Tech & Gaming News Reviewing: Infinity Blade II
Jan 21 2013 in Apps, Articles, iOS, Mobile Gaming, Reviews by Zach
- Developer(s): Chair Entertainment Group LLC, Epic Games
- Platform(s): iOS
- Price(s): $6.99
The second installment in the Infinity Blade series by CEG & Epic Games, Infinity Blade II is by far one of the most gripping games to grab right now. With fast paced combat, an immersive story-line that not only grabs your attention but holds it with an unshakable grip; keeping you entertained to the very last second. This game also features some of the best graphics I’ve ever seen on a mobile device, easily near-console quality & worthy of any major console system currently released.
Overview
The game itself is a beauty, with outstanding graphical work done on well, everything! Each item you can acquire is designed with attention paid to even the finest details, leaving nothing to be desired. The gameplay is a continuation from the preceding storyline but has just the right amount of differentiation that newcomers to the series won’t have a feeling of being lost.
Features
Updated Menu System
The game menu has had a lovely & often refreshing update, taking advantage of the new iPhone 5′s 4-inch screen. Your inventory is much easier to manage, crisp and concise item descriptions tell you exactly what you’re looking at without any “Whaa?” factor happening. Scrolling through the items you own is a breeze, each one loading quickly without a wait.
While the core style of gameplay has differed little from it’s predecessor Infinity Blade II has had some very lovely changes introduced. Overall it’s been made much more enjoyable and easier to navigate combat scenarios & even the game world itself.
The singleplayer aspect of the game is pretty much the same, tap and drag around the screen to navigate around the game world or pick up hidden items such as bags of gold. However, the interface is much easier to use, not as bulky or mushed together as in the original. Combat is much flashier with special effects, much less easier to perform on the 4″ screen of the new iPhone & iPod Touch.
Now this is sort of a misnomer as there isn’t a true multiplayer aspect to the game. Rather, there is a challenge system or, “Clashmob” where you join forces with other players to defeat a set amount of say, a level 100 Titan in a given time period. If you defeat the enemy for that particular challenge you add to the total score for that specific Clashmob. If it’s completed in time everyone who qualified for the challenge I.E. won, will win a prize of either in-game currency or an item.
Extra
Beautiful, console-quality graphics; amazing gameplay, a unique story-line that ties in with the preceding game yet stands strong all on it’s own this game is a must have.
Unfortunately, even with all it’s amazing features this game does have a few things that albeit slightly, do decrease the enjoyment gained playing it. It is somewhat slow going to acquire enough in-game currency to afford the high-level items needed to defeat the higher ranked enemies, and even though you can purchase extra gold at any time with real-life money, it’s not cheap enough to be a viable expense for long. You can acquire enough gold playing the game, it just takes a bit of time to do so.
For the price, this game is a total must have for not only the sheer beauty of it, but also the repeat enjoyment it gives. This game does not get old, no matter how many times played. Each bloodline gives new challenges, new enemies to defeat, more equipment to find and master. And even with the pay-to-play factor thrown in, this game still is one of the best available on the App Store to date in my opinion.
Wrap Up
All in all I would highly recommend this game for it’s high level of playability, fun single & multiplayer gameplay, and the pickup-and-play style which it achieves very well. Not to mention the amazing graphics! Please note, if playing on older devices your enjoyment level may be slightly limited so I recommend a newer device if you do purchase the app.
