App of the Week: RipTide GP2 for Android

It's been a while, but in attempt to get the ball rolling again; we are back with a new 'App of the Week' and this week that app is 'RipTide GP2' for Android mobile devices.  First off, let me say that this game is simply amazing.  It is more of the same but with new tracks, a much larger career mode, upgradable 'Hydro Jets'; if you played it's predecessor you will have a general idea about what the sequel will have in store for you.  However, this time around VectorUnit has given us Online Multiplayer.  Let's cover what this game is all about.

The Deal:

As this game is about pure speed and thrilling tricks, there is no story.  The premise is you are a Hydro Jet racer in futuristic Hydro Jet Races.  Think of a Hydro Jet as a futuristic Jet Ski.  As you progress through the race circuits you will encounter not just standard 8 man races, but you will be faced with 'Hot Lap' and 'FreeStyle' races as well.  More on those below.  Regardless what mode or race type you play, I promise you it will become addictive fun that will be hard to put down.

Ready... Set... Go!

Race Types You Will Encounter:

You will of course play through the standard race that includes 8 NPC's all racing each other to the finish line.  The amount of laps and duration of the race will depend on what circuit you are playing.  The end goal is of course to be the first to cross the finish line.

Elimination mode will pit you against 8 NPC's and every few seconds (determined by the circuit you are playing) a player will be eliminated without prejudice.  The goal is to stay ahead of the pack and let everyone else get eliminated.  The only way to ensure victory is to be the race leader and outlast everyone else.

Hot Lap is basically a time-trial race.  Each time trial has set times that you need to complete the lap under in order to win.  Some tracks it's 1:07, some tracks it's 00:59 or a little less.  You will need to upgrade your Hydro Jet and make sure you have a speed demon to ensure victory in these races.

The level's are absolutely stunning!

Finally, you will bump into 'Free Style' races.  These races feature only your racer on a track filled with Ramps to trick off of.  Each 'Free Style' race will have a set score you have to hit to place in the top 3.  Earn points by popping tricks off of large waves of water and ramps.  You will have to unlock higher tier tricks to place high in the more advanced circuits.  More on that below.

Controls:

Controlling your Hydro Jet is as simple as tilting your mobile device in the direction you'd like to navigate.  Popping tricks is handled by swiping your thumbs in a particular order on the screen while your racer is airborne.  Each trick has a unique swipe, with the more advanced tricks requiring a slightly more difficult swipe pattern.  Sounds a little strange, but trust me... It works great.

Skills and Upgrades:

There are several different Hydro Jets that you can unlock with cash earned from your races.  Along with purchasing new Hydro Jets, you can also purchase upgrades to your Hydro Jet's abilities.  These abilities are split into several categories: 

- Acceleration

- Top Speed

- Handling

- Boost

Busting a Move!

Each category does exactly what it's name applies.  As you upgrade, the next upgrade level becomes more expensive requiring you to play more to earn more in-game cash to upgrade your ride.  You can also change the color-scheme (or 'paint job') of your Hydro Jet and your racer's uniform.

It doesn't stop there either.  As you play and race you will earn XP that will help you level up.  As you level up you get extra in-game cash and SP points that you will redeem for things like new tricks and increased agility and increased boost time.  Later in the game you will discover some future tricks are compounding.  So they require a trick from a lower skill level before they can be unlocked.  All in all the leveling system is pretty deep for a mobile racing game.

Music:

The soundtrack is pretty similar to the first RipTide GP.  Mixing techno beats with what sounds like spots of dub-step in spots.  All in all, it's pretty catchy and helps keep the energy moving during gameplay.

Online Mulitplayer

The online multiplayer is what I like to play.  I have ran several online matches against others and I have had a lot of fun.  Basically you pick 'Quick Match' and let the game match you up.  If you have signed in with your Google+ account, you can send invites and play with your friends as well.

Circuit Listing

Final Comments:

All in all, RipTide GP2 is an amazing game.  We are finally at the point where the division between mobile games and console quality games is started to fade.  The effects and overall experience are simply amazing.  In my opinion this game is well worth the $2.99 price tag.  Per their website, the game is also on it's way to the Apple iTunes App Store as well.

To Checkout RipTide GP2 visit the Google Play Store: http://bit.ly/15CFQxm

App Cost: $2.99

Rating: 5/5 Stars

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Android App Review: Star Legends Beta

I've been eagerly anticipating the release of Star Legends for Android devices.  So much in fact, that it's release into Beta slipped right past me.  It wasn't until a couple of days ago I found an article about the game.  So I had to check it out, and I must say that I am hooked.

Star Legends was created by Spacetime Studios.  If the name sounds familiar that is because they also released Pocket Legends for iOS and Android mobile devices.  The both games are mobile MMO titles.  And they are both awesome.  Pocket Legends is a fantasy world MMO where you play as a bipedal animal is a fantasy kingdom.  Whereas Star Legends is a lot of the same, but set on a space station type ship.

From the start of the game you get to pick your character class.  There are three classes: Commando, Operative, and Engineer.  They each have their own unique uses.  Engineers can repair things, Commando players have access to heavy weapons and armor making a great tank class.  And the Operative class can actually dual wield pistols and firearms.  Personally, I went with a Commando class.  After selecting your class you can customize your character appearance somewhat with a limited selection of hair styles/colors and faces.  You can also switch the gender of your character between male and female.

As you play you'll level up, just as with any other MMO style game.  The early missions have you running around the ship learning where things are and doing some simple missions.  I'm up to level 6 now and am able to pretty well hold my own in a fire fight.  Which is a lot of fun.

The controls are simple, there is a "virtual" joystick on the bottom left of the screen and the combat button and skill buttons are on the bottom right side of the screen.  You can loot storage chests for gear and use enhancers to temporarily give you the upper hand during a mission.  Things like vanity gear and enhancers can be bought with Platinum (which can be bought with real world money).  However, the use of these paid items isn't necessary to enjoy the game.  They do give every new player a one time use, free enhancer.

The missions are fun, but do get a little repetitive after playing for a while.  However, when you take into consideration that this is still a mobile game, and it's intent is to be played on the go.  Chances of someone sitting for 3 hours farming a particular instance probably isn't going to happen that much.  More like jumping in and running a mission for 10 minutes here and there was more of the intent.  With that being said, wiping out a mob with a group of other players is pretty gratifying.

Where this game really shines is in the social department.  It is extremely easy to build a friend's list in this game.  I have been playing Guild Wars for several years now and have about a dozen people in my friend's list.  I have played Star Legends for 2 days and already half 6 people in my buddy list.  All of which I have run other missions with since initially meeting with them in game.

The ability for upgrading your character's skills and abilities is extremely easy and well thought out.  Inventory management is a cinch too, since you start out with 50 free slots.  Items you no longer need or want can be sold directly from your inventory screen, eliminating the need to find a vendor or seller to get rid of low level items you'll pickup during a mission.

I'll have to be honest, I played a little bit of Pocket Legends on my iPod Touch quite some time ago and thought it was a good game.  But couldn't get into it (the smaller screen felt small and cramped to me).  However, on a 10 inch tablet screen, the game is great.  Looks great, sounds great and plays smooth.

I would highly recommend this game to RPG fans, MMO fans, and Space Shooter fans.  It has a little something for everybody.  And to beat it all, the app is free of charge.  If this is the bar that is being set of MMO's on mobile devices, the future is looking sweet!

Star Legends Beta: Download from the Android Market!

I give this Star Legends Beta 5 stars out of 5 stars.

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