Review: StarDunk - Skilled Shooting In Space

Overview When the developers of iBlast Moki make a new game it’s time to take notice. StarDunk is Godzilab’s newest game which is an online multiplayer basketball game. You play against online opponents trying to make as many baskets as you can with combos for precise shots and bonus items when using the backboard. Features There is a glowing basket on the left side of the screen with four boards behind it which make up a backboard. You’re given different points to shoot from on the right side of the screen, and you simply drag your finger to move the trajectory of the shot. When you make swishes, nothing but net, your multiplier increases. When you light all four parts of the backboard you unlock a bonus which is active for a few seconds. Every game gives you two minutes to score as much as you can. The game is intertwined with Plus+ and the achievements are connected to unlockable balls each with their own unique attributes. The Good StarDunk is simple and fun, and incorporates the full feeling of competition. As soon as you pick up the game you’ll instantly get the controls, and you then can be free to simply enjoy the simple mechanic. The game is all about adjusting the trajectory of your shot to make as many baskets as possible, as cleanly as possible. The challenge comes from the position of your shot changes randomly from shot to shot so you’re always in a different spot requiring a different trajectory. Your score is dependent on a number of things so there are a few different strategies you can use. You can try to fire off as many shots as possible not going for the most precision. Or you can shoot for the backboard to light it up to unlock the bonuses. Or you can take your time, and go for clean shots which have a a multiplier attached to them. Though the best is a combination of the three as you’re competing live online. The online component is exceptional, and one of the best online experiences in the App Store. The games take a varying amount of time to start up, and there are always a different number of opponents. As you’re firing baskets away for your best score, you can see your live in match rank in the upper right. There is also a globe in the background that spins around during the game showing the location, score, and rank of your opponents to see how your score compares. It’s a two minute free for all doing all you can to score as much as possible. The competition adds to the variability of the game as no match plays the same, and it’s a fun competition each two minute round you play. While waiting for the next match you don’t have to be stuck looking at a lobby like most online games, and instead you can play local StarDunk practicing your shot or even playing a full round. To further help the replay factor the achievements are tied to unlockable balls which have new abilities. When you unlock new balls to play with you'll be able to play better with the new balls, and compete better which is great incentive. Also using Plus+ is the online ranking system of your best score, and the number of competitions you’ve participated in. The visual style is exquisite with the space view of earth as the background that is constantly spinning to show a new player’s location. Then there is the glowing trail of every shot, and the burst of sparks on made baskets. It's great to see the final shot zoomed in and in slow motion, and overall the game is just so well made it really shows in most aspects. The Bad The gameplay itself is relatively simplistic as you’re simply dragging to alter the trajectory of a ball over and over again. There is no variation to the mechanic, but despite that reasoning you’ll still find yourself playing it over and over. Each game plays similarly with the two minute time limit which results in your score being in the same range. When in competition you’re given the same bonuses in the same order so it doesn’t feel as random, but it does make it more even to compare scores online. There isn’t much background noise so there is just the sound of made baskets which isn’t the best surround noise for the game. The Verdict StarDunk provides a very fun online experience with a simple mechanic that is tough to master. It makes shooting baskets an enjoyable competition with the smooth controls, outstanding visuals, and online competition. This is one of the best online experiences for the iPhone platform that will keep you coming back for more. StarDunk is a should buy for $0.99, and is a perfect combination of pick up and play and online fun.

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