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When the original Asteroids arcade game was released 30 years ago, it was a much more original concept than Asteroids Gunner is today. This latest installment is a freemium twin-stick shooter like the many we've seen on the App Store in recent years, but it clings to its roots with a mighty grip. In other words, Atari has taken their enduring classic, slapped on a new coat of paint, added some features, and released it once again to the world.
So this isn't a total re-imagining of Asteroids, and it's sure to have a much smaller impact on the videogame landscape. The biggest changes they've made to the "fly around and shoot space rocks" gameplay is that they've tossed in a half-hearted level structure and thrown a bunch of temporary power-ups into the game. These upgrades can be picked up as loot drops from some of the asteroids you destroy, or purchased using the gold you earn in the levels.
The power-ups are helpful, but unfortunately none of them last long. You’ll get a few seconds out of invincibility shields, rapid-fire upgrades, spread shots, and ice lasers, but they’re gone in short order. Even if you use your purchased power-ups and pick up a few in a level, you'll still spend most of your play time shooting with your normal cannon.
The game's level structure is similarly disappointing. Although the game is segmented into three worlds made up of 50 levels each, the levels are practically indistinguishable from one another. As you progress, the main difference is that more asteroids are sent your way. Occasionally you'll see another space ship that gives you points when you destroy it, but by and large the game is just a bunch of space rocks flying around the screen, breaking apart as you shoot them.
And of course the best stuff in the game, like nukes, gameplay perks, and additional worlds, can’t be bought with the gold you pick up in the levels. These require a separate currency that can only be attained by spending actual money via in-app purchase. You can buy these credits in bundles that cost between $1.99 and $99.00, so parents should make sure to log out of the App Store before handing their iOS device over to their kids.
We realize we've done a lot of complaining in this review. But underneath all that, Asteroids Gunner really is a moderately fun game with great controls that you can play for a very long time without spending a dime. In other words, it’s the kind of freemium game that doesn't feel like a mugging. As a twin-stick shooter it’s not as good as Meteor Blitz, but it’ll do in a pinch, and it won’t necessarily cost you a red cent.
via:slidetoplay