Infinity Blade

So I hear about this game on the CAGcast. It sounded kinda cool, but what really got me listening was the mention of the fact that it was from Epic, using the tech from Epic Citadel. If you're not familiar, Epic Citadel was basically free tech demo for the iPhone/iPad that shows some amazing capabilities. The thing looks better than Oblivion. It's quite remarkable.

Well, I checked out this Infinity Blade thing and quickly downloaded it. I played a few battles and got quickly addicted.

http://i.imgur.com/HtU6c.jpg

Story:
The premise of the game is that there is this God King and he's apparently a badass. He kills some dude who comes to challenge him and then later (20 years so the game says) a guy stands on a precipice overlooking the God King's castle and swears to avenge his father. You fight minions up through the tower and then face the God King himself. He will kick your ass (after a single run through the game you'll likely only be level 5 while the God King is level 50). Then you get the same "20 years later" thing and another dude swearing to avenge his father and you can start "Bloodline 2." You keep all of your stats, but you are ostensibly the son of your previous self. It's sort of silly but it works.

http://i.imgur.com/7T8u4.jpg

Gameplay:

-Combat
The gameplay is interesting. CheapyD described it somewhat like Punch Out, and it is, but while that's the idea, it doesn't really feel that way. The game will quickly train you in how to get through combat. You can dodge, parry and block. You really have to watch your opponent and if he's swinging from a certain side you'll have to dodge to the appropriate side, block or attempt to parry (swipe your finger at the angle exactly opposite his swipe). Over time the opponents not only get beefier, but quicker. Once you've dodged, parried or blocked a series of moves you will catch your opponent off guard and have a chance to retort with a volley of your own attacks.

http://i.imgur.com/dzO2y.jpg

-Special Moves
You also charge up a stun move and a magic move by taking or dealing damage. The stun can let you get several good free hits and the magic (various spells based on rings you have equipped) can do damage and also have a stunning effect.

http://i.imgur.com/vzLf2.jpg

-Items and Navigation
The game is largely on rails, but you can look around (from a stationary position) the beautiful, if small, world. There are also items (such a potions and coin bags) to be picked up and chests to loot. You have ample time to do this so it's not like an on rails shooter where you have to quickly grab an upgrade in the heat of battle.

-Equipment and Experience
There are tons of items that can be obtained as loot, drops or bought from the store. You can use an item to work on mastering it. Mastering an item gives you an extra point to spend toward your HP, Attack, Block or Magic stats. Gear can also have added bonuses like elemental damage, +loot drops, or +gold drops. Rings give you access to different magic spells as well. What's better is that gear is visible and you will be able to see the new loot you get and choose to wear.

Presentation:

The game is absolutely gorgeous and thought you are a bit confined, you can look around and admire your surroundings. There's not too much to see and a single run through the castle will only take 15-20 minutes. The game is strongly redolent of Demon's Souls. There is minimal voice acting which is obviously meant to be some strange language of some far off land. The God King's voice sounds like typical Japanese villain voice acting while the hero's voice sounds more like he's speaking in Latin. This is of no consequence as there's scarcely any dialogue (which is simply repeated on each trip through the castle anyway) and there are subtitles.

http://i.imgur.com/IBykZ.jpg

Conclusion:

While I initially thought the $5.99 price seemed a bit high for an iPhone game, I've been more satisfied with this game than most of the other games I've played on my iPod Touch. While it may seem limited in scope, I'll agree with CheapyD in saying that you certainly won't feel ripped off. This game has the utmost quality.

Also, the game lists some more features under a "Coming Soon!" menu including more items, weapons and equipment as well as new foes, and locations. Whether these are free or moderately cheap DLC, I'm looking forward to them and being able to take my character beyond where he currently is.

This game certainly sets a new precedent for iPhone games. While Rage HD was hugely impressive, this game actually has exciting and functional gameplay to match its beauty, and it actually looks more beautiful than Rage HD.

If you've got an iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, certainly don't miss this stellar game. Just be sure that you've got a compatible version of the device as it seems to run mostly on the more recent generations.

Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLWDVJERemA

Am I missing something about video embedding?