Set 25 years after the first game, Dungeon Hunter 2 has a wonderfully transparent and simple plot. Even the Gameloft product sheet keeps it as basic as can be: "You are one of the immortal king’s sons. Survive a war, escape from prison, and travel across your realm to save everything!" That's it.
To be honest, that's all you need, because the fun with DH2 is in the exploration. And even more so in multiplayer.
The best new feature with this sequel is the ability to play through the entire campaign with up to three friends, as four adventurers can take part at the same time. Dungeon Hunter 2 also runs equally as well (if not quite so fancy in the graphics department) on a 3GS or 3rd Gen iPod touch (as long as they have iOS 3.1.2 or higher), so you don't all need iPhone 4s or iPod touch 4Gs.
To prove it works, Pocket-lint played on an iPhone 4 while a Gameloft representative played on a 3GS, and, we have to be honest, he was doing a bit better than us. There was no lag in play whatsoever.
If you're playing solo, you will be joined by computer aided NPCs, and the powered-up fairies from the first game have made the leap across, to keep you further company.
Graphics, on the retina display at least, have made a major leap up in quality though, with lighting effects being superbly rendered. The game is as colourful as before, just far more atmospheric, and spells look better when unleashed.
Additionally, levels are bigger than before; up to five times bigger. And there are more enemies, areas and quests to complete. Plus, if you fancy a bit of replay action, the dungeons shift about, so the layout differs each time you play.
The final major improvement is in character classes. Where you start, like in the first Dungeon Hunter, with Warrior, Rogue or Mage classes, they can be further enhanced after you reach Level 12. Then you will be offered more specific specialisations, such as Berserker, Death Walker and Archer. So, that will add further replay value, if you want to do the game with a different character style. Lots of it.
Dungeon Hunter 2 will be coming for iPhone and iPod touch initially (before Christmas) and iPad later. It'll be in the same ball park, price-wise, as other Gameloft titles (around £3.99).
Have you completed the original Dungeon Hunter? As what character? Let us know in the comments below...
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