Fruit Ninja#Development and marketing

Image:FruitNinja screenshot.png

In Fruit Ninja, the player slices fruit with a blade controlled via the touch screen. As the fruit is thrown onto the screen, the player swipes their finger across the screen to create a slicing motion, attempting to slice the fruit in half.{{cite web |url=https://toucharcade.com/2010/04/21/fruit-ninja-review-all-ninja-hate-fruit/ |title='Fruit Ninja' Review – All Ninja Hate Fruit |last=Kim |first=Arnold |date=April 21, 2010 |website=TouchArcade |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-date=January 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131143320/https://toucharcade.com/2010/04/21/fruit-ninja-review-all-ninja-hate-fruit/ |url-status=live }} Extra points are awarded for slicing multiple fruits with one swipe (called "combo"s), and players can use additional fingers to make multiple slices simultaneously. Players must slice all fruit; if three cumulative fruits are missed, the game ends, but upon reaching scores that are multiples of one hundred and the players have lost at least a life, the player will gain an extra life. Bombs are occasionally thrown onto the screen, and will also end the game should the player slice them.

A mode known as "Zen" allows players to seek high scores without the hindrance of bombs appearing on the screen, but players only have a minute and thirty seconds.{{Cite web|url=http://iphone.gamezone.com/reviews/item/fruit_ninja/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702022651/http://iphone.gamezone.com/reviews/item/fruit_ninja |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 2, 2010 |publisher=GameZone |access-date=December 22, 2010 |date=June 29, 2010 |title=Fruit Ninja - iPhone |first=James |last=Pikover }}

Arcade Mode is similar to Zen Mode, except bombs only deduct 10 points from the player's score instead of losing, and three frequently appearing special bananas, consisting "Frenzy", "Score x2" and "Freeze", which have unique bonus power-ups, such as doubling points scored for a limited time ("Score x2"), throwing more fruit from the game screen's sides without risk of bombs ("Frenzy"), and/or freezing the time for a few seconds ("Freeze").

In Classic, special pomegranates are occasionally thrown on-screen. In Arcade, it is guaranteed that at the end of each game, a pomegranate will appear. Players can slice one multiple times; all slices credit points as a multi-hit target. Similarly, an ultra-rare dragonfruit sometimes appears in Classic mode which, if sliced, awards players fifty points.{{Cite web |url=http://mashable.com/2010/11/02/fruit-ninja-arcade-mode/ |access-date=December 22, 2010 |date=November 2, 2010 |title="Fruit Ninja" Reveals New Arcade Mode |first=Black |last=Robinson |publisher=Mashable |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809034440/https://mashable.com/2010/11/02/fruit-ninja-arcade-mode/ |url-status=live }}

When Fruit Ninja celebrated its second anniversary, Halfbrick released an update with a new feature called Gutsu's Cart, which comprises two characters, a pig named Truffles and a merchant named Gutsu. In the various modes of the game, the player can earn starfruit to purchase items in Gutsu's Cart.{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/fruit-ninja-celebrates-2-year-anniversary-with-new-powerups-fre/ |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=August 21, 2012 |title=Fruit Ninja celebrates two year anniversary with new powerups, free iOS codes |first=JC |last=Fletcher |date=May 21, 2012 |archive-date=December 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121221133243/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/fruit-ninja-celebrates-2-year-anniversary-with-new-powerups-fre/ |url-status=live }} There are three purchasable items at the cart which are used in the game; Berry Blast causes sliced strawberries to explode and gives the player five extra points. Another item is Peachy Times: slicing a peach in Zen or Arcade mode gives the player two extra seconds. The third item is Bomb Deflects which saves the player accidentally slicing up to 3 bombs. Starfruit can be obtained after each game, proportional to the score, or by slicing the semi-rare starfruit.

