All the hype in the world landed into my fingers the day of release for this game.  N.O.V.A-Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance is the definitive first person shooter brought to you by the app juggernaut of Gameloft.  Inspired by the likes of Halo and Half Life, its the perfect example of how inspiration and perseverance  can produce a wonderful sci fi adventure for our portable console of choice.  So did it live up to all the hype? or was it like predecessors and get vaporised within the growing appstore.

The story revolves around retired marine Kal Wardin who has been called into active duty again due to an alien threat against the Alliance. Spanning a massive 13 levels and 5 gorgeous enviroments, campaing mode offers you just that.  Boasting half decent in-story voice acting, the cut scenes in game keep the pace moving at a great speed while background info is laid out nicely for the sci fi nerds in us all.  The characters in the game draw you in and the A.I “Cortana” like computer a nice objective touch to pace you along the journey.  I’m expecting a sequel and a prequel to this game in the near future.  Its how we roll!.  Within the game as well, Gameloft live achievements also reward you for following the story arch, or not.  You decde who you choose to be!

Graphically this game is a definitive shiner, visual eye candy from the get go with a great intro movie into gameplay nuances.  Explosions look epic and hurtful, character design was well done and the draw distance was neatly packaged.  The levels are well laid out as to the standard of scenery, this is definitely not wallpaper like trees.  It is visual eye candy  and matched up with the Hoo ah! military soundtrack, we gonna make them alien “judges” hurt real good marine.

Control wise you have a choice of three different schemes.  Standard affair of left virtual stick to move and right to look around/shoot button was my choice in which I must say was not as accurate as, lets say Eliminate was.  Im hoping in the next update they add the option of changing the sensitivity of x and y movements.  That would make it a masterpiece of options to any gamer, Noob or myself a seasoned vet *or Viet, hehee*.   Changing weapons is a breeze with a quick swipe on the upper right hand corner and during the game an arrow points you into the suggested path so you don’t get disorientated in the gunfire.  The assault rifle, shot gun and rocket launcher are included into the 6 weapon arsenal as well as standard grenades.  As you progress into the game, gun turrents also are at your disposal.

Multiplayer online is a mixed bag for me.  5 maps and growing I’m sure, and yes Gameloft have their bases covered in terms of local wifi, bluetooth, and global online.  Unlike Eliminate, you need to go into a lobby room, pick you room, no indication of who your up against, level? nope, you’re probably going to get pwned, or no wait, its loading now.  It was frustrating to say the least getting on, and staying on as well.  WHile on it was somewhat enjoyable to level up every match, which would bring me back for some more.

Overall this package was a killer game.  So did it live up to the hype, somewhat.  In single player campaign mode, most definately.  The storyline, character design and overall polish of the game puts a new benchmark on iphone gaming.  The multiplayer, I guess is still in its early stages and hopefully they will address this issue in future updates for a more enjoyable online experience.  As it stands the Vanguard Alliance is here to stay and a must have addition to any iphone gamers collection.

4.5 stars out of 5