Pocket RPG - iPhone App Review

Pocket RPG
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pocket-rpg/id411690524?mt=8
Cost: $4.99
Developed by Crescent Moon Games LLC
Last Updated on September 13th, 2011


Pocket RPG is a top-down action/role-playing game that features a very unique leveling and item system. It's a fun game but there are a few things in it that may upset the more traditional gamers among you.

Menu Screeeeeeen!

Gameplay

Pocket RPG features the standard top-down with two analog stick layout that has seen so much success on the mobile platform in recent years. At this point it is becoming a little tiresome for every game to look and play pretty much the same, but you could make the same case for any genre on any platform. That being said, Pocket RPG does an excellent job making the combat and mechanics feel very natural.

Shooting Arrows at Crates

Crescent Moon Games did a good job incorporating additional elements of strategy into the game, such as in the form of spike traps that you can lure enemies onto. This can make the game much more fun as you can use cunning and guile instead of brute strength to defeat bosses. Unfortunately (or maybe not depending on your play style) I was able to best most of the bosses using brute strength alone which somewhat defeats the purpose of strategy.

The Twist

I told you that Pocket RPG had a very unique feature that helped set itself apart from more traditional role-playing games and this is it. Every time you start a new quest or mission you begin at level zero and have to level up all over again. Instead of buying new gear with the gold you collect you simply put it into weapon upgrades which increases the chances of that type of weapon dropping during the next quest.

My bad ass Dark Ranger...At least until I finish this level

I don't know about you guys but collecting gear over the course of a game is one of my favourite parts on an RPG. The fact that I didn't get to keep my gear was fairly off-putting at first but after awhile I was able to get past that initial hurdle and learn to really enjoy the game.

Style

I really liked the style of the game, it seemed to fit the gameplay quite well. Both the gameplay and art direction really reminded me of Torchlight, which is a fantastic game that you should really play if you haven't.

Conclusion

The Good

• Enjoyable combat, allowed for the use of strategy.
• Great art and gameplay style.
• Very unique leveling and gear system, brings a new flavour to RPGs.

The Bad

• Almost all the encounters could be beaten by "brute strength" tactics, no need for strategy.
• Leveling and gear system deviates from traditional RPGs.
• Combat can feel fairly repetitive after awhile.

The game also features cool loading screens

Should I buy it?

When I got Pocket RPG it was on sale for $0.99 which felt like a steal. At $4.99 it does feel fairly pricey but if your in the mood for a game similar to Diablo/Torchlight than this should be on your shopping list.

If you're a traditional RPG player and are a bit hesitant about the games leveling and gear system I encourage you to wait until Pocket RPG is on sale and pick it up then. Who knows, you might like it!

Thanks for reading!