Star Wars Arcade: Falcon Gunner – Review
By App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: THQ Wireless Inc.
Version #: 1.0
Date Released: 2010-11-20
Developer:
Price: 4.99
User Rating:
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This game reminds me a lot of last year’s release Star Wars: Trench Run. Like that game, it is a first-person shooter involving flying a spacecraft and shooting TIE Fighters. The Death Star is involved with that one too. Unlike that game, this one makes full use of augmented reality which brings the game to a whole other level. Also, of course, you’re flying the very cool Millenium Falcon rather than a dinky X-Wing.
Game play is fairly complex. The best way to play (using AR, which is really the only way to appreciate this game) would be to sit in a rotating chair. You constantly have to tilt the screen left, right, down and up to see the enemies attacking in a 360 degree angle.
One criticism of the game is that if you’re going to quote the movie, use the original voice actors. The voices on the game are obviously not the originals.
One suggestion for the game would be to make use of the vibration capabilities of the iPhone to simulate hits to the ship. It would add a realistic dimension to the game play. The user should be able to shut this off in the settings if he or she desired.
You can control the volume of sound effects and backgound music in the setting. You also get a cute tutorial when you click R2D2. Over time, you win points which translate to better weapons and defenses on the Millenium Falcon.
For all my criticisms, the game is well worth the cost. Recommended.
Quick Take
Value:High.
Would I Buy Again:Most likely.
Learning Curve:Medium.
Who Is It For:Star Wars enthusiasts and those that love gun turrets.
What I Like:Excellent graphics and story.
What I Don't Like:Somewhat reminiscent of a previous Star Wars game. Controls are difficult to use. Could do more with the game.
Final Statement:It made the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs and now it's on your iOS device!
“You’ve never heard of the Millennium Falcon? It’s the ship that made the Kessel run in less than 12 parsecs." – Han Solo
Strap in, kid -- and get ready to immerse yourself in the Star Wars universe like never before with Star Wars Arcade: Falcon Gunner." Available ONLY for IPHONE 4, IPHONE 3GS and IPOD TOUCH 4TH GEN, Falcon Gunner is the first Star Wars game with augmented reality technology, letting you do battle with the Empire just about anywhere.
FEATURES:
AR MODE BRINGS THE FIGHT TO YOUR LIVING ROOM: Using your phone's camera, gyroscope/compass and accelerometer, Falcon Gunner turns your earthly surroundings into epic space battles and lets you control the action by steering your body in physical space. It's like nothing you've ever seen.
CLASSIC ARCADE ACTION, 20+ LEVELS: Inspired by the classic 1984 Star Wars arcade title, this first-person action game throws you into the Millennium Falcon's gunnery seat, letting you experience more than 20 levels of arcade action spanning the legendary smuggling vessel's most exciting moments -- including the Death Star escape, asteroid field pursuit across Hoth and infamous Kessel Run.
SPECIAL MODIFICATIONS: As you blast your way through waves of TIE fighters, Star Destroyers, and a few other special surprises, you'll earn credits that can be used to make special modifications to the Falcon’s offensive and defensive capabilities, including concussion missiles and a low-level tractor beam... perfect for grabbing TIE interceptors and launching them back at their black-helmeted buddies. (And if you're impatient, you can purchase them from within the game.)
RETINA DISPLAY SUPPORT: The Millennium Falcon's scratched-glass windshield has never looked as good as it does on iPhone 4 and iPod Touch (4th Gen).
GAME CENTER AND FACEBOOK INTEGRATION: Challenge your friends' scores and earn special surprises by connecting your game via Facebook and Game Center.
