This game is not for the squeamish. No, nobody gets shot dead or is blown to bits in it. But people who have a fear of needles might want to steer clear of Tattoo Mania. What is Tattoo Mania? Well, it is a free iPhone application (or app) that allows users to ply their trade as a successful tattoo artist.

This iPhone TatTap Tattoo App begins simply enough as players are asked to make their own designs on the skin of willing customers. However, as the game progresses you must follow the customer’s requested design, which of course becomes ever more intricate as your technique improves.

The actual application of tattoos is easy enough. All you have to do is stroke your finger over the outlined area. But if that’s all there was to it, the game wouldn’t be anything more than a tracing exercise. That is why the ink becomes a darker shade the longer you press. So, if you take too much time with your design, you may end up ruining the tattoo.

Another somewhat disturbing feature of the game is the pain threshold gauge, which will often spike if you end up lingering too long on a certain part of the design. Not surprisingly, if you hurt the customer too much, you will not be awarded any bonus points and you may be forced to repeat the level.

Tattoo Mania is an enjoyable game that can be downloaded for free from the Apple iPhone site. However, if you want the full game, you will have to part with two pounds.