The incredibly popular iOS first-person shooter, Archetype, makes the HD upgrade to the iPad with Archetype HD. With the same overall layout and style, Archetype HD features online multiplayer gameplay where teams up to 5 players exhibit mass amounts of pwnage in brilliant “HD”.

Review

Having played the original Archetype game on iPhone, I can say that Archetype HD for iPad is basically the same game except with the size upgrade. By no means is that a bad thing. With the resolution upgrade from the iPhone 3GS to the iPad, Archetype looks fantastic. The graphics are very crisp, the text is very clear, and the 10-inch screen size doesn’t hurt things at all!

In terms of gameplay, you can choose three types of game format: team deathmatch, challenge, and training. Team deathmatch is exactly what you think; a standard team vs. team kill fest where you just shoot as many members of the opposite team as you can within the allotted time. Challenge allows you to play specific scenarios alongside friends. Training allows you to get acclimated to Archetype HD and gives you a place to develop the skills you need to become an iPad pwn master.

Playable in landscape mode only, Archetype HD features a similar control scheme as its iPhone/iPod Touch counterpart, two joystick-style buttons on either side, and tap you can tap anywhere on the screen to fire. In landscape mode, controlling both thumb buttons isn’t too much of a stretch, but if you are one who opts to tap-to-fire only (you also have the option to auto fire when opponents are in your crosshairs), making the stretch from thumb buttons to firing with one of your thumb might end up stunting your speed a bit.

Tips

Auto fire for a while. While you’re learning the control layout and getting some muscle memory down, using the auto fire option is definitely helpful. If you feel like you’re cheating, and you feel comfortable in the game, make the jump up to manual fire only.

Recommendation

If you like first-person shooters or the original Archetype for your iPhone or iPod Touch, then you have to get Archetype HD. At $4.99, this is an outstanding price for any premium iPad game, must less a proven and popular game that could well be charging much more.

Gameplay Video

Photos

Note: A promotional code was provided by the creator for use in this article.

Please post your comments, tips, and your own reviews below in the comments area!

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