(AfroGamers.com) Early last year, Madfinger Games released Shadowgun Legends, a first-person shooter for mobile. I’ve never been the biggest fan of the FPS genre but Destiny 2 made me not turn up my nose as high as I normally would. Destiny 2 proved to be fun, fast-paced experience that even got me to unmute my headset to play with team mates. That’s a huge step because I tend to be content playing solo—which you can do in Destiny 2.
If that seems like a lot of fawning over Destiny 2, that’s because Shadowgun Legends will give you a stripped-down version of that same vibe while being a continuation of the Shadowgun series.
The Nuts and Bolts of Shadowgun Legends
Graphically, this is a really clean game. It can be laggy and choppy at times when a lot of players are at the hub but it looks great. If you find it being laggy, you can turn down the graphics. You won’t
experience this problem in solo play obviously. Another reason for the lag at times is that design-wise, there’s a lot going on at the hub. You have lights, static video screens, there’s a casino, arena, and a bar that can really get laggy but that’s expected.
Since this is an FPS, camera movement is important and while it doesn’t fail in Shadowgun Legends, it’s far from great. I don’t think “acceptable” is a description you’d want for the camera in an FPS. When in doubt and if you have it, use a mobile controller. Really, do that for any mobile shooter or racing game—especially if you’re big on PvP.
There’s plenty of weapons and piece of armor to pick up which will bolster your overall power level—just like Destiny. Not only that but your power level can unlock or lock you out of better paying missions.
Clearing out missions gives you XP which will bump up your player level—which isn’t the same as your character’s power level. As your XP and level rises, you will unlock certain gameplay modes and features such as team PvP, clans/guilds, and so-on. So, there’s incentive to drop in everyday and play.
Legends, Guardians. Potato, Potahto.
Speaking of missions, they’re going to be easy early on but that’s no surprise. The open world travel and running around is absent here. You’re simply dropped into a level and you have to wreck shop by clearing out all alien threats around. Nothing too difficult or deep storyline-wise.
As far as the story goes, you’re basically a mercenary—or Legend—who joins the fight to wipe out aliens. Legends are similar to Guardians in Destiny only they’re not as glamorous or highly touted but at the same time these aren’t space scrubs or anything.
The most elite Legends are highly respected among other Legends—which is expected. That aside, they really do the same things. In addition to subduing an alien menace—I mean these aliens are even hording gold and precious items that humans value—you’re tasked with providing support for the marines.
Space marines, so you know this is serious business.
Verdict
What you get with Shadowgun Legends is a stripped-down Destiny experience for mobile. Which is something I’m surprised Bungie didn’t jump on. Good for Madfinger, I suppose. If you want to play Destiny only on your phone or tablet and for short bursts at a time then this game would be up your alley.
Graphically and sound-wise, it gets the thumbs up from me. The story is pretty much non-existent but I wasn’t really expecting there to be one. Finally, the gameplay is really solid, it’s not great and it’s definitely not bad. It’s beyond the middle sitting comfortably in “good” territory.
Pick it up on Android and iOS.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10 (Recommended)
Staff Writer; M. Swift
This talented writer is also a podcast host, and comic book fan who loves all things old school. One may also find him on Twitter at; metalswift.