'Hero of Sparta' - Visually Impressive and Fun
posted December 8th, 2008 2:22 AM CST by arn in $9.99, Action, Adventure, Reviews, iPhone games, iPod touch games
You have to hand it to Gameloft. They have quickly become one of the premiere game developers for the iPhone. Their latest entry into the iPhone game market is Hero of Sparta [App Store] which is best described as a God of War knock-off.
In this $9.99 title, you play King Argos, a Spartan hero, who must battle his way through this epic action-adventure. Your character is controlled in 3rd person perspective with an on-screen analog stick and Block and Attack buttons. The graphics and 3D environment are quite impressive and perhaps amongst the best seen on the iPhone. While I'm normally not a fan of cut-scenes, Gameloft ties the gameplay especially well with their cinematic scenes to add to the grandeur of the experience.
As a "Hack n' Slash"er, however, the gameplay is not particularly deep, though more involved than my initial impression. While you can get through the game pretty well by just mashing on the buttons as fast as you can, the game does offer 5 different weapons with the ability to upgrade each one a number of times. Each weapon also has a set of defined "combo" moves which are invoked using special button combinations. This adds somewhat to the replay value, which I'll address later.
While the plot and cinematics add to the overall atmosphere, they are largely unnecessary to succeed at the actual game. The game is linear throughout with arrows pointing you to the right direction. Your success in each section is measured by your ability to fight-off the latest wave of attackers. While some judicious use of weaponry and special attacks are certainly helpful, in the end, it's still a matter of repeatedly hitting the attack button.
That being said, the actual act of attacking is a particularly satisfying experience, which I think underscores the appeal of games such as this and God of War. Especially with the bigger/better weapons and twirling combos, there is a certain visceral enjoyment out of slamming the hell out of your opponents. And if that is the ultimate goal and appeal of this game, it succeeds.
To add to that appeal, the game also includes special "finishing moves" that involve tapping buttons in sequence when your opponent is weakened. Unfortunately, our original gameplay video was shot before we were aware of this, so it's not demonstrated in the embedded video. A forum user, fortunately, posted this YouTube video which shows of the "finishing move" sequence at 1 minute 45 seconds. The exact location of the buttons are different depending on the enemy, and this is reserved for only the certain larger enemies.
Our general gameplay video (without the finishing move):
The game can be completed in about 4-5 hours of play time in Easy mode. Once you complete "Easy" or "Normal" mode, you have the option to play in "Heroic" mode while keeping all your weapons. This nicely adds replay value by allowing you to earn more experience points to upgrade your weapons further and to master each one.
As an overall package, Hero of Sparta is one of the most impressive games for the iPhone. The level complexity, 3D rendering, and cinematics come together to deliver an incredible experience. For fans of the "Hack n' Slash" genre, this overall production value and the fun to be had is worth the $9.99 despite the somewhat shallow gameplay. However, for those who require more strategy in their games, there may not be enough cross-over appeal.
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December 8th, 2008 at 2:28 am
Nice review. I am on the fence, as I don't normally go for button-bashers and like games where you might have a choice of where to go.
December 8th, 2008 at 2:42 am
I actually think this is a nice break from strategy and puzzle games. I love games that work my brain, but I also love Greek monsters and excessive violence.
I'm only half way through and it's taken me a while to get that far (normal mode) and I'm definitely planning on going through on the Heroic mode when I'm done. This is by far the best $9.99 game I've played yet.
December 8th, 2008 at 2:52 am
this game is really fun and impressive. It's worth getting just to see what the "platform" is capable of. The levels are all varied, and provide much variety despite the simple gameplay.
December 8th, 2008 at 3:17 am
Acually if you just mash the buttons your not going to get very far, the combos hold fair weight if you plan on making it to an energy restore point!
Depending on how you like to play. However If you like repetetive deaths and mashing like a two-year old I guess you can do that & still complete the game with little enjoyment & even less fullfilment.
Obviousley the game should have had a certain amount of lives, but when all else fails and you want to enjoy this game for more than a week-a good rule of thumb is to give yourself one life everytime you play, or the gain-a-guy rule, which assuming you get an extra life for every level you complete allow yourself one more life.
I thought this reveiw could have been a more thorough concidering LowGrav's was like 3/4 of a page long, but I guess you nailed the general reaction of every mal-adjusted viewpoint of everyone who has already beat the God of War comparison into the ground & all the way to China.
Sure it "borrows" for GOD, but at the same time it is it's own game. When comparing and a-liking it to a way bigger production like GOD you really take away from what it is in itself. Basically all you said was it was a GOD button masher:( I find that a sad and narrow view. And it deserves a lot more credit. As one of the biggest resources in mobile game reviewing people count on you to give them not only the basics but also a little more. I think you really failed to give this game it's own spotlight and instead you've complety shadowed it by a way bigger development.
