Hunters 2 review (iOS / Universal)

♫ “I got a blade like lightning, silver bullets in my gun”

10 word description: Sequel; 2D top-down turn-based strategic sci-fi combat. Game Center.

10 word review: Everything has been turned up to 11, including the challenge.

You will like this if you enjoy: Hunters: Episode One (yes, I know that’s blindingly obvious, but it’s also incredibly relevant). Turn-based action with a small squad versus larger numbers of enemies. Strategic combat where one of your best weapons is your mind.

The good news: Graphics have been considerably improved, from what was already quite a pretty game in H:E1. Music and sounds do the job and create a nice atmosphere. The campaign mode is an excellent, necessary addition; you now have a great reason to perform lots of daily contracts – levelling up and earning money for better gear to use in the campaign. New alien enemies – Yay, it’s a bug hunt! Many other minor tweaks and enhancements that combine to make this game a fuller and even more engaging experience than H:E1. Performance on my 1st gen iPad is very good. A list of new features and enhancements was included in the Hunters 2 First impressions post on Arcadelife.

The bad news: Hardcore mode will make you cry if you turn it on for your first run through the campaign.

Arcadelife verdict: For anyone who enjoyed Hunters:Episode One, Hunters 2 should already be installed on your iOS device. For newcomers to the game, a previous love of turn-based strategy isn’t essential to enjoy this one but you will probably have an advantage in the early stages of the campaign if you already appreciate basic tactics such as not walking through an unexplored doorway on your last action point.

As a sequel to H:E1, Hunters 2 addresses the issues and requests of players as well as delivering a new graphics engine and adding some polish and additional features to what was already a solid foundation of gameplay and interface. As a standalone title, Hunters 2 has plenty of content in its campaign and daily contracts, provides a serious challenge and includes enough character customisation and gear manufacturing to keep any turn-based gaming fan happy.

Arcadelife rating

Visuals – 9/10
Audio – 8.5/10
Controls – 9/10
Content – 9/10
Fun – 8.5/10
Final rating – 90/100

Rating categories explained here.

Version reviewed by Arcadelife is 1.0.1

Rodeo Games website link

Arcadelife played and reviewed this game on:
iPad (iOS 5.0.1)