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StarDrone Extreme While the PS Vita is already struggling with new retail releases only months after its release, at least indie publishers are finding good use for the system, and StarDrone Extreme is one of the more refreshing titles I’ve played on the handheld since its launch. Mixing gameplay elements from pinball and breakout with intergalactic inertia-free space-based puzzle levels, prepare for something wickedly clever and terribly addictive. StarDrone Extreme comes loaded with 60+ levels, ten of which are exclusive to the PS Vita. The goals in each level vary from collecting a certain amount of stars to destroying all the enemies or merely reaching the end within a certain time limit. You are ranked on your thoroughness and speed with bronze, silver, and gold medals, some of which are nearly impossible to obtain but incredibly fun to keep on trying.
Some levels are out in the vastness of space and if you miss your next beacon you will drift out into deep space and have to restart the level. Other levels take place in tight interiors made up of linear and curved passages, often loaded with hazards that you must avoid, all the while collecting stars and trying to reach the exit in record time. In later levels you will have blocked passages that require you to find a color-coded key in order to pass. There are also turbo strips that will shoot you forward at great velocity and crystal shards you can smash through to reach new areas. StarDrone Extreme is entirely touch-based from the menus to the gameplay. You touch and drag to launch your ship and then it’s just a series of taps and holds to orbit the various beacon until you eventurally reach the exit or complete the puzzle's goal. The game’s unique physics engine does everything else. The touchscreen is the default control scheme, but I found that my finger was always blocking my view of the game and interfering with me accurately breaking orbit at my desired angle. The rear touch pad is a much better alternative, allowing you an unobstructed view of the game as well as minimizing fingerprints. There are two modes for the rear pad; the first requires you to touch the pad behind the beacon location. For those who have a problem “seeing through” their Vita you can go with the other mode that allows you to tap anywhere on the rear pad and the game will use its own special “prediction algorithm” to tether you to the beacon nearest your ship. It seems to work 99.5% of the time.
You can get StarDrone Extreme for $4 and it’s going to take you weeks to finish and months to master. Some of the levels are seemingly impossible, leading to my only real complaint; a lack of difficulty progression, as some insanely difficult puzzles are early in the game followed by others that are incredibly easy. Still, each attempt is always unique and different thanks to a complex physics engine and intuitive touch-gameplay. If you’ve been looking for a reason to blow the dust off your Vita then check out StarDrone Extreme. It’s a great bargain for a whole lotta game, and the relatively short mission structure is perfect for portable gaming. You can knock out most missions in two minutes or less, but don’t be surprised to find yourself still playing this game for months to come. Screenshots ![]()
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