Dodonpachi Resurrection Review
PROS
- Classic CAVE style bullet dodging mayhem.
- Excellent iPhone controls to keep you in the action.
- Exclusive audio tracks for this version.
CONS
- Requires latest generation iDevices (hefty processing requirements).
- Over the top style could easily be considered a visual overload.
VERDICT
For aracade fans and shmup fans in particular, Dodonpachi Resurrection is almost worth the investment, but for casual gamers it may be a price too high to risk trying immediately - wait for the LITE version first.
- Full Review
- App Store Info
NOTE: This game requires 3rd gen or higher devices (3GS, iPad, iPhone 4 and iPod Touch 32/64gb) - CAVE recommends you try the LITE version when available to confirm compatability if you are unsure.
As developer CAVE puts it in their description of Dodonpachi Resurrection, this shoot'em-up (shmup) is bullet heaven. But one man's heaven can be another man's hell so perhaps I should point out that this isn't going to appeal to everyone because 'manic' doesn't quite come close to how intense the gameplay really is.
Much like Espgaluda II, Dodonpachi Resurrection has been given an iPhone exclusive control set and to be honest there's no real reason to veer from it as it feels simply amazing. Touching the screen will lock your fighter just below the tip of your finger and moving seems to work as fast as you require it, making bullet dodging an absolute breeze. Additional buttons arranged in a column also provide access to the game's additional features including the classic 'bombs' to switching in to hyper or laser mode. Players are rewarded depending on their play style, with aggressive players being given powerful weapon upgrades, but no bonus points and agile passive players being given faster hyper mode recharges and higher bonus multipliers.
The visuals are an absolute riot of lasers, bullets, explosions and golden stars which while exciting it also obscures a lot of the detailed sprite work. Interestingly, OpenFeint has been included for access to achievements and high-scores, so the classic days of sniping positions in the arcade is back in full swing.
All of this fun does come at a price and a hefty one at that, but if you can stand the mayhem this is a worthy shmup for any action and arcade fan to enjoy.
Screenshots
$4.99
