Visually, Merlin’s Legacy has decent cartoon-like graphics and animation. While there is no background music, the sound effects are more than adequate. The game is set up like iShoot except without the turn-based approach. Merlin’s Legacy is played in landscape mode and requires you to pan the screen to see the entire length of the duel. Ideally, the devs would have included a zoom function so the entire area could be viewed at once, but it’s not a big deal. The storyline is that Merlin has been killed, and you take on the role of a young wizard who wants to fill those shoes. But you must battle other wizards who are just as eager to inherit Merlin’s legacy (hence the game title). Honestly, the story is a bit contrived and adds minimally to the overall game. But, you get a new chapter of the story as you progress from battle to battle.
There are a number of magic artifacts that intensify powers of the wizard in control of that artifact. These artifacts appear on the terrain in later levels. This works by sending a creature to acquire the artifact. It’s literally a back and forth affair since it’s likely your creature will be destroyed before it reaches the enemy wizard. Of course, then the enemy creatures can bring it back towards you. Artifacts include the following:
Lightening Wand—increases the damage of Missiles
Magic Boots—increases the speed of attack creatures
Magic Potion—reduces the amount of mana needed to invoke the spell
Death Mask—automatically defeats the wizard it comes in contact with
Orb of Explosions—a bomb that destroys everything in its vicinity
Impressions:
- the game has 3 modes, but only the Quest mode is initially unlocked.
- the Quest mode has 3 levels of difficulty.
- when you start the Quest mode, you initially only have 2 spells (magic missile and summon an imp monster).
- as you progress further, you can learn spells from 3 schools of magic (druid, elemental and necromancy) and you’ll also be able to take more spells with you for the duels (you initially start off with 3 spell slots, with 2 more to unlock).
- spells cost mana points/slots (ranging from 1 to 5) and initially you’ll have 5 points, with more being available as you progress.
- each level/duel is prefaced with some text about furthering the story and why you’re duelling each wizard.
- game play consists of casting spells against the enemy wizard, which is achieved by touching the spell icons on the bottom of the screen (once to select the spell, and once more to cast it - by default, the offensive spells will target the enemy wizard and the shield spells will be cast in front of you. Both can be targeted by first selecting the spell and then touching the area on the batteground where you want the spell cast). Generally you’ll cast a shield spell to protect yourself and then you’ll cast either an offensive spell (magic missile, ice bolt, fireball etc.) against the enemy wizard or the monster summoned by the enemy wizard (although you can’t target the summoned monster directly, only an area the monster will walk to) or a monster summoning spell to attack the enemy’s summoned monster or the enemy wizard.
- the strategy lies in the type of spells you bring to each duel and then which of the brought spells you’ll cast while dueling.
- the duelling area is scrollable with you on the left and the enemy wizard on the right.
- the graphics are cartoony in look (reminds me of the Flash games you find on the Net) with some animation.
- no in game music, only sound effects (the main menu has music however).
- quite a few feats/achievements to earn (similar to the game Glyder eg. kill the enemy wizard with a summoned monster, kill a summoned monster with an offensive spell etc.).
- later duels will have an item or items on the batteground which will either enhance your spell casting (eg. more damage to the magic missile spell, less points to cast spells) or enhance your summoned monster (eg. monster moves faster, monster regenerates hit points).
Features:
- An engaging story set in the high fantasy realm.
- Simple, yet strategic gameplay for ‘core and casual appeal.
- 3 schools of magic, each featuring upgradable spells and monsters.
- 15 different spells, each with unique effects.
- 20 levels of increasingly challenging wizard encounters.
- Un-lockable achievements.
- Tournament mode, for honing your skills, and to earn special rewards.
PRO’s:
- Fun and challenging game play
CON’s:
- Game needs some variety in choosing your wizard or your opponent
- Additional levels and spells would increase the game play time
- No music and repetitive sound fx make for a dull atmosphere
PRICE:
It is available at the App Store for 2.99$
App Store Link
GAME PLAY VIDEO:
Add A Comment