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Game: Hoplite v2.4.6
Developer: Magma Fortress
Category: Strategy
Price: N/A
IAP: $2.40
Hoplite is an extremely challenging and engaging turn-based strategy game that places you in command of a Spartan Phalanx in search of the legendary Fleece of Yendor in the underworld. It is a popular hybrid creation that blends elements of chess and Rogue-likes seamlessly, fused with an upgrade reward system, achievements and a brand new challenge mode to bolster replay value even more. Your stalwart Spartan enters a randomly generated arena within each new level that is comprised of a hexagonal grid with strategically placed magma flows, which can be tactfully used to comically dispatch reckless foes. The object of the game is to traverse through the underworld to level 16 where the Fleece resides to bravely recover it as a true hero, though you may optionally travel down past that level if you are so inclined. This is a punishing game of tactics, and a test of logic combined, as you will be placed in devious peril throughout your difficult and eventful journey. The game is diabolically difficult in the fact that several enemies will approach you with different combined attacks, angles and ranged distances, which will test your meddle, as every single move will have consequences; mostly unfavorable to the Spartan. Each turn requires tactical thought and resolve; not to be rushed through like an arcade title as being clever is paramount to your survival and ultimate success in retrieving the Fleece.
As you start the quest, your Spartan is given all tactful maneuvers available that may be upgraded at an altar within each level, or bypassed completely for a rewarded score bonus. You may expend energy using your sandals to leap over a certain distance, avoiding enemies and engaging in special attacks by landing adjacent to them. Your trusty spear may be used for a stab or lunge attack, depending on your relative placement to the foes in a given scenario. Of course, you may opt for a ranged attack by throwing the spear at unsuspecting targets; however, this places you in danger as you must retrieve it to use your stab and lunge attacks again. Shield bash grants you the ability to shove an adjacent enemy or object a certain distance, possibly pushing them to their demise into the magma or near an explosive thrown by another foe. Bashing an explosive towards a cluster of opponents will yield exponential damage to all, rendering them lifeless in one move. Each of the Spartan's skills may be eventually upgraded at altars that are designated for certain gods; each having their own selection of upgrade choices, though full life heal and added life hearts are usually always an option. The upgrade portion is where strategy enters the picture as the presented options can be critical decisions for the sake of your longevity in later levels.
Opposition of foes will start off in minimal numbers, gaining more as each level progresses downward into the underworld. It is within the larger numbers of foes that limit your choices of safe passage within the level; at times forcing you to decide between the lesser of two disasters. There are demons that slowly approach you with melee maneuvers, archers with distant ranged attacks, wizards utilizing powerful fireball spells and sappers flinging explosives in your direction the entire time. Within these combined attack attributes lies the wonderful nature of Hoplite and its inherent pressing modus operandi to ensure your Spartan never leaves the confines of the underworld alive. As cautious attention needs to be paid to your enemies and their positional damages, you must also ensure that your upgrade decisions compliment your style of playing. Some upgrades are costly as they require life hearts to obtain and need to be contemplated as you choose your upgrades at the altars along the way. Likewise, simply healing your Spartan through each level will leave you too weak to survive over time as lacking certain advanced methods of attack is certain death. You may choose to take a more stealthy approach in tactical evasion of enemies, but bolstered skills will prolong your life and present more options to avoid a deadly checkmate.
The sparse graphics are rendered in retroactive pixel style, giving the game a popular and desirable look, while making this title ideal for any lower end device with memory and storage issues. To compliment the art trends of yesteryear, the paltry array of minimal 8 bit sound effects lend nicely to the global theme presented in Hoplite and demonstrate clearly that aesthetics shall take a back seat to clever programming and design. Google's Play Games leaderboards and achievements are present, adding a nice touch and enhancing replay value, as always. Attempting to reach a higher score, let alone trying to beat the game, is another aspect that will keep you coming back long after your purchase for some time to come. Hoplite is proof that a game doesn't require two gigabytes of resources to be fun, engaging and effective as an entertainment title for all ages. The price point is absolutely fantastic for the amount of diabolical tactical action you receive from the minute you launch the game to the very last moment of your Spartan's life. I cannot recommend Hoplite enough for those who enjoy a unique blend of tactics and strategy in a stylish package that will prompt you to joyously chuck your phone across the room out of bitter defeat, time and time again.
Pros:
- A unique and diabolically difficult tactics simulation.
- Each turn requires concentration and thought like chess.
- Several different methods employed to enhance replay value.
- The inclusion of Play Games leaderboards and achievements.
Cons:
- Incredibly challenging to the verge of frustration at times.
Reviewer rating:
Device/OS used: Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7 2012 / KitKat v4.4.4, Lollipop v5.1.1
Purchase at Google Play
Purchase at Amazon
Mobilism: Hoplite v2.4.6 [Unlocked]
