Fruit Ninja is a simple game, by most measures. The objective is to swipe and “cut” as many fruit as possible that come on screen, being tossed from out of frame, while avoiding any bombs. The action required of the player is a simple finger motion that requires careful attention and quick reaction time. An efferent stance on the game focuses solely on the skills required to cut the fruit: a mastery of repetitive motion triggered by careful attention and, at times, restraint in response.
However, this is not where I find the evocation of a strong feeling. I find the game peaceful, meditative, and exciting. It is peaceful because, while it is repetitive and predictable, it is also calming. The slow climb of mastery is a fulfilling metaphor for a calm life: gradually improving at a skill until it feels natural. There are still the occasional surprises, such as multipliers or freeze mode in the game, but overall the gradual climb results in a rewarded experience. These positive uncertainties around special modes and unlocking new blades create a sense of excitement that balances, and perhaps even supports, the peaceful nature of the game.
When read as a book, I see fruit ninja as a metaphor for the beautify of the repetitive things in life. They are what we will spend most of our time on, and yet, despite that repetition, can be the greatest source of fulfillment if we slow down and appreciate each watermelon we slice.
