iPhone Game Review: AirMaster 3D

Developer: Alex Nankervis
Genre: flying\shooter
Price: $1.99 (Lite Version Available)
Verdict: This game is amazing fun and has so much potential I would definitely pronounce it a buy
Pros: Great replay value and the best targeting system one could desire.
Cons: would benefit from a more advanced A.I.

I can honestly say I do not remember the last time I had so much fun with an iPhone game. Reminiscent of the classic Descent series, AirMaster 3D hits a home run. Once the game is started it is obvious that this is not an ordinary 3D flight genre. From the wonderful true3D flight to the amazing control interaction, AirMaster 3D provides nonstop action from start to finish.

The essence of this game is that the gamer is humanity’s only hope against the aliens. The main objective of this game is for the gamer to make his/her way to the alien home world, destroying everything in their path across five planets. There is so much variety when it comes to the different levels within the game, whether it be soaring down the snowy mountain side or charging through a molten volcano spewing with lava. There is something for everyone in this beautifully designed game.

AirMaster 3D has the best executed use of the accelerometer and on-screen controls I have encountered on the iPhone. In addition, having the ability to calibrate the controls adds to the amazing flexibility of this game. The programmer of this game integrated the on-screen controls extremely well by utilizing the integrated multi-touch feature of the Iphone, allowing one to throttle with the left hand while firing with the right hand simultaneously. Even with the lack of ambient music, the audio is not out of place. From the humming of the engines, to the “pew pew pew” of the lasers any gamer will be right at home. The exquisite execution of these features gives this game a very rich experience and a well rounded feel.

Another great feature of this game is what I like to call the “killbox”. One will notice from the picture below that the enemy has a yellow box around them. The HUD will provide this box around multiple targets and allow for precise aiming and tracking of the enemy. The advanced weapon tracking of the ship will allow one to lock onto a target even if off centered a few meters.

On the whole, AirMaster 3D brings back the classic good vs. evil, green vs. red that is in the heart of any true gamer. Once one enters this game he/she will be enthralled with the 360 degrees pure adrenalin from the massive army’s that await at every level. So fellow gamer are you willing to sacrifice everything you have and dedicate yourself to the ultimate destruction of the alien masses, destroying turrets, U.F.O’s, tanks, and ground base radar stations. If so in the end you will be able to call yourself The AirMaster.