Dungeon Hunter: Alliance | "DESTROY ALL FANBOYS!"

Platform: PlayStation Vita

Developer: Gameloft

Publisher: Ubisoft

# of Players: 1 – 4

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

Score: C+

With Dungeon Hunter: Alliance on the Vita, developer Gameloft had a rather interesting challenge in making a version of their popular (but “old” by other device standards) hack and slash RPG that could be seen as a solid (and full priced) showpiece the Sony’s new handheld. While they didn’t quite succeed in every area, the end result presents enough creature chopping challenge for those who like to go solo while also being a ton of fun in multiplayer. Visually, the game is solid, if not spectacular overall, the gameplay is what you’d expect with some interesting use of the Vita’s touch screens that range from handy to not really necessary. Unfortunately, despite the glossed-up visuals, the game misses the chance to do more with the basics, meaning if you’ve played this already on a device, computer or even the PS3, you’re not going to be too surprised at what’s here. Addicted? yes. Shocked at the stellar amount of originality on display? Nope.

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Based on a majority of the posts over at the PlayStation Blog regarding Ubisoft’s upcoming Vita Action/RPG, Gameloft’s Dungeon Hunter Alliance is going to be a hard sell to those who’ve already played the game as an iOS, Android or PS3 release… and that’s too bad. The upcoming port of DH:A has enhanced HD visuals and makes use of the Vita’s front/back touchscreen sand accelerometer in an interesting manner. As I’ve never played any version of the game and love a good dungeon crawler (I don’t own an iOS or Android device and don’t use PSN these days) , I’m interested in reviewing this one on its own merits.

Sadly, it seems that nearly everyone criticizing the game is doing so solely based on the $39.99 price point and not the fact that those new Vita owners who may have never heard of the game before probably won’t mind supporting Ubisoft, Gameloft and Sony with a full-price retail purchase… provided the game is good. Herein lies the problem with launch software (well, one of many problems). If you don’t spend time creating an experience that favors both old as well as new players, the veterans will always be there to let you know you’ve” screwed up” (even if you really didn’t)… Continue reading →