The Dark Knight Rises Review

By Robert Leedham July 25, 2012 at 13:37 pm

WHAT IS IT?

Movie's don't come much bigger than The Dark Knight Rises and so naturally Christopher Nolan's latest epic couldn't pass without an app spin-off. Loosely based around the plot of the blockbuster - don't worry we won't spoil anything - TDKR is a sprawling 3D adventure app which has few rivals.

WHAT'S IT LIKE?

It's only been a fortnight since we were left relatively disappointed with Gameloft's TThe Amazing Spider-Man, so our hopes weren't exactly sky high for The Dark Knight Rises. Would its touchscreen controls hold up in the face of fast-paced combat? Would its in-game camera continually get stuck behind the virtual scenery? Would we be able to stop worrying and enjoy the game?

Well, yes. We had a fantastic time getting to grips with TDKR and are relieved to report this app is not plagued with anywhere near the same level of bugs as Peter Parker's offering. Anyone who's played Batman's Arkham Asylum and Arkham City adventures will be familiar with the style of gameplay on show here. Although you've got the whole of Gotham City to explore, TDKR is pretty linear with most levels requiring you to beat up a series hired goons and while grappling around some well-designed terrain.

Combat boils down to alternating your touchscreen antics between the attack and block buttons but, from past experience, we find any other options just over-complicate things. You can of course, upgrade Bruce Wayne's arsenal of projectiles so your batarangs bounce off walls, your can drop smoke bombs and the weaponry on your vehicles is improved. By vehicles we really mean your Batcycle which isn't quite as awesome as the Batmobile but it's cool enough.

Considering how much there is packed into TDKR, it's no surprise that this app takes an age to download. The Android version of this app clocks in at a whopping 1.8GB so remember to free up some space on your phone before making the purchase. Also, you might want to put the kettle on.

Once you finally get to tuck into TDKR, you'll find plenty to be enthralled by and the best superhero app going. This comes highly recommeded.