The iOS seems to be host to a large number of so-called freemium games and MetalStorm: Online is the newest contender. MetalStorm is a arcade style flight game with a focus on combat. It is quite similar to games like ace combat in this way and amazingly it manages to keep up with those retail games quite happily. It does however have some worrying problems.
When you first play MetalStorm you will probably be impressed at just how easy it controls. This is one of the main strengths of the game as the intuitive controls suit the pick up and play nature of a portable game perfectly. I quickly found myself swinging this way and that enthralled with the action on screen and the motion of the iPad translating into sharp turns and amazing manoeuvres. With just two buttons to fire the weapons and a swiping motion for the stunts, the actual combat is very satisfying too.
Since the game is called MetalStorm: Online, you would imagine that the online would be integral, well you'd be right. There are two game modes--a straight one on one dogfight, and a co-op mode similar to horde from gears of war. The second mode is also playable in solo although it does detract from the experience somewhat. You soon find yourself overwhelmed and attacked from all sides, without a partner to keep your back it is almost certain death.
During my time with the game I mostly found myself drawn to the dogfight mode. This is where the game really shines. In a similar fashion to most deathmatch scenarios there are unlimited respawns and a score limit to reach. I found that the limit seemed just right, when I was starting to get bored of the match it ended almost immediately. This honestly shows just how much thought has gone into the game and catering to that casual crowd.
There are, however, some problems with the freeium side to this particular coin. When you are upgrading your aircraft or buying new planes and weapons you spend either coins or credits. Both of these can be earned in-game, but in such small amounts it will take almost twenty matches just to buy a new plane. This is even more apparent in some of the higher level purchases. One plane in particular costs fifty coins, or the equivalent of fifty level ups. In this respect the game seems overly in favour of those who buy in app purchases. While I understand that this is how they make money I am quite disgusted at how unfair it is to those who spend less.
In conclusion, I think that MetalStorm is a very fun game and does almost everything right, you may find yourself annoyed at some dogfights where you lose because you chose to spend less but overall this is a solid iOS game and definitely worth a download, especially because it's free. This game was reviewed on a iPad 1, I played for a week and reached level 55.
