iPhone App: iDracula

February 28th, 2009

= 5 stars

iDracula is an action-shooter video game where you play a Van Helsing-type character fighting off hordes of evil creatures with a variety of weapons.

The Good

• Exciting and tense gameplay with simple controls. You move via a touch screen wheel on the left and fire in all directions with a touch screen wheel on the right. The result is very similar to classic games like Robotron or Smash TV — you’re basically one lone fighter amid a seemingly insurmountable number of baddies from werewolves to ghosts. To really get an “oh crap” experience, try the “rush” mode.
• Very detailed, “steampunk” style graphics. The controls resemble wrought iron, and the beasties are dark and spooky. Despite the fine detail, the game runs fast and feels responsive.
• The weapons grow more comical as they increase in power. You work your way from a wussy pistol to a rifle, crossbow, grenade launcher, and the very period-inappropriate (but much appreciated) chain gun and Doom-style BFG. All are dropped by dead enemies along with ammo and health.
• Variety is added via “perks” which provide additional powers. My favorites are telekinesis which pulls dropped items toward you, and crossbow master which allows you to fire three arrows simultaneously. Other crazy perks are uranium bullets and ninja.
• Lastly — vampires themselves show up sporadically. Killing them releases an “omen” which you must pick up to get past “noob” status.

The Bad

• Just minor nitpicks — the metal music isn’t my cup of tea, and this game is very violent.

Conclusion

If the description above sounds like your cup of tea, buy this game immediately. The iPhone gaming bar was raised with Rolando and Hero Of Sparta, well, the bar has been raised yet again by iDracula. It demonstrates that a simple game executed very well beats out offerings by bigger game companies. At at the current sale price of 99 cents it’s an absolute steal. Highly recommended.

iTunes App Store Link: