The App Shelf for iPhone and iPod touch
Top Shelf Apps for week of July 27, 2010New apps added every Tuesday! |
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Reviews
Review: Battleship for iPhone Blows Old Fashion Board Games out of the Water!
Price: $2.99
App Store Link: Full / No Lite Version
Verdict: Love it!
Replay Value: Very High
Pros: A smartly made version of classic Battleship with some fun new modes.
Cons: All multiplayer is local; no internet multiplayer
Bottom Line: If you’re a fan of Battleship, it’s hard to go wrong with this app. EA did a great job breathing new life into an old gaming concept when bringing this title to the iPhone.
Battleship for iPhone is just about everything you’d expect and more. The app includes classic mode, two alternative play modes (including one with super weapons), single and multiplayer modes, and various unlockables.
One of the fun things about Battleship on iPhone is that it creates an authentic battleship experience without the need to dust off that pesky imagination you’ve been trying to forget about. In classic mode, just like the original, you get to take turns making single shots on a 10 by 10 grid, trying to blindly snipe your opponent’s ships. But unlike the board game, the app fills in the imaginary blanks with fun animations and sound effects to create a more in-depth and enjoyable gameplay experience. And bonus, there’s no need for you to keep track of those tiny little pegs.
If classic mode is too boring for you (which may be the case for many of us), Battleship offers two additional variations. The first, “Salvo” mode, allows players to shoot a number of shots per turn equal to their remaining ships, so both players start with five shots per turn and eventually, as they loose ships, are reduced in their number of shots per turn. This might sound like it sound like it makes the game simpler, but this variation can get quite hectic.
Finally, if Salvo mode isn’t enough, you might be interested in Super Weapons mode. In Super Weapons mode, prior to battle, players choose 3 super weapons from a large arsenal of choices in addition to their standard one-shot cannon. During battle, these super weapons charge up (each with a different turn-based recharge timer) and allow you to unleash devastating attacks and cunning stratagems on your opponent. Several additional super weapons are unlockable by completing various in-game ranks and achievements.
Besides single player mode, the game includes three multiplayer options, Bluetooth, Wi-fi, and “Pass n Play,” which makes the app ideal to play with friends. Admittedly, I would’ve liked to see some kind of online play, as well.
Honestly, at it’s current $2.99 price point, I’d venture to say that Battleship for iPhone is a superior deal than the $15+ physical version. Not only does the app offer the exact same type of gameplay as the original and more, but it even throws in an opponent to play against (i.e. the computer)! Personally, I’ve found this app to be incredibly fun and addictive. It’s the perfect app for killing some time with or without friends and without wasting too much brainpower.
