MetalWars 2

Sometimes a change of perspective can make all the difference and this is certainly true of MetalWars 2.

Like the original MetalWars, it's largely concerned with massive robots blowing each other apart with a dazzling range of exotic weaponry. In fact, much of the game is near-identical: from mech designs right down to the armour upgrades and shiny guns, missiles and lasers.

The big difference between this title and its predecessor, though, is the manner in which you view the on-screen carnage.

Instead of adopting a top-down perspective – as was the case previously – MetalWars 2 employs a third-person view, with the camera resting just behind your mech. This seemingly straightforward alteration makes the game even more playable than the already addictive original.

Your objective is to guide your two-man mech team – you're joined by a computer-controlled sidekick – to glory across several urban maps.

Each mission sees you facing off against enemy robots intent on turning your high-tech war machine into a twisted mess of metal. Thankfully, if you keep your wits about you and issue the appropriate orders to your ally, it's possible to out-flank and out-smart your opponents.

Movement is handled via virtual control stick, while aiming is a matter of moving your finger around the screen. It's a slight modification from the twin-stick approach practiced by its forerunner, but when combined with the third-person view it actually turns out to be a far superior scheme.

Other options, such as switching weapons and issuing orders, are handled in very much the same way as before. You can tell your wingman to follow your lead, attack at will or hold his current position. This trio of commands is all you need to successfully orchestrate myriad cunning tactical manoeuvres.

As you progress through each mission you earn credits which can be used to purchase upgrades back at headquarters. Improvements include faster legs, more heavily armoured bodywork and of course more potent weaponry.

When you consider that the most desirable parts are quite expensive it's hardly surprising that a little back-tracking is required to ensure your robot is at the top of its game. You can repeat previously completed missions as many times as you like for additional cash. You also have to upgrade your wingman's mech, too, so expect to replay each assignment several times over.

While MetalWars 2 unquestionably looks and plays better than predecessor it does sadly share some of its shortcomings. Once again the game lacks a multiplayer mode, which is a shame because arena-based combat certainly lends itself to friendly competition; moreover, allowing a buddy to control the second mech would make for compelling cooperative play.

The repetition which dogged the first MetalWars also rears its ugly head. The different weapons introduce new tactical considerations, but essentially all you’re doing is repeatedly blowing up rival robots.

It could be argued that MetalWars 2 is not so much a sequel as a re-imagining of the original – so much is carried over here that it seems almost unfair to brand it an entirely new experience. Yet, the change in perspective definitely makes a considerable difference to the appeal of the title and as a result this is well worth a spin if you’re on the lookout for a decent blaster.