StarDrone Extreme Review (PS Vita)

ByScuttlebug

May 15, 2012

Published by: Beatshapers
Developed by: Beatshapers/TastyPlay
Genre: Action
Release Date:
US: April 17, 2012

Ever wanted to play Angry Birds while on Mushrooms? Well, while I do not suggest you do that, I can suggest you try out StarDrone Extreme. It should accomplish something to the same effect.

If the name StarDrone rings a bell, that is because it was a game on the PSN. I tried it and personally did not care for it on the console, it just did not feel right, but the game itself showed great promise. I remember saying “I wish this was on a handheld with touch controls, I’d like it much more.”

Well, guess what? With StarDrone Extreme, it adds controls that are a much added addition. It requires you to use the Touch screen as you would a iPhone, to control the ship as it goes through space. While it is flying, you have to use gravity obstacles placed around the enviorment, which you use to direct the ships direction, and other objects block the way of your goal.

It is a very simple game to understand, which results in casual gamers loving it, and hard to master, which will allow the hardcore gamers to try for a quicker time. With around 60 levels to attempt, you have a lot of game for your money, which costs 3.99 USD at the time of this review.

One of the problems I have with the game is the difficulty. Is it a hard game in its entirety? No. My problem is some levels can be cakewalks, then all of the sudden, a stage turns out to be crazy difficult. After clearing this level, it becomes a cakewalk again. This happens a few times during the course of the game. When I had a hard time on one level I discovered there is a “level skip” option. You pay 99 cents to skip the level. I have to wonder is this was done intentionally, or just a freak coincidence.

While those perks take a little away from the experience, the game itself is still a wonderful pick up and play title. Visually it is impressive, the touch controls work well for the system and the game itself. For 3.99 USD, it is well worth the money. With the small library the PS Vita currently has, it is nice to see a game that you can pick up and play on a train, bus, plane, or even a boat.