Review: Dark Nebula - Episode 2 - Ready To Roll?
by Staff Writer
August 5, 2010
Overview
Have you ever picked up a game that you just can't put down? That may just be because you haven't picked up Dark Nebula - Episode 2 yet, the ball rolling platformer sequel. Get ready to roll through the most difficult of situations while battling all kinds of enemies in a uniquely iPhone game.
Just a reminder we had a sneak peek of episode two, and we have an interview with the developer Anders Hejdenberg.
Features
Episode 2 gives you 19 levels across five environments that all are completely different. There is a brand new combat system where you have a colored orb rotate around you, and you hit enemies with it. Every level is graded on a bronze to gold scale and there are online high scores.
The Good
This is what making a sequel is all about giving you more of an already great thing, and improving on things you didn't think needed improving. Episode 2 offers the same types of obstacles to roll through, plus plenty new ones that offer tons of challenge and fun. The controls are especially great because they are so fine tuned allowing you to maneuver the complexities of the levels as though you're rolling the ball in the palm of your hand.
You can stop on a dime, and move all about and it comes so naturally without actively thinking about it. Whether you're rolling across a tight walk or jumping to single piece platforms you can handle it with the controls. The controls open this challenging gameplay up to any type of player which is rather rare.
The new battle mechanic steals the show adding a whole new element to the Dark Nebula universe that just fits perfectly. Now you get to battle a group of different colored small enemies or one gigantic boss. You just get the color orb, and line up the rotation to hit enemies while dodging all the spinning blades.
There are many new elements as well giving you moving platforms, timed vanishing platforms, and treadmill platforms. There are more obstacles as well building on the gun fire in the original, and now giving you moving lasers, spiked rolling pins, and spinning blades. There are puzzle elements as well requiring you to position colored rings in the right spot to open gates.
The game has a distinct timing to it, and most elements have a pattern to figure out. As you're rolling along there are so many ways to die that you'll be on the edge of your seat tilting the device with both hands, and gripping it excessively hard. There is always something new around the corner, and you have to figure out what to do quickly otherwise you're losing your shield or your life.
If just getting through the levels wasn't enough there are gold capsules to pick up along the way with episode t2 hiding many more. Every level is scored based on capsules collected, lives lost, and time taken giving you an overall star that you may want to improve by playing again. You can compare your scores online, and there's always incentive to get gold on every level which is an extreme challenge though it's a bit easier a second time through without so many surprises.
The main problem with the original is that it ended so quickly, but luckily the sequel gives you 19 levels compared to only 10 in the original. This provides a much longer experience, and it seems even longer as you go through multiple environments. You'll enjoy every single second rolling around, but sadly all good things must come to an end, and when you're enjoying someone it always seems to end too soon.
Dark Nebula is an intricately beautiful game with so much detail packed into each of the five environments. It's amazing seeing the advanced metal style with a bit of an aged look infused into every platform and wall that makes this game rival the best looking mobile title around. Then there are the animations of the game actually in motion from the new explosions in battle mode to the same great jumps where the ball looks like it's popping out of the screen.
The included soundtrack is nice and lengthy with an action sci-fi type theme that is relatively subdued, but fits the game perfectly. The sound effects are superb as well with collecting each capsule, jumping across gaps, and of smacking around enemies. Every aspect of the game is designed so well it provides such an exquisite total package that makes this game a masterpiece.
The Bad
Really there is nothing to complain about which should be reason enough to pick it up. Even with 19 levels you still wish there were more, and it does finish rather quickly. When you think that it only costs $0.99 there's way more content than should be.
The Verdict
Dark Nebula - Episode 2 just may be the best game in the App Store by giving you a nearly flawless total package. It's the epitome of iPhone gaming that uses tilt perfectly, and provides so many different challenging gameplay elements. Episode 1 was amazing, and somehow episode 2 is better in every way, and the developers must be crazy to offer it for $0.99.
Dark Nebula - Episode 2 is an absolutely must that everyone will enjoy. Every iPhone or iPod Touch should have this game on it, especially for $0.99 when it could easily go for double digits even with crazy App Store pricing.
