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Epic Games and Chair Entertainment have not disappointed with the challenging followup to their iPhone and iPad game standard-setting Infinity Blade.
This review comes to you as I'm on my fourth rebirth and still trying my best to wade through the one-on-one combats that form the core of the original game's success. The team at Chair has not deviated too far from the original formula that requires you to engage in combat with any number of beautifully rendered Assassins, Rookbanes and other evil humanoids. The controls are not all that different from the original, which is great because there is not much to re-learn, though if it is a while since you took to swiping, blocking and digging your enemies there is a nice little prelude which coaches you through the game mechanics again.
However, there are some enhancements with weapons now divided into three categories: light, heavy and dual. The difference is that heavy weapons are two handed (some pretty mean looking axes) but limit your dodging and blocking options, and dual allows you to have weapons in each hand, but you forgo your shield. This allows for some variation for those who feel they need a challenge. There are also gems to collect, which only fit with certain wielded items and will enhance them in some way if the gem is the right match. The interface for the slightly enhanced weapon system is pretty self explanatory, and the core process of gaining experience in items and upgrading them by buying new weapons once you've mastered them remains. It is a simple and effective system that gives a sense of advancement that is probably too quick for some, but enjoyable none the less.
In addition to the weapon changes, some combats offer bonus XP if you can defeat the minion of the God King without using blocking, or if you can parry on three occasions in one combat, or something in that vein. These are all small additions, which are important because they add enough interest and new activity to not make it feel like you are just wandering through a set path killing one humanoid after another.
This time the narrative also gives us a greater sense of the Infinity Blade world than the original. It is slightly hazy and seems to introduce a range of plot ideas that don't fully make sense, but it is an obvious continuation as you start with the Infinity Blade and all your previous equipment from the original game. Without giving away any spoilers, you have a sense that you are destined for something greater, but are not sure what that is. There are a few more options and paths on offer that take you to new parts of the castle, but you have to locate different keys to access them. I wouldn't call it a role-playing game yet, but it is on its way.
Of course, the graphics are just stunning – even more so than in the first game. There is the option to fast forward through the scenes, but you may find you won't. There are still bags of gold and potions to be found hidden in the scenery which as you progress higher and higher you begin to value. I personally love the chance to scan up and around the horizon, looking from the tops of bridges into the abyss below. When you have headphones on this game offers up a really immersive experience - you will lose hours.
The best move by the team was to stick with what worked well, enhance it in places, but not try to be too fancy. It is a strategy that I think has worked.
My main issue with such a well-produced game is the audio. The sound effects are passable, but the game would blow you away if the sound matched the visuals. I'd like have heard more realistic sounds from characters during the fight scenes, the final blow comes with some great heavy breathing from the victor - that type of audio throughout the fight scene, instead of just the clashing of swords would really add value. Also, the narration and character voices seem to be below the standard I'd expect for such a stand out product.
All in all, Infinity Blade II takes up where Infinity Blade left off, and hopefully only further encourages others to try and match the elegance of design, beauty of scenery and simplicity of game mechanics.
You can find Infinity Blade II in the iTunes App Store for $6.99
Wired: Amazing graphics and engaging mobile device game play.
Tired: Audio and sound effects don't match the high quality in the rest of the game.
