Warblade HD Review

I've enjoyed a good amount of top-down shoot'em up games over the years, so finding something that tweaks the formula and introduces some new mechanics is always welcome. Warblade does not alter the standard formula that makes these games so addicting, but it does manage to pack in a few extras that help break up long sessions of alien destruction.

Warblade brings a decent amount of features and entertainment to the table, starting with weapon upgrades that players purchase between stages. As enemies explode from the screen they drop coins to aid in buying bullets, speed improvements, or even weapon upgrades. The weapon upgrades are attainable through normal play, but buying a more powerful weapon helps keep players from being reduced to a pea-shooter if they die.

The game adds a nice touch to the gameplay with the included mini-games. Some enemies will drop objects that will send the player into small diversions such as a memory matching game or challenging them to fly through an asteroid field as quickly as possible. The inclusion of a timed mode, global leader board support in which the best score per 25 levels displays at the top, and this game provides plenty of replay value.

The only complaint is with controls that sometimes lose player input. At times I would be dodging and weaving through a storm of bullets, or asteroids, and the game would just stop reading where my finger was. This led to some needless deaths and became irritating when it would reduce me to a single shot weapon.

Fans of the top-down shoot'em ups with a flair of retro aesthetics will find plenty here to keep them coming back for more. Leveling of ship components along with a constant leader board score at the top of the screen is terribly addicting. It may not be a full-blown bullet hell style game, but there is plenty to enjoy that make this game well worth picking up.

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