Gangstar: Miami Vindication Review
PROS
- Mid-mission checkpoints.
- Multiple control schemes unique to each vehicle/weapon.
- Simple aim and cover system.
CONS
- Relatively small area for a sandbox title.
VERDICT
Where Gangstar started out by putting a competent sandbox title on the App Store, Miami Vindication steps things up with its fun storyline, solid controls and great gameplay.
- Full Review
- App Store Info
At long last the next in the Gangstar series has hit the App Store and Gameloft have once again piled in just enough tweaks and flourishes to show that they're not just taking the easy way out when it comes to sequels.
Right off the bat I'm glad to say that other than the basic similarities shared by sandbox titles, this one feels right at home on the iPhone and situating the game in a 'modern' Miami setting makes it harder to make the obvious GTA comparisons. As you make your way through the relatively linear mission structure you'll get to drive a healthy variety of vehicles while dispatching enemies with the usual assortment of weaponry. The controls feel great and players can switch between touch or tilt controls for most vehicles, while the combat feels much smoother thanks to the ability to touch-target enemies and quickly hide behind cover.
While the game environment isn't massive, it still provides enough variety and hidden nooks and crannies for collectables to keep the game interesting for a long time. For those used to gaming in short bursts, the game also features a quick-menu system to jump to your next story point or even buy cars and weapons to get things done with the minimum of fuss.
While the game may not boast the same depth or customization of other sandbox titles, it feels just right for iDevices and with it's combination of great gameplay, visuals and a solid storyline, Gangstar: Miami Vindication is a game that's easy to recommend.
Screenshots
$6.99
Comments
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I see your point but just as a prefrence I just don't like these kind of games on the ipod. But I must agree on the fact some ipod/iphone games are truly amazing grahically even though of the limited capabilities of the I devices.
Yes, the grammar was poor in that last post, my brain is fried this morning, shush ;)
I love Gta and many sandbox games like Fallout or Farcry. I don't think these sort of game really stand out for the ipod/iphone. Hero of sparta, NOVA, Gangstar are all high rated but I don't think epic 3D games should be on ipod/iphone because they just seem right for a ipod. Especially when they have to make sure it doesn't lag by making it graphicaly unbearble, awkard animations and objects just keep pooping up on the screen.
Anyway just my opinion really I prefer more simplistic addiciting titles for the itouch/Iphone
This is where I'd have to disagree - the reason why the graphics in general for the iPhone are poor are thanks to a lack of solid 3D development tools. With Epic and iD bringing over their tools we can expect AAA titles for the iPhone to look as gorgeous as possible while remaining compatible with at least the 3rd gen onward devices. I'm not saying this opens the door for the iPhone to be a hardcore gaming device, but there's no reason not to consider it a serious contender :)