Dungeon Hunter: Alliance Review for PS Vita

System: PS Vita
Dev: Gameloft
Pub: Ubisoft
Release: February 15, 2011
Players: 1-4
Screen Resolution: 544p	Blood, Violence

Also well done are the music and sound effects, which, like many of the other elements, are clean and tight, but lack any sort distinguishable features. From the sword swishes to the lightning shocks, it's all familiar, as are the sylvan melodies and cinematic compositions during boss battles. Still, it's pleasant on the ears, and puts you deeper into the world you're trying to save. The one thing trimmed down is the voice acting. Sure, there's some nice work done during the cutscenes, but the in-game dialogue is all subtitled, something that could have easily been remedied.

Dungeon Hunter: Alliance Screenshot

Dungeon Hunter: Alliance nicely incorporates the same multiplayer functionality as its console brother. You can host or join a team with up to three other players either locally or online, and get right to the action. The game nicely distributes loot in a round robin fashion, so there should be no greedy hoarders to worry about. However, if a simpatico relationship has been formed, you're welcome to trade items by dropping the ones that another player may find useful. You can set the parameters when hosting a game, such as a level cap, Hero or Legend difficulty (the latter only available after completing the story), and whether you want to play the campaign or team up in the Pit of Trials. Having a nice mix of classes in your foursome makes for some fun action, but also being confined to the same screen means you can only go as slow as your most impatient teammate, which can make completionists like me rather chagrined.

I must finish the review on a sour note, and that has to do with the game's price. The Vita copy of Dungeon Hunter: Alliance is in a rather unique and unsavory position. You see, the exact same game can be purchased on the PlayStation Network for less than a third of the $39.99 Vita cartridge cost, and cheaper still on the iOS app store. So unless you're a gamer without a PS3 or an Apple iOS device, there is simply no reason to purchase this pricey port. If Dungeon Hunter: Alliance seems interesting, give it a couple of months and I guarantee you'll find it in the bargain bin at your local gaming store.

By
Sean Engemann
Contributing Writer

@CardCanuck
Date: February 23, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

3.5

Graphics
It's not the best looking launch title, but it still looks better than 3DS or smartphone games.

2.8

Control
Working the vast menus is easy with the combination of touchscreen and buttons, but combat/movement is an entire mess.

3.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The audio is the standard blend in almost all respects, but still sounds beautiful and polished. Minimal voice acting brings the quality down a notch.

2.9

Play Value
There's enough content for many hours of solo or multiplayer fun, but the hefty price tag is a major issue that cannot be overlooked.

3.1

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

30+ levels to conquer solo or in teams of up to 4 players (local and online).

20+ unique environments with many created as you play, through a dynamic dungeon creation system.

Gameplay controls exclusively designed for PlayStation Vita. Front touch panel allows you to pick up weapons and zoom, back touch panel allows you to perform spells.

Customize your hero with armor and weapons you collect through your journey.