In the fifth anniversary update to Fruit Ninja, Gutsu's Cart was removed and instead replaced with a power-up menu that used starfruit to buy the three power-ups in the game. Berry Blast power-ups were priced at 120 starfruit each, Peachy Times power-ups were priced at 100 starfruit, and Bomb Deflect power-ups were priced at 80 starfruit. In addition, certain dojos and blades now had different effects that took place within the Classic, Arcade, and Zen game modes. For example, if a player owned the Cherry Blossom dojo, the power-up costs were 50% off. A new festival mode was added in as well, where players could compete against the game's artificial intelligence by paying Gold Apples for each challenge. There were also mini-games added to challenge the skills of newcomers and experts alike. {{Citation needed|date=May 2017}}

Multiplayer gameplay is supported on iOS devices through Apple's Game Center application. It allows for competitive gameplay and features leaderboards and achievements. During multiplayer matches, the player's blade and fruit are highlighted in blue, while the opponent's are highlighted in red. White outlined fruit are considered neutral and may be claimed by either player. White outlined fruit are worth three points. Players must slice their own fruit while avoiding their opponent's fruit.{{Cite web |url=http://www.halfbrick.com/2010/09/fruit-ninja-game-center/ |first=Phil |last=Larsen |access-date=December 22, 2010 |date=September 17, 2010 |publisher=Halfbrick |title=Fruit Ninja Update With Game Center! |archive-date=November 19, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101119013147/http://www.halfbrick.com/2010/09/fruit-ninja-game-center/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://www.halfbrick.com/2010/09/fruit-ninja-more-gc/ |first=Phil |last=Larsen |access-date=December 22, 2010 |date=September 29, 2010 |publisher=Halfbrick |title=Fruit Ninja Gets More Game Center! |archive-date=December 26, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226035940/http://www.halfbrick.com/2010/09/fruit-ninja-more-gc/ |url-status=live }} The iPad version of the game features enhanced graphics and also supports local multiplayer, with the screen being divided in half and each player controlling half of the screen.{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/fruit-ninja-hd-slices-up-the-ipad-later-this-week/ |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=December 22, 2010 |title=Fruit Ninja HD slices up the iPad later this week |first=David |last=Hinkle |date=July 12, 2010 |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018191627/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/fruit-ninja-hd-slices-up-the-ipad-later-this-week/ |url-status=live }} Players can also share high scores via OpenFeint, Twitter and Facebook.

In an interview with GameSpot, Phil Larsen, Chief Marketing Officer at Halfbrick discussed the development of Fruit Ninja. He stated, "We tried a lot of different channels [...] indie games, PSN, XBLA, [...] and we basically did a lot of research about what was happening on iPhone and made a game that worked out pretty well." He then spoke of the company's brainstorming process for new games and said "Fruit Ninja came as part of [that] process, but we identified it as something special [and] decided to fast-track it through."{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/iphone/action/fruitninja/video/6284294/halfbrick-interview-with-phil-larson?sid=6284294 |website=GameSpot |access-date=December 22, 2010 |title=Halfbrick Interview With Phil Larson |date=November 28, 2010}} Luke Muscat, Lead Designer for Fruit Ninja stated that he felt the uniqueness of the touch screen platforms and the short development cycle further motivated Halfbrick to develop the game.{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/halfbrick-shares-fruit-ninja-sales-numbers-how-to-succeed-on-th/ |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=December 22, 2010 |title=Halfbrick shares Fruit Ninja sales numbers, how to succeed on the App store |first=David |last=Hinkle |date=May 10, 2010 |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018191634/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/halfbrick-shares-fruit-ninja-sales-numbers-how-to-succeed-on-th/ |url-status=live }}

