower of Infinity, the ability to unlock animated portraits and illustrations (essentially achievements), three more jobs, more difficult versions of other jobs, and two-player co-op.
It's a shame the original version is no longer available on mobile, but that Switch release is pretty fantastic, plus it won't even cost you £10 — what are you waiting for?
Have you played the mobile version of Part Time UFO? Let us know your thoughts on its delisting in the comments below.
Comments 24
Good.
Now release the game on physical version.
It's always sad to see games get less accessible, but I'm glad it's still available at all.
This is one of the most feel-good gaming experiences available on Switch.
That's too bad it won't available to get on mobile anymore. I got the Switch version earlier this year, pretty neat game! (And can be quite challenging at times)
A shame. The mobile version was a fantastic game - an exceptional little title that became one of my favorite games of all time. I know the Switch version is still gonna be around and that's fine, but still...
I really hope we can stop talking about "the website technically called X because it's having a midlife crisis" eventually if not sooner.
I played this on switch, might be good as someone's first videogame. My group is of varying experience and skill, and the more casual end found this pretty dull tbh. I love HAL though and I celebrate their entire catalogue ❤️✌️
EDIT - I didn't know until now that it was on mobile, which is too bad, because I may have enjoyed it more in that context. ah well!
Oh great, now I'm going to be humming "part-time UuuuUU F OoooooOoooo!" all week again!
Great little game, played it on mobile and really enjoyed it, glad it's on Switch still but weirdly mobile seems the best fit for it.
Unfortunate to hear as Part Time UFO is such a great little game (which I should go back to play at some point as there's still a lot for me to do in it, but that's besides the point) and the more people that have access to it the better, but I'm so relieved that it's still available on Switch at least!
A shame. It’s a fantastic game. A surprisingly solid and simple title that just proves the genius of HAL Laboratories. Get it on Switch. It’s absolutely worth it.
HAL Laboratory's catalogue of games which aren't Kirby, tend to not get physical releases.
Part Time UFO, the BOXBOY! series, haven't had any physicals barring that one 3DS Japan exclusive which was a compilation release.
I hate to think we'd lose these games without physicals.
Thank you for reminding me that I do have it on Switch, but haven't touched it since I got it on a sale in I believe 2021.
It's a shame the mobile version is a goner, I had it on my Play Store wishlist but for some reason Google doesn't let me add funds to my account, which is also the reason I haven't spent a dime on mobile games such as Fire Emblem Heroes, Pokémon GO or the full version of Super Mario Run.
Definitely one of the hidden gems on Switch, and one of the first multiplayer games I go to when I have a friend over who is into casual gaming.
Would be great if it would get a physical release... or a sequel!
Damn. I completely forgot that this was on mobile. I'd've double-dipped if it was a one-time purchase (was it?).
@SillyG It was!
I blame Tim Cook
A real shame. I bought this game a few years back. It was great! Wish they gave some kind of warning about this. Now that it’s gone, it doesn’t look like I can redownload it…
At least the game’s on Switch now…but I wish they’d been a little more considerate of the people who bought the mobile version.
EDIT: Apparently it’s still on my phone after all! A little scary that I can’t delete it, though. Guess I’ll have to be careful…
@BandeeOfTheStars Use Nova Launcher, tap and hold on that game icon, and save the APK file of it on your phone. Then, you can reinstall it.
That’s too bad. It worked really well on mobile, where I played it. Simple and short, but a lovely time. Play it on Switch if you haven’t played it yet.
Finished it a few years ago, on Android. It has some optimization issues on the final boss, tho. I had them, at least.
I don't know why they would need to do this. Was there any kind of explanation? Or is the mobile gaming landscape just too much of a garbage-filled wasteland that they didn't want to be involved in it any more...
@Ramouz Thanks, but unfortunately I’m an iOS user, so using third-party solutions is a little more difficult.
@Anti-Matter how is a game getting delisted good?
The BoxBoy! games are some of my favorite games of all time so I should definitely check this out.
@BandeeOfTheStars I think you can easily redownload delisted games via your download history.
@KeeperBvK Thankfully this does appear to be the case for now…but it might not be in the future. It really depends on how long the individual developer decides to support redownloads.
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