Brings both the satisfying “build your own mech and blow things up” genre to our devices...

• Posted by timothymclain February 18, 2011
• Recommended for Gamers

The Mech Assault series took the original XBOX by storm back in the day. Now we’ve got the iPad, and Heavy Mach. 2 HD ($2.99) brings both the satisfying “build your own mech and blow things up” genre to our devices, with a generous helping of RPG features to boot.

Getting started is a breeze. Set up a new game, then get yourself to the first battlefield. A ready-made basic mech is waiting. This is very much a top-down shooter, so drag your finger across the screen to set a movement path for your mech, then click on an enemy tank to open fire.

You’ll quickly master drawing arc paths to keep your mech moving around enemies, dodging fire while laying down some serious fire. When an enemy pops, there’s a solid chance that it’ll drop some loot or upgrades. Be sure to scoop it up quickly by drawing a new path, or it’ll disappear.

Between missions, head over to the Equipment Shop to buy, sell, and equip upgrades. The usual mech fare is here – rocket launchers, machine guns, armor plating, repair kits, and various parts for each limb or foot of your walking death machine. Unique to the mix is the ability to buy a bot to accompany you into battle. This fits into a bot slot, offering extra attack abilities or loot grabbers.

As you work through the levels, upgrading and kitting out your mech will be critical. There’s gaps in the action, and only true mech heads will “love” spending time choosing and equipping the dozens of different items to see what difference each makes.

Honestly, I’m fond of equipping the basics, being sure I’m loaded for serious enemies, and find the general feel of combat fun and worthwhile. There are dozens of other $2.99 games in the App Store that aren’t worth your time. Heavy Mach. 2 HD is a bargain, and its depth and genuinely high fun factor will keep you fighting for many weeks to come.