Game Reviews

Infinite Dunamis

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Infinite Dunamis

The age-old "damsel in distress" routine has been done to death in books, movies, and video games, but Infinite Dunamis attempts to give this tried and tested tale a different spin.

In the opening minutes of this JRPG epic protagonist Luke is forced to battle a pair of brigands to save a seemingly helpless girl, only to discover that she's actually a robot in dire need of some basic maintenance.

Thus begins a typically grand quest to save a kingdom from an ancient evil. Like so many of Kemco's previously role-playing epics, Infinite Dunamis tries to meld high fantasy with futuristic elements - in this case, cyborgs and killer robots.

It's not an entirely successful thematic marriage, and there are moments when the plot descends into absolute hokum, but it does at least allow the developer to create an interesting combat system.

Batteries not included

Estelle - the aforementioned robot in distress - doesn't level-up in the way you'd expect a standard RPG character to do. Instead, she can be augmented using special items and customised to create the killing machine you've always wanted.

Other members of the party are subject to the same genre conventions as countless other RPG heroes, and can attack, use items, unleash special "skill" attacks, and even defend to reduce damage on the next turn.

The game uses a timing gauge to decide who moves next - at the top of the screen there's a line with a symbol denoting each participant. The faster the character, the quicker their icon moves along said line.

Know your role

Kemco's mobile RPGs have been steadily growing in stature over the past few months, and Infinite Dunamis is one of the company's most accomplished yet, at least in terms of presentation.

The visuals are detailed and packed with character - the hair of the main character stirs in the wind, for example - and for once the English translation isn't bursting with unintentional gaffs.

However, the game still runs rather choppily, even when played on a quad-core Galaxy S4. This definitely takes the shine off what is otherwise a very polished and appealing package.

Infinite Dunamis has some new tricks up its sleeve with the concept of a robotic warrior who can be customised to your liking, but it plays a pretty straight bat elsewhere. Still, if you're a fan of the genre - or of Kemco's other outings - then there's no reason why you won't lap this up as well.

Infinite Dunamis

Fantasy-meets-science fiction in this JRPG epic. Don't expect any genre-busting features here, though - this is a very traditional take on a well-worn genre
Score
Damien  McFerran
Damien McFerran
Damien's mum hoped he would grow out of playing silly video games and gain respectable employment. Perhaps become a teacher or a scientist, that kind of thing. Needless to say she now weeps openly whenever anyone asks how her son's getting on these days.