iShoot Review
The world of gaming was taken by storm by a game known as Worms when it was released 13 years ago. This PC game had a 2D gameplay involving tanks firing missiles and launching attacks at each other. The bombs destroyed not just tanks but also the terrain and this was a big thing then. iShoot is a new iPhone/iPod game which resembles Worms with multiple tanks attacking each other on destructible environments. However, the developers, Naughty Bits Software, have not created a clone of Worms for Apple. Only the core concept has been borrowed. This game has been aggressively promoted in App Store and is available for just $2.99
Upon launching iShoot, the first thing you’ll notice is the simplicity of its menu. There are only two options: New Game and Instructions. Selecting instructions gives the player a brief overview of how to play the game, while tapping the other option obviously starts a new game. Up to four players can participate in iShoot, with the remainder of the spots optionally being filled by AI opponents. It’s worth noting that the AI for iShoot is not particularly challenging until you hit the absolute top level. To illustrate, a “hard” computer opponent in a one-on-one match is decently beatable, yet an “extreme” opponent is frustratingly challenging with most of their shots being dead-on.
This game has a turn based gameplay. A player can control a single tank to play this game. The object of this game is to do whatever it takes to destroy the other tank. You have numerous weapons and every hit takes out not just the opponent but also the surrounding terrain. This roughs up the terrain and makes it difficult to aim accurately. This adds to the fun as even a fluke shot at the right angle can score a direct hit. Or, both tanks may be at the end of the tether but yet survive just because the opponent cannot aim accurately and hit the other tank.
The most valuable aspect of this game is its weapons. There is a lot of choice available as far as weapons are concerned. Before the start of each stage, you are given funds to purchase weapons. You should choose your weapons wisely. Going in for the expensive Shiva bomb will leave you with very little money for any other weapon. Using the weapon is a tactical decision and should be taken accordingly. To use the nuke to create a crater and restrict the opponent or to use it to finish off the opponent is a million dollar question. If you want some space, you can opt for the terrain modifying weapons to create mounds or walls to block the access routes of your enemy. The weapons form the most interesting aspect of this game and this game would never had been very popular had it not been for the wonderful choices available as far as weapons are concerned.
If you do not want to focus on moving the tank around, you must opt for a simple map of a hill. On the other hand, if you want wickedly complex maps, opt for the one where you fight on top of Mount Rushmore. This game would have been a lot more fun had the developers permitted the players to choose their maps. Currently, you have to play on the map assigned by the game. This restriction prevents you from playing on your favorite map again and again.
As far as graphics of this game is concerned, the presence of a periodic frame rate slowdown is inexcusable for a game that is rendered in 2D. This does not affect actual performance as the game is not dependent on a good frame rate. However, this error is indicative of poor programming on the part of the developers. Apart from this issue, the graphics are par for the course. The tanks are not designed in detail but the environment has been rendered very well. The frame rate issue needs to be sorted out before the next version is released.
The sound is also lacking on iShoot. There is no background music – simply the sounds made during the firing of and explosions by the various weapons in the game. If this game was only a dollar, then this point would seem less poignant, but for a three dollar app, the inclusion of some sort of a background track is a no brainer.
If this game has to be described in a single word, one would have to call it a fun game. However, its high price is a dampener on an otherwise good game. The price seems very high considering the fact that the developers have not provided for a real menu design, a good background music score and different modes of playing the game. The developers ought to put more effort in these areas. The work done on the wide range of weapons and maps is not enough to justify its high price. However, if you can afford this game, you should go for it as it will make a great addition to your iPhone/iPod gaming library.
Game Score: 7.5 / 10
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MW2:: 3 Nukes In 1 Game:: TheMarkOfJ