Dungeon Hunter 2 Review
PROS
- Deep action-RPG gameplay.
- Multiple specializations.
- Lengthy campaign; shareable via local and online co-op.
CONS
- Poor target detection.
- Open-world not reigned in with appropriate quests.
- Frustrating map setup; constantly interrupts game flow.
VERDICT
If you're after an action-RPG you could hardly find better than Dungeon Hunter 2 at this time, but just because it's at the top, it doesn't mean it isn't without its flaws.
- Full Review
- App Store Info
Dungeon Hunter 2 by Gameloft doesn't so much represent a change in direction for action-RPGs on iDevices as much as it is a refinement on the title that came before it. Once again you'll take up the responsibility of an immortal in defense of Gothicus, traveling the wide and varied paths of the world until you can fulfill your destiny as its hero.
Two control schemes are available for players to choose from and you can either tap directly or use a virtual stick to move around and select the enemies you wish to crush. A basic attack button is available and can be held down to keep attacking at your selected foe, while three quick-slot buttons provide access to your class special abilities. Each of the three basic classes of 'warrior','rogue' and 'mage' can be further specialized in to one of two branching trees, providing access to active and passive abilities to vary your gameplay experience.
However things start to get a bit quirky once you scratch the surface of Dungeon Hunter 2 and the otherwise exceptional action-RPG can suffer for these flaws. Item management is simplified by either auto-destroying items of a specified quality and auto-equipping can outfit you with the best items on offer, however this can result in poor item choices and lost benefits which can only be remedied by laboriously delving through your inventory instead of relying on this feature. Abilities, while flashy and helpful at times can be overshadowed by your basic attack, making them all but utilitarian for some class paths. And finally, while the map system provides a handy way to search for hidden areas, the constant need to swap back and forth in to the menu to double check your progress becomes tiring early in the game.
Finally, while the open-world concept provides a great incentive for exploration the quests provide weak indicators of where you should travel next and the constant feeling of having left something behind never really leaves you. Dungeon Hunter 2 is still in a league of its own as far as action-RPGs go and for this alone it's well worth grabbing, but it lacks the finesse of the titles it seeks to emulate.
Screenshots
$6.99