The game was first released on April 21, 2010, for iPod Touch and iPhone devices. It was later released as Fruit Ninja HD on July 12, 2010, for the iPad. On September 17, 2010, Fruit Ninja was ported to Android OS devices. On November 2, 2010, an Arcade mode was announced for Fruit Ninja which adjusted gameplay dynamics. It was released two days later on November 4, 2010.{{Cite web |url=http://www.halfbrick.com/2010/11/fruit-ninja-arcade-mode-live/ |title=Fruit Ninja Arcade Mode is Live! |first=Phil |last=Larsen |date=November 4, 2010 |access-date=December 22, 2010 |publisher=Halfbrick |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116211238/http://halfbrick.com/2010/11/fruit-ninja-arcade-mode-live/ |url-status=live }} In December 2010, Lite versions of Fruit Ninja and Fruit Ninja HD were released for iOS devices and serve as demo versions of the game.{{Cite web |url=http://www.halfbrick.com/2010/12/fruit-ninja-lite-and-more/ |title=Fruit Ninja Lite and More! |publisher=Halfbrick |access-date=December 22, 2010 |date=December 22, 2010 |first=Phil |last=Larsen |archive-date=February 19, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130219051622/http://halfbrick.com/2010/12/fruit-ninja-lite-and-more/ |url-status=dead }} The game was also released for Windows Phone 7 on December 22, 2010.{{Cite web |url=http://wpcentral.com/pocket-god-and-fruit-ninja-both-live-marketplace |publisher=Windows Phone Central |title=Pocket God and Fruit Ninja both live in the Marketplace |date=December 21, 2010 |access-date=December 27, 2010 |first=Daniel |last=Rubino |archive-date=August 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806232134/http://www.wpcentral.com/pocket-god-and-fruit-ninja-both-live-marketplace |url-status=live }} Phil Larsen stated that due to the quick-release nature of iOS applications that a different marketing strategy is required. "You could have a game rise to the top and fall off in three days. You want to get it up there at the right time and have the right backup plan to sustain it with updates and further press" he said. On January 21, 2011, an update was released for the Android version of the game which added Arcade mode, leaderboards, and an ice blade to the game.{{Cite web |url=http://www.halfbrick.com/2011/01/android-arcade-mode/ |date=January 21, 2011 |access-date=January 21, 2011 |first=Phil |last=Larsen |title=Android Fruit Ninja adds Arcade Mode! |publisher=Halfbrick |archive-date=January 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116163127/http://halfbrick.com/2011/01/android-arcade-mode/ |url-status=dead }} A Windows port of the game was launched in June 2011.{{Cite web |url=http://eins.my/slice-fruits-using-your-mouse-in-fruit-ninja-hd-for-pc/ |date=June 30, 2011 |access-date=September 9, 2011 |title=Slice fruits using your mouse in Fruit Ninja HD for PC! |publisher=eins.my |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402092623/http://eins.my/slice-fruits-using-your-mouse-in-fruit-ninja-hd-for-pc/ |archive-date=April 2, 2012}} A spin-off edition of the game titled Fruit Ninja: Puss in Boots, themed to the DreamWorks animated film, Puss in Boots was released on various devices. In March 2011, Halfbrick announced a Facebook port of the game entitled Fruit Ninja Frenzy.{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/fruit-ninja-frenzy-to-plant-seeds-on-facebook/ |publisher=Joystiq |access-date=March 9, 2011 |date=March 3, 2011 |title=Fruit Ninja Frenzy to plant seeds on Facebook |first=David |last=Hinkle |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019075835/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/fruit-ninja-frenzy-to-plant-seeds-on-facebook/ |url-status=live }} The free-to-play game port was published as a beta in April 2011, and Halfbrick described it as "60 second gameplay with many powerups, unlockables and achievements". The Facebook version received several updates and was available from November 18, 2012{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/appcenter/fruitninjafrenzy |publisher=Facebook |access-date=November 18, 2012 |title=Fruit Ninja Frenzy - App Center |archive-date=February 20, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220073331/https://www.facebook.com/appcenter/fruitninjafrenzy |url-status=live }} until the game underwent sunset closure on November 30, 2013.{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/notes/fruit-ninja-frenzy/important-notice-fruit-ninja-frenzy-is-closing-on-november-30th-2013/410204382436373 |date=October 24, 2013 |access-date=March 25, 2015 |title=IMPORTANT NOTICE: Fruit Ninja Frenzy is closing on November 30th, 2013 |publisher=Fruit Ninja Frenzy Facebook App Page |archive-date=November 5, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105062222/https://www.facebook.com/notes/fruit-ninja-frenzy/important-notice-fruit-ninja-frenzy-is-closing-on-november-30th-2013/410204382436373 |url-status=live }} In mid-2011, an amusement arcade version appeared titled Fruit Ninja FX.{{Cite web |url=http://applenapps.com/feature/fruit-ninja-is-now-playing-on-a-46-touch-screen-arcade-machine-as-fruit-ninja-fx |access-date=April 4, 2012 |title=Fruit Ninja Is Now Playing On a 46? Touch Screen Arcade Machine As Fruit Ninja FX |publisher=Apple 'n' Apps |date=July 5, 2011 |first=Trevor |last=Sheridan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415035507/http://applenapps.com/feature/fruit-ninja-is-now-playing-on-a-46-touch-screen-arcade-machine-as-fruit-ninja-fx |archive-date=April 15, 2012 |url-status=dead }}

