In early August, JadeGame released its 2D scrolling shooter MetalAngel [App Store] through the iTunes App Store. We took a look at the v1.0 release and found it to be highly disappointing. In that release, the player moves level to level, dragging or tapping an auto-firing spaceship around the screen, dodging enemy fire, destroying enemy craft, and picking up gems and various power-ups. That’s all fine and well–it’s just that the game was slow. Everything about the game was slow. Slideshow slow. It was basically unplayable.
A v1.1 update arrived shortly thereafter which did little to help the situation. It replaced the touchscreen controls with an over-sensitive accelerometer control system that made the game less playable than before.
Author Julian Meyer recently responded to the loud criticism and released MetalAngel v1.2, a significant update that brings dramatic performance improvements.
Changes in v1.2, according to JadeGame:
- Game core has been heavily optimized for faster speed
- Game inputs selection panel added to be able to select the way you would like to control your spaceship [ Touch screen mode / Full accelerometer mode ]
- Weapons are better, monsters are stronger
- Many bug fixes
Does the v1.2 right all the wrongs? The game is much improved–definitely playable. But there’s room for improvement yet. A further speed boost would be welcome; it still feels a bit slower than a scrolling shooter should. A greater variety of enemies and backdrop scenery would make the game more appealing, as well.
Have a look at a video recently posted by the author that shows v1.2 gameplay and decide for yourself if MetalAngel is worth your $3.99 [App Store].
A discussion of MetalAngel v1.2 can be found in our forums.
