Hook it up to your HDTV for 1080p output
One of the main highlights of Rage HD is how damn good it looks on iPad 2. Introduced by the game show’s effervescent host, J.K. Stiles, production values are high and cut-scenes extremely detailed. Though the game show premise merely gives you a reason to slaughter mutants, the graphics are of a consistently high quality, throughout and the rousing musical score compliments the action.The new update for iOS4 and iPad 2 makes the high quality production values of Rage HD all the more impressive. By using the 30-pin to HDMI adaptor (sold separately) you can plug your device into your HDTV and output at an impressive 1080p. Even on the small screen, Rage HD makes some full-priced console games look shabby, and on the large screen it has even more visual impact.
The update also gives you the ability to shake the device to perform a melee attack, which adds a little bit of interactive fun to proceedings, but what’s more significant is the ability to now use an analog thumbstick control. The bad news is that there’s not an official peripheral made by Apple. Indeed, we’ve only been able to find one solution – the Fling controller, available via Firebox.com .
It’s a pricey accessory at £21.99, especially considering not all games support the controller. It does, however, improve the experience of Rage HD significantly – we’re talking here as old school gamers who prefer game-pads over touch-screen any day. Two sucker pads ensure it sticks rigidly to the screen and it feels intuitive to use and looks like it will take a battering from intense bouts of gaming. Nova 2, Real Racing HD and Order & Chaos also support the controller, so as long as you plan on using your iPad for gaming long term it’s a decent investment.
Whether you use the analog controls or not, Rage HD touch-screen controls work wonderfully well and despite some frantic action on screen it runs very smoothly at 60FPS with no signs of slowdown. The great musical score and sumptuous graphics means that it’s a high quality production from start to finish. It’s disappointing that there’s not a multiplayer option and only three single player levels, but there’s replay value to be had out of collecting achievements and beating your high score – and just £1.99 it’s a title that every iPad 2-owning gamer should definitely have.
The Good
High productions values - both audio and graphics. The best on Apple devices, best on iPad 2Silky smooth frame-rates ensure a free-flowing experience
Control scheme is simple yet very effective, even better with an analog controller
The Bad
Only three levels and no multiplayerHEXUS Rating
Rage HD
HEXUS Where2Buy
Rage HD is available to purchase from iTunes App Store .
HEXUS Right2Reply
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