Fun but frustrating

Was completely enthralled with this game until I found certain mechanics to be so clunky it was almost unplayable. The hand that catapults you on certain levels triggers with something apparently unknowable. Sitting on, jumping on, crashing into with the bike, just Johnny, or both, nothing seems to reliable trigger them and some will trigger early or late making it a very frustrating level mechanic. Upon getting to the rocket levels, nothing of their function was explained, and I found that the depleting nature of the rocket (only 50 uses and many levels require ~10 uses) made it difficult to make multiple attempts on the levels. The rockets are extremely weak and require expert timing, but in a game with such randomness inherent in its simulation (very little consistency in impact to bike destruction, jumps sometimes scooping you backwards, etc) these features hinder gameplay. In short, having to dicker with mechanics and buy a depleting stock of resources required by levels makes me not want to play this when there is so much else out there that is simple enough for a true pick-up-and-play. The game is engaging and unique but too demanding of the user.

666daver about Fail Hard, v1.0.8