On August 10, 2011, Fruit Ninja Kinect was released for the Xbox 360 console as a downloadable game from the Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA) Marketplace.{{Cite web |url=http://halfbrick.com/our-games/fruit-ninja-kinect/ |date=August 10, 2011 |access-date=April 4, 2015 |title=Fruit Ninja Kinect |publisher=Microsoft XBLA game title developed by Halfbrick Studios |archive-date=March 31, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331055905/http://halfbrick.com/our-games/fruit-ninja-kinect/ |url-status=live }} It was the first XBLA game to make use of the motion-sensing Kinect controller.List of Xbox Live Arcade Kinect games On screen, the fruit-slicing concept is enhanced by the Kinect to include the player's entire self; the camera places a shadowy silhouette of the player's body upon a background scene, and arm and hand movements are visualized as blade-slashing arcs to slice fruit. To promote the Xbox 360 game, a voucher token for Fruit Ninja Kinect was included in the retail box of The Gunstringer, a separate Kinect title developed by Twisted Pixel Games. Fruit Ninja Kinect received its first additional downloadable content (DLC) on August 24, 2011. Entitled 'Storm Season', the add-on DLC provided three new Xbox Live achievements and a new visual theme for the game.{{Cite web |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/fruit-ninja-kinect-dlc-brings-the-thunder-tomorrow/ |title=Fruit Ninja Kinect DLC brings the thunder tomorrow {update: Today!} |first=Griffin |last=McElroy |date=August 24, 2011 |access-date=August 25, 2011 |publisher=Joystiq}} Subsequent DLCs for the popular Kinect version included 'Space Capsule', 'Art Box', 'Christmas Present' (free), '8-bit Cartridge', 'Trick or Treat Bag', 'Flower Power', and 'High-Tech Vault'. In 2012, Fruit Ninja Kinect won "Casual Game of the Year" from the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards,{{Cite web |url=http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2012&idGameAwardType=137 |date=February 9, 2012 |access-date=March 25, 2015 |title=2012 Casual Game of the Year |publisher=15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards Finalists, Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |archive-date=April 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412194521/http://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2012&idGameAwardType=137 |url-status=live }} and it continues to be ranked in the Top 10 best-selling XBLA games of all time.{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/172436/FRUIT_NINJALICENSED_PRODUCTS_NOW_DOMINATING_STORE_SHELVESWORLDWIDE.php |date=June 15, 2012 |access-date=March 25, 2015 |title=FRUIT NINJA LICENSED PRODUCTS NOW DOMINATING STORE SHELVES WORLDWIDE |publisher=Gamasutra press release |archive-date=April 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409182852/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/172436/FRUIT_NINJALICENSED_PRODUCTS_NOW_DOMINATING_STORE_SHELVESWORLDWIDE.php |url-status=dead }}

