Hands on with Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus for iPhone

Not EA Mobile, not Activision, not id Software, not Epic Games - it's been Gameloft that has dominated the shooter genre on iPhone and iPod touch.

Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus further cements the publisher's hold over the genre, promising better graphics, refined controls, and tightly scripted action.

It's everything you could hope for in a console shooter condensed for portable play. While it can rightly be criticised as derivative, it's also progressive for the platform.

Even if Modern Combat 2 feels familiar, the familiarity is worth putting up with for a sharp-looking game that has the potential to raise the bar for iPhone shooters.

As with any shooter on iPhone, it all centres around the controls. Modern Combat 2 is a leap forward from the first instalment, wisely incorporating and even improving upon the interface offered by last year's marquee shooter (and Gameloft compatriot), N.O.V.A.

A single virtual analogue stick situated in the lower-left controls movement, while the camera can be manipulated by swiping with your right thumb anywhere on the screen. This isn't conceptually any different from the first game, yet functionality is greatly improved. The camera rotates more smoothly and movement is generally more responsive.

We assume that you'll be allowed to customise the heads-up display, analogue stick sensitivity, and other options in line with previous Gameloft shooters. Additionally, you'll have access to gyroscopic control if you own an iPhone 4 or new fourth generation iPod touch. Touch controls are likely to work best.

A similar shift appears to have taken place with level design, which promises more dynamic scenarios and enemies across the game's 12 missions.

One level set in the jungles of South America has you fighting through thick vegetation against aggressive foes, dropping through crumbling ruins, and even stretching out a hand to save a fellow soldier on the precipice of death.

Variety has also been made a priority. A later level transports you to the snow-blanketed forests of eastern Europe where you fight camouflaged terrorists that dart between the trees for cover.

It's during this level that you see improvements to enemy behaviour in play. Rather than stupidly standing out in the open waiting for your bullets, enemies actually move about and make a modest effort to evade gunfire.

There's been a shift in style that also contributes to the sense that Modern Combat 2 is better constructed than its predecessor as a whole.

Instead of red splotches clouding your view when shot, a subtle blurring of the screen elegantly relays when you're taking on damage. Cinematic kills are shown through a highly stylish slow camera shot and they look fantastic.

It's important not to get taken in too much by the presentation, because ultimately it's gameplay that will make or break Modern Combat 2.

Overly scripted missions could make it feel contrived and the success of multiplayer - local for up to ten players and a maximum of six online in three modes: Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch and Capture the Flag - will depend on the maps and how well they're balanced.

We'll know soon enough how things stand as Modern Combat 2: Black Pegasus will be available for iPhone and iPod touch later this autumn.