Okay folks, time to get ready. Start clearing off some space on that iOS device and set aside plenty of alone time because Hunters 2 is looming on the horizon. And not one of those “further away than it seems” horizons. I’m talking the kind of horizon that’s really, really close.

The original game was something of a smashing success, but it wasn’t exactly perfect. Many users took issue with the somewhat limited arsenal, the lack of much variation for the contracts, the repetitive environments, and so on. Well Rodeo Games has taken the criticism to heart. Hunters 2 will feature the same ridiculously awesome strategy gameplay, but also includes more. As in more of everything. More weapons, more environments, more gear, more environments, and even more features. Such as a full-blown campaign mode (*SQUEEE!!!*) It’s also looking pretty spiffy with the new real-time lighting effects. And are those new enemy types I see in those screen shots? I think they are.

Regrettably there still aren’t any real specifics about the launch, but Rodeo Games estimates that we can all look forward to seeing Hunters 2 on the App Store in just a couple of weeks. How much it’ll cost is still up in the air, but honestly, does it really matter? I’m fairly certain there are a ton of iOS users that are anxious to jump on it as soon as it’s available, no matter the price. Myself included.

Earlier this year microtransaction based games were just starting to hit their stride on iOS.  One such title that dipped its toes into those waters was the Rodeo Games developed Hunters: Episode One.  The game landed a four star review back in March, and went on to be downloaded an impressive 600,000 times over the last nine months.  The tactical RPG/strategy genre was a perfect fit for the iPhone and iPad, and fans seemed to feel passionately the same way.

A chief complaint about the game was that it lacked a clear cut campaign, or protagonist for that matter, for players to invest themselves in.  Having heard the input from fans and critics alike, Rodeo Games are proud to announce that Hunters 2, a proper sequel to the game, is in the works and will feature a full single player campaign.  Following the story of Hero class character Caius Black, players will finally get their next chance to jump into the deeply immersive and detailed worlds of the Hunters universe.

Here are some of the improvements and enhancements that Rodeo has in store:

“…included are new enemies races, environments, mission types and of course more guns and gear! Under the hood, we’ve built a new graphics engine which can handle real-time dynamic lighting along with loads of customization options.”

The new game is scheduled to launch in Spring of 2012 on iPhone, iPad, and iPod.  There aren’t any details on what specific devices will be supported, but this will no doubt be discussed as the release date more rapidly approaches.  Check out some of the preview images below, just to get a taste of the action that will be coming your way next year.  But until then, if you haven’t checked out the original game, you really owe it to yourself to give it a look.  After a few hours of play you will probably be just as excited as we are!

$0.99

Hunters: Episode One

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2011-02-26 :: Category: Games