Tag: Shmup »
Dragon Flight Review
Price: Free
Version: 1.0.0
App Reviewed on: new iPad
Graphics / Sound Rating:
User Interface Rating:
Gameplay Rating:
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[rating:overall]
If that one-more-go factor is the hook then the bait is simplistic and appealing play, and Dragon Flight scores high here too. Sliding my dragon across the screen is a cinch, even if the quick slides sometimes necessary do bring on friction burns. Power-ups are similarly easy to use, like sliding up to produce a wide light beam attack. Alongside simple play is a cute retro look with modern definition. The retro is in the colorful variety of scrolling landscapes, like the dunes of a desert or the greenery of a dense forest, and in the bright spectrum of beams that make up my shots. Both evoke memories of many a classic shmup. Meanwhile the mulitcolored waves of dragons, as well the chibi image of my pink-haired valkyrie gleaming with victory at the end of each run, is plain adorable.
On the flip side, Dragon Flight is lacking in variety. Endless waves of ever-sturdier dragons, however colorul, are always going to feel monotonous, especially with a dearth in power-ups. It's maybe greedy to ask it of a free game (albeit one with purchasable coins for upgrades), but more power-ups and the occasional boss fights would take Dragon Flight to the next level. It's maybe because the foundations of play and presentation are so solid that the lack of development is a little disappointing. On a side note, while I don't doubt its success as a marketing ploy it's still a bit low to constantly badger players to review your game with the bribe promise of 5000 free coins for doing so.
Sneakiness and monotony aside, Dragon Flight is certainly worth trying out. It may only keep interest for a few minutes or it might take over your day, but either way I'm confident most will enjoy their time with it. It's free, it has endless shooting, it has dragons, and it has a cute pink-haired valkyrie. What's not to love?
Bug Princess 2 Black Label Bound for the App Store. No, it's Not Whiskey.
The key story and gameplay elements are exactly the same as the original Bug Princess 2. Make no mistake, however, there’s new stuff to justify the purchase. Even more bullets are included in this version, which is something I would never have considered possible but there it is. Players can also recreate a near arcade-perfect experience by slowing down the action (i.e. simulating processor strain). But by far the most interesting addition is the new Boss Rush Mode. All of the massive bosses from the first and second game are here, and high scores can be posted for bragging rights. There was also mention of an option to save progress, but details are still a little scarce at this point.
Bug Princess 2 Black Label has no definitive release date or price at the moment. Presumably it should be out in the next few months, and most likely sell for anywhere between $5 and $15 using Cave’s previous titles as a guide, but that’s all speculation. It is coming, though. And it’s looking like it’ll be glorious.
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iPad Users Take Note: rRootage Online HD Has Gone Universal
Until recently, this was an experience only afforded to iPhone users. Now, after the new 1.3.0 release, iPad users can get in on the action. Yes, rRootage Online HD is indeed a universal app now.
Since I don't own an iPad myself I can't really say much of the experience on the larger device, but I imagine the bigger screen makes spotting those pesky enemy projectiles a bit easier. Regardless, it's nice to see rRootage Online HD getting even more love. It's bound to please iPad using shmup fans who've might have missed it the first time around.