The good
We’re always fans of games that have been designed for touchscreens, rather than ported over as an after thought, and that’s what we’ve got here. Avengers Initiative makes full use of large modern smartphone screens: you tap to explore between fights, and swipe in various ways to punch and parry against massive bosses. Timing in fights is key, and it’s by no means easy. You’ll need to be a real conductor of the screen to make your way through the several hours of gameplay without resorting to in-app purchase power ups to help you, though it is perfectly possible.
If you do find yourself replaying sections though, you won’t find it a chore: Avengers Initiative looks great. The Hulk’s muscles ripple as he wades through enemies, almost like you were back in the cinema, watching it in 3D, so props to developers Wideload Games.
The bad
Yup – if you’re thinking this sounds just like the absolutely gorgeous iOS game, Infinity Blade, you’d be right. It is just like the absolutely gorgeous iOS game, Infinity Blade. Yes, newbies will welcome the chance to get a taste of what the smash hit fighting games is all about, but for those who have already ploughed through both Infinity Blade entries, the gameplay may prove a bit tiresome – it really is remarkably similar.
And at the moment, Avengers Initiative is the Hulk’s show and Hulk’s alone. You can’t play as any of the other characters from the film, so if you were hoping to swing your way through with Thor’s oversized hammer, you’re out of luck. At least for the time being: Marvel says updates in the future will bring extra characters and content to the game. Let’s hope so – you don’t want to make Hulk angry.
The bottom line
We wouldn’t blame you if you ignored the mobile game of a film just by default at this point, but here for once is a well thought out port that hasn’t just been rushed out in time for the film’s release.
Avengers Initiative been designed perfectly for touchscreens, and even if the mechanics are a bit familiar, it’s still a great romp through the Marvel universe, with more to come as well. One of our favourite mobile games this year, without a doubt.
