Finger Shot RPG Review
Price: $0.99
Version Reviewed: 1.0
Device Reviewed On: iPhone 3GS
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Technically, one could probably make an argument that Finger Shot RPG is in fact an RPG. It has a battle system in which each unit type has stats and it includes a persistent leveling system that lets the player level up and improve the stats of each individual unit. However, the game is split up into different levels, much like one would expect to see in a puzzle game; each level has a different set of enemies that the player must figure out how to defeat using available units. The game also lacks any kind of narrative or quests to guide the player through the seemingly random battles.
The gameplay is an interesting take on turn-based tactical RPG battles. It easiest to explain by comparing the game to a game of marbles, where players shoot marbles around a ring hitting them into one another. Instead of each unit having a distinct movement patterns and attack values, characters in Finger Shot RPG have speed, mass, and recharge times until they can be moved next. To attack, the player slides their own unit in a trajectory that will crash it into an enemy unit. Each unit bounces off the other, momentum is transfered from one unit to another and both units ricochet off the environment and the other units much like marbles would. Damage is done and when a unit looses all its hit points, it dies. Otherwise, units can be knocked off of the playing field into water or lava, much like marbles being hit outside of the marble ring.
There are tons of units of varying strength and ability. There are knights, soldiers, archers, and mages to choose from and each have their own unique characteristics. This gives the game a depth that will take players hours to fully appreciate. The graphics are simple but adequate, and if the players can get used to the unique battle system they will likely enjoy this game regardless of the lack of flashy animations. Add to this the inclusion of a multiplayer mode and Finger Shot RPG ends up being a fairly good game, even if it is a bit hard to define.