Infinity Blade II

Infinity Blade II

I bought Infinity Blade II on the iPad several days ago, as it was on offer - US$4.99 instead of US$6.99. Having played the prequel, I expected this to be a basic extension of the same formula, with not much significant changes.

I was wrong. Infinity Blade II was so good that its prequel pales in comparison. One could not miss seeing the amount of effort put into the design and development of the game. More environmental and character details were added into the graphics, and the game opens into an obviously Japanese garden, with flower petals drifting in the air and a pond with koi. These were obviously meant to showcase the game's superior graphics engine, and it does not disappoint. Transition scenes are now filled with more gold bags to keep your attention, and enemies now use a variety of weapons (I personally hate them using quarterstaffs), which obviously changes their fighting techniques. 

Plot-wise, the game continues from its prequel, though there is a slight discrepancy as they transit from bloodlines to rebirths. Still, it was a good attempt, and it gives Infinity Blade II much more replay value. 

Most importantly, the gameplay has been enhanced. From using just a sword and a shield in the prequel, Infinity Blade II opens up two more fighting methods - dual weapons and double-handed weapons. Each fighting style varies in attach and defend techniques. For example, defense-wise, with a sword and a shield, you can only dodge left/right and block with your shield. With dual-weapons, you can't block (obviously) but can dodge left/right and duck. If you are using a double-handed weapon, you can't dodge anymore - you can only block using your weapon, but in three directions this time - left, right, and centre. Parrying is still possible for all three fighting styles, though it is now 'rated' into 'normal', 'great', and 'perfect', just like shield-blocking.

When it comes to offense, the standard sword-shield combo is retained, but dual-weapons utilise a different kind of combo. Combos are impossible for double-weapons; instead, the game opens up chances to chain a more powerful slash as you are slicing up your enemy.

A new element was also introduced - gems. Generally, gems act as boosters that grant special bonuses to you, like increasing your magic power, giving you health when you block or parry, or dealing additional damage. 

Infinity Blade II is so good that Chair could - and should - charge more. Even if the price is doubled to US$13.99, it is still worth it. So far, it is definitely one of the best games I have ever played on the iPad.