Thankfully ZeptoLabs has come to the rescue. This week’s Xbox release will be Cut The Rope: Experiments , a sequel to Cut the Rope (one of our picks for 2012’s best Xbox Windows Phone games ). Experiments will run on both Windows Phone 7 and 8 devices, so everybody can enjoy it. The only bad news: it will cost a bit more than the first game.

After last week’s Xbox release of the big-budget, hardware-intensive Modern Combat 4: Zero Hour for Windows Phone 8 devices, many of us could use something lighter this week to cleanse our gaming palates. And heck, Windows Phone 7 gamers surely just want something new to play since their platform skipped a new release last week.

Cutting the rope again

If you liked the first Cut the Rope, you’re bound to enjoy Experiments as well. The lovable creature Om Nom returns once again, and it’s players’ job to feed him candy. To do so, you’ll cut through many a rope, causing the candy to fall, slingshot, or otherwise shoot into Om Nom’s mouth. Collect each level’s three stars along the way to unlock new level packs and juicy Achievements. The gameplay is simple to grasp and the short levels are perfect for on-the-go play. Check out our review for more details.

Don’t be surprised if that description sounds a lot like the first game. Experiments basically packages a large new set of levels as a separate product, much like Angry Birds Seasons. The first batch of 25 levels reintroduces the many props from the original title, such as hearts and magic hats. From there, the game adds new gameplay elements like a rope shooting device. Tap it to fire a rope straight at the candy. So while the core gameplay remains unchanged, the new props will keep the experience as minty fresh as ever.

Big fun, slightly smaller package

The original Windows Phone version of Cut the Rope features 11 level packs and 275 total levels – not as many as other platforms' 14 packs and 350 levels, but still a very good number. Experiments has always included fewer levels than the first game. From May 2012 until March of this year, it consisted of 6 packs and 150 levels. The iOS and Android versions recently received a seventh 25-level pack that adds ants into the mix. Not surprisingly, Experiments for Windows Phone will launch without the 'Ant Hill' pack. Blame the lengthy Xbox Live certification process once again.

Me, I’ll be perfectly happy with 150 levels of candy feeding fun. But the new game’s price introduces the question of value. Whereas plain old Cut the Rope costs 99 cents (you can find it here in the Windows Phone Store), Microsoft tells us that Cut the Rope: Experiments will cost $2.99. Given that Experiments sells for only 99 cents on other platforms, it’s curious that our version will clock in at a higher price point.

Cut the Rope: Experiments launches for Windows Phone 7 and 8 this Wednesday, April 17th. Puzzle gaming fans won’t want to miss it!