 |
| | Gameplay
Sound
 | | Graphics
Value
|
| |
| | Genre: Action | | | Min OS X: 10.6 |
| |
|
Requirements: Mac OS X: 10.6.6 | Graphics: This game is not supported by iMac and MacBook Pro devices equipped with the following video cards: Radeon X1600, Intel GMA 950Review: Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance 2 (N.O.V.A. 2) which was recently released for Mac by Gameloft, is a first person shooter in the style of the very popular game Halo. N.O.V.A. 2 is quick to learn, fun to play, and even has a bit of a story line. I enjoyed playing both the single player and on-line aspects of the game.You might have heard of Gameloft since they have been making a variety of fun games for the “i-device” platform. I have played a couple of their games on the iPod Touch and have enjoyed them for the most part. I grabbed the first version of N.O.V.A for the iPod Touch a while ago and although I enjoyed it, gameplay was hampered by the clunky game interface that is typical of iPod Touch games. So I was interested when I found they had released N.O.V.A. 2 for the MacOS X platform. I make the reference to Halo because it has many of the elements of Bungie's masterpiece in it. There is the main character, a respected veteran in super space armor, there is an AI that guides him, and the dialog between them throughout the game. Each chapter of the game is a mission, which begins with a short video sequence introducing it. Chapters are divided into smaler sections which are completed in order. As you move through the game there are checkpoints. Once you pass a checkpoint, you return to that point if you die. Missions consist of fighting your way to a goal, usually to turn on a switch or to defeat a boss. Although the game does feature elements similar to Halo, it also offers some improvements on the theme. First of all, you can carry all of the weapons that you have collected, and you can use them as long as you have ammunition. There is also a system of credits gained either through completing missions, or collected as you explore the world. The credits are then used to buy modifications that enhance your character. A neat feature is that if you get to the end of the game and choose to play again, the mods that you purchased stay with you. N.O.V.A. 2 also has a unique puzzle system used to unlock doors and some boxes of ammo. Besides running about on foot, there are a couple of sections where you use a vehicle. The vehicular levels are a lot of fun and often very fast paced. In one you control a jeep’s armaments as the jeep is driven to the end point. You get to use the machine gun and missiles to destroy things that get in the way or try to attack. There is also an armored suit trip, and a very fast paced flying “cycle” trip. In the flying cycle trip you control the cycle movement as well as armament. Vehicle levels aren’t as fun here as in other games, as they are relatively limited. The attackers will try to swarm you, and actually have a few tricks of their own. Basic ones will try to roll out of your sights, and there are some that can fly about and will do their best to avoid being hit. There is even the obligatory large alien, capable of throwing large items at you and equipped with an invisibility shield.
|
|