In March 2012, HalfBrick announced a partnership with BlueStacks to make Fruit Ninja's Android App available for Microsoft Windows worldwide. The program received over a million downloads in its first 10 days.{{cite news |url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/04/10/qualcomm-invests-in-bluestacks/ |date=April 10, 2012 |access-date=April 10, 2012 |first=Rip |last=Empson |title=Android On Your PC: Qualcomm Invests In BlueStacks After Beta Sees 1M Downloads In 10 Days |work=TechCrunch |archive-date=April 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412193926/http://techcrunch.com/2012/04/10/qualcomm-invests-in-bluestacks/ |url-status=live }} On March 18, 2015, Fruit Ninja Kinect 2{{Cite web |url=http://www.videogamer.com/xboxone/fruit_ninja_kinect_2/news/fruit_ninja_kinect_2_comes_to_xbox_one_on_march_18.html |date=March 3, 2015 |access-date=April 4, 2015 |title=Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 comes to Xbox One on March 18 |publisher=VideoGamer.com |first=James |last=Orry |archive-date=April 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408231756/http://www.videogamer.com/xboxone/fruit_ninja_kinect_2/news/fruit_ninja_kinect_2_comes_to_xbox_one_on_march_18.html |url-status=live }} was released by Halfbrick for the Xbox One. Hibernum Créations is the game developer. As well as retaining all the content of the original Kinect game, the FNK2 version provides new game features such as Ninja Dodge, Strawberry Strike, Bamboo Strike, and Apple Range. Party Mode and Battle Mode allow up to four players to join together in multiplayer battle.{{Cite web |url=http://halfbrick.com/our-games/fruit-ninja-kinect-2/ |date=March 17, 2015 |access-date=April 4, 2015 |title=Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 Out Now! Bigger. Better. Juicier! |publisher=Halfbrick Studios press release |archive-date=September 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200918173642/https://halfbrick.com/our-games/fruit-ninja-kinect-2/ |url-status=dead }} On July 7, 2016, Fruit Ninja VR was released for the HTC Vive on Steam Early Access. Fruit Ninja received a direct sequel in 2020. In April 7, 2023, Fruit Ninja VR 2 was released on Steam and the Meta Quest store.{{Cite web |last=Studios |first=Halfbrick |title=Fruit Ninja VR 2 - Halfbrick |url=https://www.halfbrick.com/games/fruit-ninja-vr-2 |access-date=2023-09-06 |website=www.halfbrick.com |language=en}}

In August 26, 2021, Halfbrick and Singapore-based gaming startup Storms released a version of Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride for KaiOS devices.{{Cite web |last=Eletta Leung |date=August 26, 2021 |title=Storms and KaiOS Technologies bring "Fruit Ninja" and "Jetpack Joyride" to 150 million KaiOS-enabled devices |url=https://www.kaiostech.com/storms-and-kaios-technologies-bring-fruit-ninja-and-jetpack-joyride-to-150-million-kaios-enabled-devices/ |website=KaiOS}} The KaiOS version of Fruit Ninja uses the keypad to slice fruit.

{{Video game reviews

| GR = iOS: 87%{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/600640-fruit-ninja/index.html |title=Fruit Ninja for iOS (iPhone/iPad) |website=GameRankings |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=October 31, 2014 |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209015346/https://www.gamerankings.com/iphone/600640-fruit-ninja/index.html |url-status=live }}

| MC = iOS: 75/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fruit-ninja/critic-reviews/?platform=ios-iphoneipad |title=Fruit Ninja for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=October 31, 2014 |archive-date=October 13, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201013030554/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/fruit-ninja |url-status=live }}
(HD) iOS: 80/100{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/fruit-ninja-hd |title=Fruit Ninja HD for iPhone/iPad Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106154737/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ios/fruit-ninja-hd |url-status=dead }}
(Kinect) X360: 71/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fruit-ninja-kinect/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Fruit Ninja Kinect for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-date=April 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401010702/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-360/fruit-ninja-kinect |url-status=live }}
(Kinect 2) XONE: 69/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/fruit-ninja-kinect-2/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-one |title=Fruit Ninja Kinect 2 for Xbox One Reviews |website=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=July 14, 2018 |archive-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125112051/https://www.metacritic.com/game/xbox-one/fruit-ninja-kinect-2 |url-status=live }}