In short…I've dropped turds in the toilet that sank deeper then this review!
December 8th, 2008 at 3:29 am
You make some good points there, Quincy. Why does every 'hack n slash' game suddenly become a God of War clone? God of War is in essence an update of the 2D games like Golden Axe?
December 8th, 2008 at 3:39 am
@nizy:
I know it's terrible…..especially since I asked them to at least aknowlage even in a small way the influence of Golden Axe but in no way compare the two. Nothing was said about the games music (which is playing in my head right now) or the sound development, which has been a topic if debate.
I just think it deserved more. I can only hope the reason it was such a "to the point" review is because they wanted to get back to playing the game itself.
December 8th, 2008 at 3:53 am
@Quincy:
the game has more than just a passing resemblance to God of War.
December 8th, 2008 at 3:55 am
god i love this game! it is so fun and well worth the money. i didnt really find it as shallow as they said it was in the review cuz you can do different tap/hold combinations for attacking. the upgrade systems and different weapons also added depth to it. plus the graphics are SOO GOOD! my full video review coming soon on youtube by touchyreviwer (my iphone reviews channel)
December 8th, 2008 at 4:14 am
@Jay: that maybe true in a lot of ways but there's a lot to be said about the differences in development to do without the comparison all together. It's one thing to aknowlage influential points versus completly sizing it up to another, especially when the latter of the two is on an entirely different platform.
and I don't think people will ever get away from that initial fall back of immediatly saying "this is just like that only on iPhone" untill Devs start making ads in conjunction with Apple to exlusively present a title via television.
December 8th, 2008 at 4:22 am
@Touch Arcade:
I just want to acknowlage that my opinions aren't aimed at TouchArcade as a site. I find it extremly respectable & resourceful!!!!!!!
My opinions pertained to this app & it's review only!
December 8th, 2008 at 4:45 am
I'm going to wait until I get a new iPod/iPhone before I try to play this one on my 1G iTouch. This game looks like it eats framerates for breakfast.
However, I'm hoping for an update from the developer that will give the option to disable that stupid arrow above you at all times. That sort of hand-holding is really not required in a game this simple, and it's just another "pretty flashy" to take up room on a screen that is already small for an epic game like this. It's just insulting that they included something like that.
December 8th, 2008 at 5:25 am
LOL has nobody noticed in the first screenshot that the dude has 60 orbs to upgrade weapons?
December 8th, 2008 at 5:52 am
this is not a button-mashers !!!!!
you need to learn the combos!!!!!!!@%!@%!
1.atk + atk hold = earth bomb
2.atk hold = slash spin
3.you have magic
4.you have shield
5.Sequence of buttons Animation atk
6.you can switch weapons & upgrade
this is a deep combat game!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!@$!@%
DONT MIX WITH THE SHITY KROLLL
December 8th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Hmmm, Quincy…. Why don't you die?
December 8th, 2008 at 9:31 am
@Alza:(probably some 12 year-old)
That suggestion has nothing to do with the game.
You could have at least put Hero of Sparta at the bottom.
December 8th, 2008 at 10:40 am
What a great review! Now I know everything about the game I need to know in order to make an informed decision purchase. Kudos to the review team
December 8th, 2008 at 11:50 am
@ Joni:
There's also shield dodge/roll
And a hold direction & tap sheild button dropkick
December 8th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Also
Tap attack then tap shield
Shield smack!!!!
December 8th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Here's a forum for combos and special moves.
http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?threadid=1926
December 8th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Um…but why does the music sound like the Desperate Housewives theme?
December 8th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
@ Quincy.
Ok, let me be a little more clear - you made a huge post about the fact that you don't like the review, and find it shallow.
That's fine, but I'm not sure how you became so filled with your own self-importance that you think anyone would care about your review of a review.
Here's a new idea for you - if a website review doesn't meet your high standards, why not write your own?
I mean, you could easily have done it in the amount of words you put to attacking arns effort.
My guess is that you don't have an ounce of creativity in you, so criticising others' work is the closest you come to doing something original.
So in short, what I meant before when I couldn't be bothered with a longer response, was: why don't you get a life, and rather then devoting your time and everyone else's reading space with your half-assed criticisms, why not put forth what you can do, in a positive sense?
Or hell, maybe even make your own site!
Personally, I doubt you'd do either, because it's easier to just sit back and criticize, but I'd love to very proven wrong.
December 8th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
@Alza
now read again what you wrote while looking into a mirror, and realize you're stupid
the game is cool.
