From E3: Gameloft Shows A Frenzy of Sequels And New iPad Versions Of Existing Games
by Staff Writer
June 19, 2010
Gameloft loaded up their bus at E3 with all kinds of upcoming games. There truly was an information overload getting hands on with three sequels and three new iPad versions of iPhone games. We saw Hero of Sparta II, Dungeon Hunter II, and Let's Golf 2 plus iPad versions of Splinter Cell: Conviction, Blokus, and Settlers.
Hero of Sparta II picks up where the original left off, but has a brand new engine, and has really beefed up every aspect of the original. Getting hands on helped a lot to see how much the combat system has changed with a directional pad for the swipe of your sword. The game has more action on screen at once, and it really shows how far iPhone games have come when comparing it to the original Hero of Sparta that was released around the launch of the App Store. The perspective has changed quite a bit so you have a closer camera angle of the third person view.
Dungeon Hunter II provides a whole new story, but maintains the same great qualities of the original. The graphics are improved with various particle and shadow effects, but the main gameplay is giving you more of what was so good in the original. Playing the game proved that it's more of the same, and it really just provides more.
Let's Golf 2 is a brand new game compared to the original with 108 holes over eight environments all completely different than the 64 holes over four environments of the original. The graphics engine has been improved, but it's still the same arcade feel with plenty more to do including a brand new career mode not seen in the first. You get to play golf in an Aztec jungle in Mexico, a Safari in Kenya, and even wintery Iceland with a slightly improved control scheme to make it a little simpler.
All three games above will be coming to the iPad as well with launches relatively close together. The launch dates are still unkown, but the builds we played don't seem very far off at all. Knowing Gameloft you should expect to see them sooner rather than later though Fall may be more likely than Summer.
Gameloft also showed Blokus HD the great board game now putting it on the device perfect for board games. Blokus HD was released today, and you can pick it up here. The Settlers is also getting the HD treatment, and if you've played the iPhone version you know how a bigger canvas can improve the gameplay greatly.
Finally Splinter Cell: Conviction is also coming to the iPad with an absolutely great looking version. It looks like Gameloft's best effort to date, and hopefully will be in the App store soon for everyone to witness. The extra room makes it easier for the more stealth takedowns the game is known for.
Gameloft has been busy recently with the re-release of Prince of Persia: Warrior Within, and that title will be coming to the iPad as well. Gameloft was definitely ready for E3, and if you've enjoyed Gameloft games in the past there is a lot to be excited for. Enjoy the plethora of screenshots below.
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