iPad App BreakDown: Radio Flare Redux HD & NBA Hotshot HD
Radio Flare REDUX HD ($4.99) by Chillingo Ltd is an arcade space shooter that changes up everything as you blast away enemies to the beat of the music. You control your ship with one thumb, and drag over enemies withe the other to shoot them down.
The game itself: From the opening level you will be mesmerized by this game that is so much more than just a game. It’s a full on immersive experience that appeals to your sense of sight, sound, and touch like no other experience on any other device. It’s so smooth as you control the ship with one thumb, and then trace over enemies with the other in such an effortless maneuver.
There are 30 levels in total with every level giving you a different part of a different techno song with each one a joy to listen to. The game is all about combos as you try to hold your second finger down for as long as possible targeting as many enemies as you can. Once you destroy enemies you try to pick up the little yellow pieces left behind to maximize your score to compete on Crystal's online high scores and achievements.
The game is an absolute beauty running at iPad native resolution with all the amazing background scenes and explosion of enemies on the such detailed large scale so close to you. The game indulges your senses, and it becomes so much more than just an arcade space shooter. The game maximizes the iPad’s capabilities with the outstanding visuals, amazing audio, and using the additional screen size for the uniquely wonderful controls.
Radio Flare Redux HD is a must buy for $4.99 giving you an experience unlike anything you’ve ever felt, seen, or heard all at once.
If you own the iPhone version: If you already own the iPhone version then you may want to try that one on the iPad. The game doesn’t look nearly as great, but the one complaint of the iPhone version is rectified. On the iPhone your fingers are cramped with the limited screen size, and your fingers block out part of the screen.
Just with the larger screen it allows you to have your fingers on screen with it seeming like you take up none of the screen. The iPad version is only a change in visuals with no content or even perspective changes. It’s definitely beautiful, but I don’t think it warrants five more dollars.
If you only own an iPad: If you only own an iPad Radio Flare Redux HD is a must buy for $4.99. It gives you an experience like none other on any device, and one that makes the iPad even better. It’s a game that is more than simply another game. Instead it's a game that you will enjoy every minute of the tantalizing effects on your sense of sight, sound, and touch.
If you never bought the iPhone version: If you never bought the iPhone version you may have missed our review, or couldn’t afford it then. The iPhone version is one of the top games on the platform, and was a must buy at $4.99. Now it’s only $2.99 so read our full review to help you decide.
NBA Hotshot HD ($2.99) by Freeverse, Inc. is based upon the classic arcade game of a mini basketball hoop, and you try to make as many shot as you can. You flick the basketballs towards the rim in two different gameplay modes. Classic mode gives you 40 seconds to make as many shots as you can with the basket at two point range for 20 seconds, and then moved back to three point range for the final 20 seconds. Three strikes mode let's you uptake your time, and you play until you miss three shots.
is based upon the classic arcade game of a mini basketball hoop, and you try to make as many shot as you can. You flick the basketballs towards the rim in two different gameplay modes. Classic mode gives you 40 seconds to make as many shots as you can with the basket at two point range for 20 seconds, and then moved back to three point range for the final 20 seconds. Three strikes mode let's you uptake your time, and you play until you miss three shots.
The game itself: The game is simple and fun where you flick as madly as possible while trying to maintain some semblance of precision. The flicking meqchanic works well so you actually feel like you're in control of the shots, and the physics work well whether the ball is bouncing of the backboard or clanking on the rim. The two different game mode provide a completely different challenge whether you want time based or skill based.
The game has that addictive quality to have you keep playing over and over, with the "one more time" mentality. You'll want to keep playing just because it's fun every single time, but also included is Plus+ for online high scores and achievements. On top of that there are collectable basketballs of every NBA team, and you can then use one of those balls in game.
Every time you launch the game you'll have a good time. The iPad version makes it much easier to accurately flick the balls towards the basket with the added room. The game looks great from the 3D game area to the sparkles from the balls, plus the added sound effects make it like you're playing the real arcade game.
For $2.99 NBA Hotshot HD is a should buy giving you simple fun in a great looking package with a great replay factor.
If you own the iPhone version: If you already own the iPhone version there is no difference in features with the iPad version. The HD version obviously looks better, and if you liked the iPhone version you will like the iPad version though there is no incentive to upgrade besides the looks.
If you only own an iPad: If you only own an iPad NBA hotshot is a fun casual game for a few spare minutes in your day. The game is quite addicting so be warned, and for $2.99 it's a should buy though the game is relatively simplistic. Once you play through a couple times you’ll never see anything new.
If you never bought the iPhone version: If you never bought the iPhone version, and you like the real arcade basketball game then you'll like NBA Hotshot for $1. If you like Skee-Ball you'll also like this game as the mechanic is almost the same. It's just basketball style of the same skee-ball engine.
