Archetype Review

By , on July 7, 2010

Archetype
Download on the AppStore
4 out of 5

PROS

  • Intense 10 player FPS action.
  • Beautifully detailed graphics and Retina Display support.
  • Multi-region online matchmaking and 1v1 challenges.

CONS

  • No leftie controls or alternate schemes.
  • Limited gameplay modes.

VERDICT

Archetype isn't quite the full package as far as online multiplayer FPS titles go, but it's still one of the best and close enough to perfect you can almost taste it.


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First-person shooters (FPS) on the iPhone have been increasingly upping the ante for a while now and Archetype by Villain takes the game to a new level with its ultra-slick graphics and smooth multiplayer gameplay. Should you be up for the challenge you can join up to nine other people fragging away their opponents in an intense online team deathmatch arena.

Those familiar with other FPS titles will slip in to Archetype's default setup easily. Two analogue sticks control your movement and aiming, while firing is handled automatically for most weapons. Melee strikes and grenade throws are handled by touching other interface elements such as the map or a corner icon. Players can only handle two weapons at a time, so despite locating the switch button in the top corner it's rarely required for all but the most hardcore of players.

Visually Archetype is stunning even without a Retina Display, with a minimalistic interface that keeps the action front and center at all times. Most online matches are restricted to a maximum of 5 players per team, but servers are kept live for each international region to ensure match-making is quick and always packed. Sadly the only alternate modes are an offline tutorial and a 1v1 challenge mode with rankings only adjusting those you're matched with and seemingly nothing else.

For those after an intense multiplayer experience you could hardly go past Archetype. Well worth checking out for all fans of action titles and FPS' in particular.

Screenshots

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