Infinity Blade II Preview

Should you be looking forward to the sequel of the Unreal Engine 3-powered iOS title Infinity Blade, IGN has put together a positive preview for it, arguing it may be “the perfect sequel”.

Infinity Blade 2’s new gem-slotting system continues the theme of increased player freedom and customization. Most armaments feature gem slots of different shapes, allowing players to equip stat-boosting gems they have discovered or purchased. Gems range from mundane stat boosts (+10 attack or +15 fire damage) to more specialized perks like earning gold for scratch damage, or draining life for successful parries. Chair has promised that the game will launch with “hundreds” of unique gems.

Visually, it’s obvious that the graphical wizards at Chair are taking full advantage of the power in the iPhone 4S and iPad 2. Realtime shadows, particle effects, and improved lightning effects all subtly raise the graphical fidelity of each combat scene. The new spell effects show off the more obvious visual upgrades. Swords imbued with elemental energy also now reflect their power think flaming swords.

Although I liked the original Infinity Blade, I largely agreed with the cadre of critics that cut down the game as being “the same thing” over and over. My time with Infinity Blade 2 has already made me a believer, however. Multiple weapon classes and greater enemy variety keep the combat fresh. A non-linear environment supported by a proper storyline provides the perfect motivation to keep looping through sections of the game multiple times.