| GameZone = 7/10

| IGN = 8.5/10

| rev1 = AppSpy

| rev1Score = {{Rating|5|5}}

| rev2 = Gamezebo

| rev2Score = {{Rating|4|5}}

| rev3 = Slide to Play

| rev3Score = 4/4

| rev4 = TouchArcade

| rev4Score = iOS: {{Rating|5|5}}

| rev5 = Android Games

| rev5Score = {{Rating|4|5}}

}}

Fruit Ninja was well received by critics. The game has an average score of 75 out of 100 based on 12 reviews on Metacritic, indicating "generally favorable reviews", and 87% based on 5 reviews on GameRankings. It was also named one of Time magazine's 50 Best iPhone Apps of 2011.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2044480_2043594_2043582,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131160816/http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2044480_2043594_2043582,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 31, 2011|title=50 Best iPhone Apps 2011|last=Starr|first=Miral|date=January 27, 2011|magazine=Time|access-date=January 27, 2011}}

Reviewers were mostly unified in the overall fun factor in the game. Levi Buchanan of IGN stated that the game was "fun, fun, fun" and "an instantly pleasurable experience".{{cite web |url=http://wireless.ign.com/articles/108/1086649p1.html |title=Fruit Ninja Review |website=IGN |access-date=December 22, 2010 |date=April 28, 2010 |first=Levi |last=Buchanan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121204052549/http://www.ign.com/articles/2010/04/28/fruit-ninja-review |archive-date=December 4, 2012}} Slide to Play's Chris Reed agreed and felt that the game was perfect for when a consumer has short moments of boredom. He likened this to playing the game while waiting in line for something and stated "it'll slice the time in half."{{Cite web |url=http://www.slidetoplay.com/story/fruit-ninja-review |access-date=December 22, 2010 |publisher=Slide to Play |date=September 17, 2010 |title=Fruit Ninja Review |first=Chris |last=Reed |archive-date=October 28, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028121624/http://www.slidetoplay.com/story/fruit-ninja-review |url-status=live }} Jim Squires of GameZebo felt the gameplay was simple and addictive.{{Cite web |url=http://www.gamezebo.com/iphone-games/fruit-ninja/review |publisher=GameZebo |access-date=December 22, 2010 |date=May 13, 2010 |first=Jim |last=Squires |title=Fruit Ninja Review |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722200416/http://www.gamezebo.com/games/fruit-ninja/review |archive-date=July 22, 2012 |url-status=dead }} Geoff Gibson of DIYGamer stated that he could see Fruit Ninja "becoming the next "big thing" on the App Store."{{Cite web |last=Gibson |first=Geoff |date=April 21, 2010 |title=Can I Get a Smoothie? Fruit Ninja Review |url=http://www.diygamer.com/2010/04/smoothie-fruit-ninja-review/ |access-date=December 22, 2010 |publisher=DIYGamer}} Several reviewers praised price and Halfbrick's commitment to continual updates to the game. GameZone's James Pikover stated "perhaps the best part is that this game isn't even complete." He then spoke of the future game modes to be made available and lauded the value-to-price ratio. App Spy's Andrew Nesvadba agreed that Halfbrick's commitment and updates were "nothing short of spectacular."{{Cite web |last=One example of a modern browser slicing game is |title=Slice Master |url=https://slicemaster.net/ |access-date=December 22, 2010 |website=which utilizes HTML5 for real-time interaction without plugins. |publisher=slicemaster.net}} He also praised the game's graphics and said they were "luscious". The reviewer from BuzzFocus praised the game's inexpensive price and said consumers "should really be downloading this app right now."{{Cite web|url=http://www.buzzfocus.com/2010/04/25/iphone-review-fruit-ninja/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100428223351/http://www.buzzfocus.com/2010/04/25/iphone-review-fruit-ninja/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 28, 2010 |author=Bags |date=April 25, 2010 |access-date=December 22, 2010 |title=iPhone Game Review: Fruit Ninja |publisher=BuzzFocus }}

