Gameloft has put out some pretty good games: Real Soccer 2010, Tom Clancy’s HAWX, and now the FPS N.O.V.A. Since i bought my 2nd generation iPhone, I’ve dl quite a few games. The first on-screen controller-based app I bought was iDracula. The controls were clean and it appeared the iPh platform showed signs of promise. Then I bought Real Soccer 2010 and Madden NFL (sorry Gameloft) each with a slick floating controller and add’l touchscreen controls. Could it get better?
A few days ago I come across a headline touting this new game by Gameloft called N.O.V.A. The screenshots looked good. Ratings looked good. Price was a bit high ($6.99 on 1/3). File size was a bit bloated (though not nearly as bad as Myst). Eh, why not? Since I was traveling, I went to a resto bar, ordered a pomelo drink and a salad, jumped on the WiFi and began the 160MB dl (19% of my battery zapped). After a really really long time, the app was finally installed.
I’ll admit, the premise of the game is lame simple, you’re an ex-soldier who’s been pulled back into service to prevent aliens from wiping out the human race by traveling around to different places and shooting stuff (it’s basically Halo on the iPh). But the story isn’t what makes the game awesome. It’s the gameplay (read below) and the ability to take the iPh platform to the next level. Yep, you can play with by yourself or with others, locally or online. Now to the nitty gritty.
- Controls. Impressive they are. The game’s controls couldn’t be easier. In other games, I’ve had issues with moving U-D-L-R, but the combo of the two controls (pad and gun) make moving around effortless (well, after you get the hang of it). Additionally, when I play games on a PSP, my hands cramp since the controls are awkwardly placed for grownups (not so much with the new PSP hardware). This game is easy to control and my hands don’t require ice and heat afterwards. 5/5
- Gameplay. Packed with a ton of levels (okay, 13) and objectives, there’s a lot to do. Six weapons, five locales, and a full 3D environment. To make your life easier (and b/c you’re on a phone which may ring), if you have to stop the game for any reason there are plenty of save points along the way. 4/5
- Graphics. Remember, this is an iPh and not an xBox or PS3. All things considered, the 3D images rival those I’ve seen for the PSP or the nDS. Blood splatters, enemies charge, and the details are pretty good. Oh, I don’t advise playing this in class or at work, the sound is crazy loud. 4/5
- PowerPlay. Dl’ing the game zapped a ton of battery power. Playing the game for a long time sucks it dry like raver doin’ ecstasy. If it weren’t for the Mophie, I never would have been able to play the game for as long as I did (let’s just say more than 2 hours at a time). This may be an Apple thing, or a Gameloft thing, but it’s a problem nonetheless. 3/5
Truth be told (and my wife will concur) I’ve had a hard time putting this one down. It’s one of my new favorite games. Enjoy. 16/20.
What’s your take on Nova or Nova 2? Chime in below or send me an e-mail at me@y2kemo.com.
