# V is for Vortex — A think outside the box game

> Puzzle action game with a vortex gun in a testing facility. (iPhone/iPad app by Jonathan Mulcahy.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/v-is-for-vortex/id336604785 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Jonathan Mulcahy](https://appshunter.io/developer/303765376)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Action, Puzzle
- Price: $0.99
- Rating: 3.51/5 from 41 App Store ratings · 32 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 12.1 · 70 MB
- Languages: English
- Released: 2009-11-28
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: paid
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/v-is-for-vortex/id336604785/reviews.md

## What is V is for Vortex?

V is for Vortex is a simple but addicting puzzle / action game. 

After waking up in a strange testing facility you find yourself thrust into a series of bizarre tests with only your wits and a strange gun by your side. Travel through 50+ levels, trying to solve each room as fast as possible.


** INSTRUCTIONS **
- Use Left or Right buttons to move
- Use Jump button to Jump
- Touch vortex indicator (next to jump button) to change the type of vortex you want to shoot
- Touch anywhere on the screen to open your vortex. You must have line of sight or it won’t open
- Solve each puzzle to head to the next room

## Key features

- Puzzle solving
- Action gameplay
- Vortex gun mechanics
- 50+ levels
- Time-based challenges
- Unique testing facility setting

## Recent user reviews (10 of 32)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/v-is-for-vortex/id336604785/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Awful

*2012-12-19, version 1.3*

Poor controls and constant crashes, waste of time!

### 5/5 — 🌀🏃. 🌀

*2011-10-28, version 1.3*

I love this game, definately worth getting, plenty of levels, and apperently more to come. I don't know how much people who aren't portal fans will like it, but I think they would, fortunately, the cake isn't a lie in this game, you get a cupcake every few levels!😏

### 5/5 — Portal flash

*2011-08-27, version 1.3*

This game is alot like the flash portal really fun worth getting

### 3/5 — Watered down portal

*2011-07-25, version 1.3*

More accurately a watered down portal the flash version

### 4/5 — Dude. Seriously.

*2011-05-12, version 1.3*

It's been a year. UPDATE. We need new levels, bug fixes, and, if nothing else, an end to the story. You know what? Make a sequel app to finish this thing off, I don't care anymore. Just FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED.

### 3/5 — Finally, Portal goes portable

*2011-03-13, version 1.3*

I love the aspect of the game, and can't wait to have Game Center added.

Though I thought I should mention levels that have the fields to prevent portaling are easily bypassed if you do not step though them at first; and a glitch that if you die, occasionally it will cause the app to crash.  I just wanted to let you know, since I see potential in this game, and want it grow.

### 2/5 — Needs Work

*2010-10-05, version 0*

The graphics aren't too bad, but the physics can be exasperating.  The stick man will stay suspended in air if against a vertical wall while you press one of the arrow buttons.  Sometimes, he will also get bogged down on a flat surface for no apparent reason.

The vortexes are somewhat unreliable in how they operate.  It is difficult to predict how things will work out, frequently ending in a level restart.  

The game also needs to support tilt so that you may hold your device in either orientation, rather than only upside-down.

As is, the game isn't really worth the dollar it costs.  The free flash version of Portal is much more gratifying.

### 4/5 — Awesome puzzle game with great potential & active developer!

*2010-04-20, version 0*

Yeah, there's a little bug on level 16, but no biggie.  Version 1.01's new on-screen controls allow much better control than v1's tilt control.  The developer is very active on the Touch Arcade forums - get it now before he realizes this game is worth more than a buck!

### 5/5 — Great!

*2010-03-15, version 0*

Now all they need us to make a Team Fortress game!  A half-life game is called infinity project.

### 3/5 — Has potential to be great

*2010-03-06, version 0*

Fixed bug is nice and developer has mentioned 36 more levels on a forum. Four stars now. 

Old:
Not a lot of content yet, but I'm gambling that this will be worth my dollar. Three stars for now, will update as time goes on.

## Frequently asked questions about V is for Vortex

### What is V is for Vortex?

V is for Vortex is a puzzle and action game where players navigate through a mysterious testing facility. The objective is to solve over 50 unique levels as quickly as possible using a special vortex gun.

### What are the main gameplay mechanics?

Players control movement with left/right buttons and jump. A key mechanic involves using the vortex gun by touching the vortex indicator to select a type and then touching anywhere on the screen to open the vortex, provided there is line of sight.

### How much does V is for Vortex cost?

Based on the provided information, the game is a paid application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or advertisements, suggesting a one-time purchase model.

### What kind of puzzles can I expect?

The game features a variety of puzzles set within a testing facility. Players must use their wits and the vortex gun's unique abilities to overcome each room's challenges and progress through the game.

### Is this game suitable for casual players?

While described as simple, the game is also addicting and challenging, with a focus on solving puzzles as fast as possible. It's best suited for players who enjoy a good challenge and fast-paced puzzle-solving.

## Version history (last 1 release)

### 3.0 — 2020-10-29

64bit App
Significantly improved controls
Widescreen support
Universal App
Game Optimization

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## More apps by Jonathan Mulcahy

- [badger](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/badger/id305140581)
- [HypnoPhone](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hypnophone/id306517786)
- [Z is for Zombie](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/z-is-for-zombie/id306906813)
- [F is for Falling](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/f-is-for-falling/id342532529)
- [O is for Obliteration](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/o-is-for-obliteration/id364621606)

All apps by Jonathan Mulcahy: https://appshunter.io/developer/303765376

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*