iRobot launches Roomba Revenge game for iOS

iRobot, the maker of vacuum-cleaning robots, is launching Roomba Revenge, a game app for iOS (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch) devices today.

The move seems totally out of character for iRobot given its core expertise, but lots of brands are trying to make their products and services better known by coming up with an app for the iPhone. These apps make the companies seem more hip and cool to users, but only once in a while do they take off.

Roomba Revenge is a goofy game where a Roomba vacuum robot chases after and cleans up evil Dust Bunnies. As you can see in the trailer, you clean up dirt, dust, and debris until your floor is spotless. You have to finish before time runs out. In Revenge mode, the Roomba is invincible and gobbles up the Dusty Bunnies as they hide from the powerful suction.

The game is the work of Brian Genesta senior copy writer for the company, and Scott Lebrun, a graphic designer. The two men exchanged text messages about it one night after work. iRobot says, “Whiskey and/or beer may have been involved, but those classified records are permanently sealed.”

The game is available in the App Store for 99 cents. Some of the proceeds will go to Spark, iRobot’s education initiative to encourage students in certain fields.