N.O.V.A. 2

In space, no one can hear you clone.

Which is just as well, given Gameloft's N.O.V.A. 2 looks an awful lot like a certain console-based space opera featuring a lead character called something like Mister Chef.

In fact, most of Gameloft's work seems to take its cue from other, successful franchises. Originality isn't necessarily the be-all and end-all when it comes to mobile games, though, and whilst N.O.V.A 2 won't win any awards for innovation, it's still a rollicking good shooter.

The game is a highly detailed, slick-looking FPS that casts you in the role of a space armour-clad super soldier. You work your way through jungles, futuristic highways, and heavily fortified bases, blasting alien scum with an assortment of heavy weapons.

There's a huge variety of xenos lifeforms for you to blow up: from agile melee classes and jet pack-wielding shock troopers, all the way to stompy robo-dreadnoughts that look as if they've wandered into town after a Star Wars convention.

Armed with the Xperia Play's extra control options, N.O.V.A. 2 is a joy to play. A snap-to-lock-on system means letting your alien foes have it is a doddle, and the face buttons turn reloading, changing, and firing weapons into simple and intuitive single-push actions.

The multiplayer is impressive as well, and transforms what was already a solid experience into a spectacular package that oozes replayability.

N.O.V.A. 2's controls are easy to pick up and the action is presented in fast and furious bite-sized chunks that fit perfectly into little sessions.

If you're looking for proof that the Xperia Play is a legitimate gaming platform, then N.O.V.A. 2 is all the evidence you need.