MiniSquadron

MiniSquadron [App Store]

You know I love my shooters… I really do! With the iPhone I can play them everywhere and anywhere. The release of 2D aerial shooter MiniSquadron brings a local WiFi multiplayer element to an age old recipe with flair. Great for the casual gamer, or the hardcore elite. And with no learning curve, you can swoop straight into the action.

In single player mode, MiniSquadron spans 8 glorious levels each with 12 attack waves of enemy fighters, ufos and random ducks, yes ducks.

As with every shooter, the purpose is to shoot everything in sight and collect powerups as they fall from the sky. Watch out though, your loop de loops, can send you too high or too low resulting in stalling or crashing your fighter. Speaking of upgrades, there’s plenty! Homing missiles, air strikes, invisibility, speed boosts (which shrink you?) and a big freakin laser!

The difficulty level eases you into the vibrant world with just enough zipping and dodging to keep you on your toes. Enemies attack you from every angle with no noticeable slowdown. Due to size restrictions onscreen though, when you hit the end of the screen, it bounces you back into the thick of the action. No rest for the wicked I guess.

The controls consists of a virtual joystick and shoot button. You do need to get used to the controls a bit due to the array of manoeuvres, but once you’ve got a feel for the sensitivity, you can go kamikaze with the best of them.

Cell shaded goodness is standard issue in this colourful game, with cool smoke trails behind every plane, and watching your enemies spiral and plummet to their demise is a candied treat. Classical music, spinning propellors and the ping ping of turret fire add to the charming ambience.

If you are looking for unlockables, you will be pleasantly surprised by the 56 different planes, each with individual strengths, weapons and design attributes. The dev team have gone out of their way to vary the gameplay of this shooter.  I think I need another hanger.

Stunning. 4.5 stars.