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Released: 27 Jan, 2011

Reviewer: Andrew Nesvadba

Version: 1.1 Size: 33.1 MB

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Subsolar

$1.99

Save: 80% Was: $0.99Arcade Games1.1Tenshi Noir Entertai...

PROS

Fantastic music composition by Chris Huelsbeck.
Deep arcade high-scoring gameplay.
Variety of challenges increasing in difficulty.

CONS

Reduced value for fans for Love Battle Princess; essentially a re-skin.
Abstract graphics not as immediately recognizable; split-second opportunities easy to miss.

VERDICT

Those who missed or skipped out on Love Battle Princess should take the time to check out Subsolar; it may not hold as much value for returning fans, but the gameplay remains just as strong with its unique arcade style.

Video Review

Full Review

You have to admire the tenacity of a developer that doesn't know the phrase 'I give up'. Despite the insanely challenging and original gameplay in Tenshi Noir's first title Love Battle Princess (LBP), it seems that many people were hung-up on the visual style - claiming it to be too raunchy or excessively girly (take your pick). As a result the developer has gone back to the drawing board (quite literally), keeping the gameplay in wholly in-tact while changing its visual theme to create Subsolar.

Those who bought and enjoyed Love Battle Princess can probably hop off here as there's nothing new added to the mix outside of the visual theme and soundtrack. However if you missed it the first time around the premise is fairly simple - collect as many blue orbs as possible while staying alive. Taps on the screen will produce a small area to collect orbs, however the third tap will explode, destroying red orbs and converting them in to more blue orbs. Once you have a grasp on this feature you can explore deeper ideas like generating a vortex to collect orbs for you; multipliers to push your scores higher; and efficiently activating special abilities to dispatch of enemies and score it big.

Additional 'planets' are unlocked by completing a variety of increasingly difficult challenges, however these act as a great training ground before tackling the arcade mode and competing for high-scores on Game Center. Although Subsolar's new theme is just as crisp as LBP's, it lacks the same fun charm of the original and the abstract designs can make it harder to recognize chaining opportunities.

It goes without saying that Subsolar has a severely reduced value for fans of Love Battle Princess as it's ultimately just a re-skin of a game they've already played, however it's still a bold release that shows the developer's confidence in its unique gameplay. If you balked at the original theme, but were still intrigued by the gameplay, you should definitely take the time to check it out.

App Store Info

***Launching Sale - 50% OFF***-Full Retina Graphics-Game Center online leaderboards and achievements-Unlock beautiful space Retina wallpapers as you progress through the story-Original soundtrack from award winning composer Chris Huelsbeck-Explore the far reaches of space and discover new worlds with the mission mode. Will you find New Eden? -Go for the highest score possible in Survival mode-Unique and addictive gameplay concept similar to Love Battle Princess-Fully interactive tutorials teach you advanced gameplay features-Fully compatible with any generation of iPod Touch and iPhoneFrom the creators of the highly praised Love Battle Princess, Subsolar features the same unique and accessible gameplay concept, that thousands of players already love. Subsolar has been rebuilt from the ground up to take full advantage of the latest iPhone 4 and iOS features, with spectacular retina graphics, sophisticated visual effects and online Game Center leader boards and achievements.The game takes you to an unforgettable journey through space and time, in search of a new world for mankind. Each successful mission brings you closer to the discovery of a new planet. The atmospheric soundtrack from award winning composer Chris Huelsbeck (Turrican, R-Type) completes this unique experience.The gameplay concept of Subsolar is so original that you've never played anything like it. Yet it is simple and fun for newcomers. All you have to do is to capture photons, while avoiding red antimatter, by placing series of three fields. Once a chain is complete, it explodes and you score points based on how many photons you captured. That's all there is to know to enjoy Subsolar!Experienced players always praise its sophisticated advanced techniques and deep scoring mechanics. You'll learn how to change antimatter into photons, how to create vortexes, and take advantage of power-ups, how to use super power fields...and the list goes on!*Please note that even though graphics, sound and story are unique to Subsolar, its gameplay content is the same as Love Battle Princess. Before deciding on which version you prefer, please check Love Battle Princess on our app store page!