Engio War iPhone Game Review

Chess Pro iPhone Game Review

Cuorbs iPhone Game Review

You are here: Home » $2 » Engio War iPhone Game Review

Posted on 22. Jan, 2009 by iPhone App Reviewer in $2, 8 Star Ratings, iPhone Game App Reviews

Engio War: Colourful particle shooting fun

Engio War is an addictive tilt controlled 2D shooter with vibrant appealing colours. This app makes you feel like you’re in a huge particle demo simulation but it’s really entrancing. You take the role of an Arc Shooter fighting off various enemies with your constant stream of dark-matter bullets. Moving your Arc around with the accelerometer tilting controls, and braking by holding down on the screen. For an extra graphical effect, you can tap the screen to unleash a frenzy of particles (which do nothing but are well, cool!). Once you get far enough, whirlwinds of particles will appear and try to pull your bullets into it.

Simple, yes, but nonetheless challenging. The accelerometer controls are fairly good but could be smoothed out a bit. It would be nice to add a small touch controlled orientation change. Engio War is a diamond in the rough, a great start to something that with more features could be an amazing arcade game. Once you progress into the game whirlwinds will suck in particles and dark matter bullets, and new enemies will appear. Unfortunately there aren’t many enemies in the game and the enemies do not do anything except swarm you (why not have abilities and weapons). Nonetheless Prixeon (the developer of Engio War) claims the enemies have “Advanced AI.” They’re not kidding, the artificial intelligence is excellently done.

The app mostly lacks a user interface, a very bare-bones menu which is missing a menu link for high scores. In game pause screen won’t allow you to go back to the main menu, instructions, or high scores. If the app is interrupted by a phone call or exiting the app, the game doesn’t save so it won’t be there for you when you come back. If you press the top button on your iPhone to lock it, the game keeps playing. The graphics are decent, the particles and background really attract you into the game. Although, the game objects like your Arc Shooter and enemies graphics are mediocre.

To wrap up, if you’re into retro style arcade gaming this game is for you. Especially if Prixeon adds more features in their next update. If you like a casual game that wastes time in any length then this is also perfect. The game can be a challenge at the start but eventually you get pretty good so the game does lose some replay value. $3.99 is a bit steep for this app, unless they add some for features. $1.99 would better suit it. If you’re into this sort of game though, don’t let the price scare you away.

Overall Ratings:

Gameplay: 7.5/10

Enjoyment: 8.5/10

Graphics: 7.5/10

Sound: 5/10

Technology: 8.5/10

Replay Value: 8/10

Overall Rating: (note, for an accurate rating we have taken sound out of the average rating), 8/10

Further Improvements: (note to the developer!)