December 8th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Played this game for about an hour and love it. I think games like this push the envelope for cell phone games. It almost reaches the quality of games on the psp in gameplay and graphics. I cant wait to see whats to come this next year.
December 9th, 2008 at 11:27 pm
I LOVE THE GAME, IT MAKE ME LOOK FORWARD TO MORE IMPRESSIVE GAMES IN THE FUTUER…
I HOPE NINJA GAIDEN MAKE IT TO IPHONE TOO!!!
December 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
The game is fantastic when compared to any other game in this genre for the iPhone. I think it easily rivals handheld console games (at least ds although that's just an assumption cause I haven't played one LOL). It is somewhat of a short game and linear but I'd be shocked to see any game on a phone that isn't an iPhone even come close to the complexity of the first level of hero of Sparta.
I am almost done with the final level of heroic difficulty and I've enjoyed the game a lot thus far. I don't think there is much replay value left for me cause I have all the health and magic upgrade crystals as well as every weapon maxed out (each one goes to level four on both damage and special).
It is important to note another feature of the game that I hadn't noticed anyone else mention is that each weapon has a graphic enhancement after being maxed out. They all look pretty bad ass when maxed out.
December 16th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
I forgot to say - this game is a great start and a perfect example of the potential of the iPhone/iPod touch platform.
December 20th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
i would just like to throw my two cents into the ring. This game is far from hardcore gamer material but if you are looking for a 3-4 hour burn and don't mind a little redundant music this is definitely something to look at. It has it's flaws but it is the first iphone game i have played all the way through. and believe you me i have played my fair share.
December 28th, 2008 at 10:01 pm
a little hint that might come in useful: When you are at one of the scenes where you have to knock down pillars to progress, and don't mind a bit of mindless grinding, you can get some extra experience orbs. Just don't knock down the pillars and slaughter wave after wave, the enemies will keep coming. I found out that both in easy and in normal mode (just now playing through heroic) you normally should have no problem surviving the onslaught, if unsure select sword of damocles, which will give you some extra green orbs now and then, otherwise equip axe of ajax so you get your extra experience more quickly. It's worth it …
January 21st, 2009 at 10:34 am
DOSENT WORK WITH IPHONE 3G SOFTWARE V2.2 ARE THERE UPDATESUPDATES
January 21st, 2009 at 10:55 am
@sM
IT WILL STILL WORK FINEFINE. I HAVE A 3G AND THE GAME WORKS PERFECTPERFECT
March 15th, 2009 at 11:07 am
i have finisged this game..i must commend apple for this….but the game is too easy for my liking compared to god of war.and when are we going to have a god of war for apple iphone???
March 26th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
i find the game utterly amazing. i hereby stand that i vehemently support more games with such great detail of gaming pleasure on the Ipod touch/Iphone, of course, this is before the release of *another* Ipod or Iphone in the near future whereby i assume Apple would make it harder for the previous generation to really play games that probably would beat the likes of PSP graphics if the above game is a testament of coming times.
As far as controls go for this game, it takes a little of time to get use to but heck, still fun as hell. I was amazed with the graphics that my ipod produced..
I just find it kind of strange that there aren't more games like this. i mean in the graphic department. i would like to see a final fantasy version of this.
I hope i can afford more games as they come out like the rumor of premium games section when it does.
sorry, my engrish not so powderful but on the other hand, some of us here have english as their native tongues but obviously it didn't serve them well…lol..solly me no rikey…lol..i like to add a bit of randomness from time to time. i like Quincy's review tho.
June 15th, 2009 at 6:28 am
i need a friend to play with online on regular bases.Anyone interested should contact alrit.Later
June 15th, 2009 at 6:31 am
I need HALO2 and 3 on XBOX360. can anyone get that for me Pleases
June 26th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
yo dudes the game rocks its the funnest game i ever played on the ipod touch and the graphics are great to u guys who dont have the game and are readin the revuse should get it cus its a realy awsome game with realy suit graphics!!! ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ ^_^ =) =) =) =) =) =) =) =) =) =)
smilie smilie smilie smilie smilie smilie smilie smilie smilie smilie
June 26th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
hey is anyone there i feel like talkin to someone =/ im board
June 26th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
helo echo echo hellp weeeeeeeeeee (¿) teehee the face sees all
June 26th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
omg dude wtf my face didnt show all it shows is (¿) … so if anyone wonders wat tht is it was suppsosed to be the face tht sees all =]
June 26th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
yup well im goin soo all i gota say is the game is great anyone whos readin reveiws should get it cus sparta hero is an awsome game =] well cya =[)
June 28th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
This game is a must have at $.99!
July 2nd, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Hey i got a question where is the energy crystals on the level "Descent".
July 4th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
Game is even better now - available on app store for £0.59 (UK)