Game Reviews

CrimsonHeart

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iOS
| CrimsonHeart
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CrimsonHeart
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iOS
| CrimsonHeart

It might sound a grossly unfair and somewhat sweeping generalisation, but gamers in Korea seem to be totally and utterly addicted to RPGs. Their appetite for the genre knows no bounds, as is evidenced by the steady production line of mobile epics.

Assuming you’ve bested Zenonia, triumphed over Destinia, and shown Illusia the door, then chances are you’re also a fan of this style of game. In which case you’ll want to give CrimsonHeart a spin.

While it does little to push the envelope, it offers some cool features that will please dedicated RPGs addicts.

The first thing you’ll notice about CrimsonHeart is how good the controls are. Unlike most Korean action-RPGs, it offers a full 360 degree movement, as opposed to forcing your character to walk in eight directions.

Moving on up

This may not have a massive effect on the gameplay - which remains unashamedly in the realm of hack-and-slash - but it does allow it to flow a little better. You never feel as if you’re fighting against the touchscreen controls.

Melee combat is based around combination attacks: stringing together several successive blows grants you a special random ability, so it’s in your best interests to keep your combo going for as long as possible.

In addition to close-quarters fighting, you can also bombard your foes with special magical attacks. These can't be used effectively without forward planning, however. It takes a short while for them to charge up, and if you initiate your spell with monsters in range you’ll offer them up an easy target.

Two to tango

This mixture of magic and brute force makes CrimsonHeart’s gameplay tactically satisfying. This is aided by the fact that fallen enemies drop restorative orbs, which offers up many ‘risk and reward’ scenarios.

When you’re low on health and lack potions, it’s always tempting to charge into battle in the hope that you’ll come away unscathed and replenish your vitality at the same time.

CrimsonHeart’s graphics look very much the same as any other iPhone role-player in static screenshots, but in motion they look sumptuous. The animation is smooth and impressive, and the various effects that light up the screen during combat only serve to increase the impact of the aesthetics.

Heart beats

Elsewhere, CrimsonHeart is very much your typical Korean RPG. You level-up your character, assign bonus points to various statistics, take part in quests, converse with other characters, and browse the many premium items available in the game’s shop.

The gameplay is ever-so-slightly repetitive, and if you like variety in your RPGs you may find this off-putting.

It certainly doesn’t offer up any shocks, but CrimsonHeart remains a solid addition to the iPhone’s ever-growing collection of action-RPGs. Newcomers may find it slightly more accessible than its rivals thanks to the silky controls, while veteran players should discover several hours of engaging - if not revolutionary - questing ahead of them.

CrimsonHeart

CrimsonHeart offers the same tried-and-tested action-RPG gameplay, but its improved controls and excellent visuals help to elevate it slightly above its peers - of which there are many
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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.