The original Infinity Blade made me look at iOS games differently. Why? Because I’m a slut for pretty graphics.
Sure the iPhone has a lot going for it, but at the end of the day, it’s a still a phone, so when I saw it running a game in majestic 3D using Epic’s Unreal Engine 3 my jaw dropped.
Then I played it and was pleasantly surprised by its engaging combat system and relatively compelling, if a little vacuous, RPG and loot mechanisms. It swiftly became one of my favourite iOS games to date, and despite its repetitive nature and somewhat limited control interface, it earned itself a place amongst the top rated iOS games released to date.
So I was immensely excited to discover that Chair Entertainment was once again teaming up with Epic Games to release a sequel.
For those unfamiliar with the original Infinity Blade, it is essentially an on-rails third-person action game that focuses heavily on combat, but also on collecting loot and upgrading your hero.
As you progress enemies become more difficult, so it is important that you increase your hero’s vital stats, improve weapons, and so on.
In terms of these fundamental mechanics, Infinity Blade II is no different to its progenitor. What it does do, however, is flesh out some of the first game’s core concepts and inject some much needed variation into the mix.
Infinity Blade II
The sequel picks up where the first game left off. The God King has been defeated and the hero is finally in possession of the coveted Infinity Blade. I won’t reveal any more of the story, but suffice to say that it hinges on some fairly dreadful deux ex machinima plot devices. Having said that, if you forgive its shortcomings then it’s easy enough to enjoy the story.
Speaking of story and narrative, one noteworthy change is that cutscenes are now voiced in English instead of the made up language which comprised the dialogue in the first game. This makes things easier to follow, but at the same time less exotic.
The core gameplay is largely unchanged. The basic combat system, which is really the heart of Infinity Blade, is instantly recognisable from the first game.
Using the iDevice touch screen, players must block, parry, dodge and attack. Timing is everything, and the combat sequences are challenging, rewarding and ultimately enjoyable.
Some tweaks have been made to the combat system, for instance, players can no longer rely on repeating the same defensive manoeuvres. If they do, their character becomes exhausted. This forces you to play more dynamically, and it works in the game’s favour.
Infinity Blade II
Two handed weapons have been added, presenting a whole new combat style which players can become familiar with.
Speaking of equipment; there is a ridiculous amount of it to collect and buy in Infinity Blade II, and like the previous game, as players use items they gradually master them over time. Players can also attach gems to items which grant them additional abilities.
Locations seem a bit more varied, but the game relies on the “bloodline system” whereby each time you die you come back as a supposed descendent of your previous hero and must start from the beginning. As a result you will be playing through the same locations a lot, but at least this time around things feel a little less linear, with more choices on offer when deciding how to move forward.
The visuals, yet again, are a marvel to behold, and the Unreal Engine 3 does a glorious job of rendering the 3D world on the iPhone 4 or iPad.
In many ways, Infinity Blade II is a lot like the first game. However, it does enough tweaking to the formula, and adds enough depth to make it an ultimately worthwhile sequel. For just $6.99 (R56), Infinity Blade II is a must buy for anyone who is even vaguely interested in playing games on their iPhone or iPad.
Infinity Blade II
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