The game's scoring system and difficulty were received to mixed commentary. Chris Reed of Slide to Play felt that there should have been an option to increase the game's difficulty curve. Andrew Nesvadba of App Spy felt that was difficult to beat a high score since the bonus items were random. DIYGamer's Geoff Gibson also shared this sentiment. James Pikover of GameZone, Geoff Gibson of DIYGamer and Levi Buchanan of IGN all praised the game's ability to boast scores to friends and family via Facebook and Twitter.

During the 15th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences awarded the Kinect version of Fruit Ninja with "Casual Game of the Year".{{cite web |url=https://www.interactive.org/awards/award_category_details.asp?idAward=2012&idGameAwardType=137 |title=2012 Awards Category Details Casual Game of the Year |publisher=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences |website=interactive.org |access-date=21 November 2023}}

The iOS version of Fruit Ninja sold over 200,000 copies in its first month. In its third month over one million units had been sold.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/60564/FRUIT_NINJA_SELLS_ONE_MILLION_COPIES_WORLDWIDE_ON_IPHONE_ANDIPOD_TOUCH.php|title=FRUIT NINJA SELLS ONE MILLION COPIES WORLDWIDE ON IPHONE AND IPOD TOUCH|date=July 5, 2010|website=Gamasutra|access-date=December 22, 2010|archive-date=July 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715012908/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/pressreleases/60564/FRUIT_NINJA_SELLS_ONE_MILLION_COPIES_WORLDWIDE_ON_IPHONE_ANDIPOD_TOUCH.php|url-status=dead}} It passed two million units sold in September 2010, with the total reaching four million in December 2010.{{Cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/fruit-ninja-sells-two-million/|title=Fruit Ninja sells two million|last=McElroy|first=Justin|date=September 23, 2010|publisher=Joystiq|access-date=December 22, 2010|archive-date=October 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018191639/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/fruit-ninja-sells-two-million/|url-status=live}} By March 2011, total downloads across all platforms exceeded 20 million.{{Cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/fruit-ninja-surpasses-20-million-total-downloads/|title=Fruit Ninja surpasses 20 million total downloads|last=Hinkle|first=David|date=March 3, 2011|publisher=Joystiq|access-date=March 9, 2011|archive-date=June 29, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629131745/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/fruit-ninja-surpasses-20-million-total-downloads/|url-status=live}} In May 2012, it reached 300 million downloads, and was on one third of all US iPhones.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2012/05/31/fruit-ninja-tops-300m-downloads-after-two-years-now-installed-on-13-of-all-u-s-iphones/|title=Fruit Ninja Tops 300M+ Downloads After Two Years, Now Installed On 1/3 Of All U.S. iPhones|last=Crook|first=Jordan|date=May 31, 2012|publisher=TechCrunch|work=TechCrunch|access-date=July 1, 2012|archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029060612/https://techcrunch.com/2012/05/31/fruit-ninja-tops-300m-downloads-after-two-years-now-installed-on-13-of-all-u-s-iphones/|url-status=live}} In 2015, the app reached 1 billion downloads.{{Cite news|url=http://kotaku.com/fruit-ninjas-creators-have-been-split-by-an-identity-cr-1788685803|title=Fruit Ninja's Creators Have Been Split By An Identity Crisis|last=Serrels|first=Mark|work=Kotaku|access-date=June 26, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401065957/https://kotaku.com/fruit-ninjas-creators-have-been-split-by-an-identity-cr-1788685803|url-status=live}} The Windows Phone 7 version was the top application downloaded the week of December 28, 2010.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/matthewjroberts/status/19784662901596160|title=Twitter /@matthewjroberts|last=Roberts|first=Matt|date=December 28, 2010|publisher=Matt Roberts via Twitter|quote=Congrats to friends @halfbrick on FN #1 paid download on #WP7 USA Marketplace! (big surprise ... :)|access-date=December 29, 2010|archive-date=October 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016202854/https://twitter.com/matthewjroberts/status/19784662901596160|url-status=live}} The Xbox Live Arcade version moved over 739,000 units in its first calendar year.{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/39713/Xbox_Live_Arcde_by_the_numbers__the_2011_year_in_review.php|title=Xbox Live Arcade by the numbers - the 2011 year in review|last=Langley|first=Ryan|date=January 20, 2012|website=Gamasutra|access-date=January 23, 2012|archive-date=March 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325034553/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/39713/Xbox_Live_Arcde_by_the_numbers__the_2011_year_in_review.php|url-status=dead}}

