Having just completed Halo 3, I thought now was as good as time as any to check out Gameloft’s N.O.V.A on the iPad.
Originally released on the iPhone/iPod touch, developers Gameloft have given the title a much needed HD makeover and the game is all the better for it.
If you are not familiar with the game, it is essentially a first person shooter set in space, sometime in the distant future. With Earth no longer able to support life, humanity has taken refuge in huge satellites called “Near Orbitals” and in order to protect themselves, they have formed a group called the Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance – hence the title, N.O.V.A
Taking control of Kal Wardin, you find yourself investigating an explosion on your Near Orbital, whilst taking advice from a female AI program called Yelena. It all sounds a bit Halo and to be honest, it is – but despite it’s lack of originality, it does not lack the important element of being fun.
Having played the game on the iPhone last year, I was never really taken by it. The idea of a FPS on a touch screen platform just didn’t appeal to me. However, the HD makeover has clearly benefited the game and as a result, the game is a lot easier to handle.
Movement is controlled by a d-pad on the left hand side of the screen and the view point is controlled by touching the screen in which ever direction you wish to look. It’s a mechanic that works very well, almost like two analogue sticks.
The weaponary is controlled by two virtual buttons on the right hand side and you can select which weapon you wish to use by swiping across the gun selection in the top right corner.
Most of the game consists of running around and shooting various alien nasties, however, the developers have cleverly included sections where you have to hack into to crates to obtain their contents – it’s a neat little deviation that keeps the proceedings fresh.
Graphically, Gameloft have done a top job and should be proud of their efforts. The HD presentation showcases their talents by exposing the lighting effects and the epic scale of some of the level design.
On the audio side of things, it’s all pretty solid too. However, at times the music can get a bit repetitive.
Aside from the single player campaign, N.O.V.A also offers gamers the chance to play against each other in the multiplayer modes. This can be achieved by either connecting via a wireless network or bluetooth.
Despite the fact that is is neither original or ground breaking, N.O.V.A is a great little game that is well worth getting if you own an iPad.
Verdict: 8 out of 10
The good:
Lots of weapons
Nice level design
The Bad:
Not very original
Loading ...
Comments