Chillingo's latest action game is an interesting experiment in controls for the action genre. Vampire Origins takes classic Resident Evil style gameplay and twists it with comic-book inspired storytelling producing a unique blend of dark influences.
But lets get things clear, we're not talking about sparkly vampires here - no, these are the Nosferatu-inspired horde of undead and assorted baddies. A basic analogue and touch-to-fire controls form the basic controls for movement, but for those after a different experience there are alternate touch controls. Smart-detection will determine if your touch moves your character or shoots your weapon against enemies and is definitely the recommended way of dispatching the horde thanks to feeling more responsive than the analogue option.
The game's artwork looks inspired from the classic Resident Evil series, with fixed cameras playing with perspective as you progress. Gothic architecture is blended with softly designed statues and gnarled environments to keep things spooky, but you won't have much time to admire things as you plow through your enemies. Boss fights are fun and use Quick Time Events to give them a more cinematic quality, though it'd be nice if you got to swing your sword around more directly.
Vampire Origins is a solid action game that's dark and thankfully devoid of the fanged underwear models that have infected pop-culture of late. Not a lot of challenge for action fans, but still a quick and fun romp for anyone's collection.
Description
Who was the first vampire? How did the great war between the vampires and the Order begin? Find out in this swashbuckling action adventure, the first game of the Vampire Saga. Play as Vincent, our world-weary, recently resurrected hero. He’s back from the afterlife on a quest to avenge the death of his beloved – while keeping himself out of a coffin, one silver bullet at a time.
The 1.2 Update brings
- iOS 4 support
- Retina support
- A Gyroscope Gunrange minigame!
AN EXPERIENCE WITH REAL BITE
With beautiful music and incredible comic-style hand-drawn cut scenes, Vampire Origins offers a powerful, story-driven introduction to the Vampire Saga, introducing new characters and plotlines as the history of this world begins to unfold. Truly immerse yourself in the gothic nightmare as you use the amazing new gyroscope gun range to take down those bloodsuckers before you become overrun! The Tavern is a non-linear addition to the main game; dark city streets surround this haven for vampire hordes! Race against time to save Elsa!
MORE THAN ONE WAY TO KILL A VAMPIRE
Vampire Origins: RELOADED features a variety of engaging game play scenarios. Shoot, evade, and explore as you make your way through the beautifully crafted Gothic world. There’s an innovative close-up sword-fighting mechanic, potions, scrolls, keys, levers and more to find and use. Not to mention set of clever, entertaining puzzles and vicious bosses.
SURVIVE
Introducing the brand new Gun Range Survival Mode exclusive to iPhone 4! The object is simply to stay alive until dawn. Sounds easy? Well the legions of deadly demons closing in around you have something to say about that. With accuracy and speed at your fingertips, use the new and innovative gyro control system to blast the hordes to bits in nonstop action game-play. Once you’ve taken out the monsters, compare scores with your friends on the fully-integrated Crystal leaderboards, and earn and admire a trophy shelf full of story-based Achievements!
HIGH-QUALITY 3D EXPERIENCE
Explore an impressive and sinister three-dimensional world, discovering Gothic artifacts, new weaponry, and plenty of terrifying monsters as you go. Dark alleys crawl with demonic vampires and you’ll be thankful for every bit of light on screen! Utilizing the new Retina Display, this already gorgeous game just got even better. This is high-quality iPhone gaming at its best.
The start of this epic, entertaining saga is not to be missed. Check out what the critics are raving about:
"A well-developed story line, unique controls, and fresh game play throughout leave you wanting more... a serious addition to the shooting game genre, and packs some serious unique and fresh designs to keep game play fun throughout." - 148Apps
"a macabre 3D shooter reminiscent of Alone in the Dark and early Resident Evil titles... The story that ties it all together, well rendered in cartoon-style cut scenes, did have me anxious to see how things turn out." - TouchArcade
"Vampire Origins feeds on folklore rather than saps it. Of course, it's gameplay that counts, and the quality combination of tap-action and adventure is enthralling." - PocketGamer
"Dracula games hardly get any better than Vampire Origins. Awesome gothic environment, a spooky soundtrack, pretty easy controls, and nerve-wrecking atmosphere should keep you glued to your device through the end." - Geek.com
What's New in Version 1.3
1.3 UPDATE BRINGS
- iOS 4.2 support
- GameCenter Achievement + Leaderboads added
- Improvements to the performance on Retina Displays
