N.O.V.A. Creates FPS Breakthrough With iPhone 4 Gyroscope And Retina Integration
July 21, 2010
Gameloft's sci-fi FPS, N.O.V.A. - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance, was first released mid-December of last year. The game hasn't received a ton of enhancements or additions since its debut, but didn't really need any. Today, however, that has changed. N.O.V.A has received a really significant update for iPhone 4 users, making superb use of the gyroscope to add an incredible new level of control, and making it gorgeous with enhanced Retina-level graphics.
I was skeptical at first, as I've tried a number of games that relied on tilting your iDevice to control. None ever truly impressed me, until now. The standard control scheme for N.O.V.A. has a virtual joystick to move your character around for your left thumb, a trigger button for your right, and then you are able to aim or look around by using a thumb or finger to pan around the screen. Enabling the gyroscope control gives you an almost entirely new experience. You still use a virtual joystick to move and shoot with an on-screen button, however, aiming and looking around are done by moving your iPhone 4 physically around, as if it were a camcorder or a pair of goggles.
Not only does this help make aiming and shooting much easier but it brings an almost augmented reality feel to the game. It made me want to stand up to play it because your character almost seems to mimic your exact movements. The gyroscope is phenomenally accurate at tracing your actions. It really doesn't do it justice to simply hear about it, you need to experience it for yourself to fully appreciate it. If there was ever a time to break out your wallet on an iPhone 4 FPS game, it's now!
N.O.V.A. tells the story of a retired Marine hero named Kal Wardin who must return to active duty in order to prevent mankind from being annihilated by the evil aliens known only as “Judges.”
The game’s single-player campaign features thirteen levels that take place in five different environments. It also features a total of six weapons, not including grenades, and the ability to man turrets in certain levels. N.O.V.A. also features a multiplayer mode that can be played locally via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or online via Wi-Fi. The game utilizes Gameloft’s free online service, Gameloft Live, to pit you against up to three other players. Multiplayer features five maps and online leaderboards that can be viewed in-game and on their official website.
N.O.V.A. - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance is available in the App Store for $4.99.