The iPad version of Fruit Ninja has been used to help rehabilitate stroke patients.{{cite news|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/hi-tech-stimuli-help-to-dull-the-pain/story-e6frg8y6-1226113730661|title=Hi-tech stimuli help to dull the pain|date=August 23, 2011|work=The Australian|last1=Gambotto-Burke|first1=Alexander|access-date=November 29, 2015|archive-date=October 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141021014952/http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/hi-tech-stimuli-help-to-dull-the-pain/story-e6frg8y6-1226113730661|url-status=live}}

{{Clear}}

A live-action family comedy film version of the app was being adapted by Halfbrick Studios, with Tripp Vinson and his banner Vinson Films set to produce the film. J.P. Lavin and Chad Damiani were writing the script for the film with New Line Cinema.{{cite news|last1=Galuppo|first1=Mia|title='Fruit Ninja' Movie in the Works (Exclusive)|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/fruit-ninja-movie-works-896056|access-date=May 21, 2016|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=May 20, 2016|archive-date=May 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160522125257/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/fruit-ninja-movie-works-896056|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Siegel|first1=Tatiana|title=New Line Lands 'Fruit Ninja' Film Based on Game (Exclusive)|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/new-line-lands-fruit-ninja-914606|access-date=May 21, 2016|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 23, 2016|archive-date=September 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924160739/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/new-line-lands-fruit-ninja-914606|url-status=live}} However, it was ultimately rejected.{{citation needed|date=August 2020}}

A YouTube Premium exclusive series titled Fruit Ninja: Frenzy Force was announced. The CGI animated series, produced by Halfbrick Studios, follows the adventures of Seb, Niya, Peng and Ralph as they are trained to become the fruit ninja who must do battle with the ancient Durian Grey and his monsters.{{cite web|url=https://geekreply.com/geek-culture/2017/04/21/fruit-ninja-frenzy-force-looks-absolutely-rotten|title=Fruit Ninja Frenzy Force Looks Absolutely Rotten|last1=Greenbaum|first1=Aaron|date=April 21, 2017|work=Geek Reply|access-date=May 2, 2017|archive-date=April 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422060814/https://geekreply.com/geek-culture/2017/04/21/fruit-ninja-frenzy-force-looks-absolutely-rotten|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://collider.com/fruit-ninja-frenzy-force-clip/#images|title=Exclusive 'Fruit Ninja: Frenzy Force' Clip Sees the Title Team Spring into Action|last1=Trumbore|first1=Dave|work=Collider|date=May 1, 2017|access-date=May 2, 2017|archive-date=May 1, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501211719/http://collider.com/fruit-ninja-frenzy-force-clip/#images|url-status=live}} The series would later be cancelled, ending only in 13 episodes.

{{Portal|2010s|Video games}}

• List of most-downloaded Google Play applications

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{commons category}}

• {{Official website}}
• [https://www.halfbrick.com Developer website]

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