Former Nintendo DS developers Griptonite are taking aim at the iOS market with a visually impressive looking title by the name of Death Dome. While it is evident right from the start that Death Dome is highly “inspired” by the popular iOS game Infinity Blade, by Epic games, that is not a bad thing. The game is near completion and for those of us living in Canada, it is available for free right now to download. Naturally, I checked it out and these are some impressions on the game in its current near finished state.

The game play consists of mostly an on rails experience in a detailed 3D world where you first steal as much loot as you can by using touch before an enemy appears where you engage in a battle to the death. Much like Infinity Blade, you can dodge attacks, counter enemy strikes, block and use a shield. You can also use some sort of ” Magic” ( I don’t remember what they call it ) for extra damage.  It all controls well enough, especially for a “non final” build. The games visuals are very nice and use an almost cell shaded approach a bit like borderlands. The result is some of the nicest eye candy I have seen on my iPhone 4S. The sound and music are well done as well.

From the menus in game it will likely be free to play. Of all the free to play games I have downloaded they usually fall into 2 categories. First, a ” fair” experience that allows you to play and enjoy the title without in your face micro-transactions and second, an overly aggressive attempt to take more than your fair share of money for a little iOS game. From how much money it costs to buy things like revives and good powerful weapons I am fearful that this game will be one of those “bad” free to play games. Also, there was NO currency reward for even killing the boss character? Really?  No “Death Diamonds” were given in game,only offered to you if you buy them. Still, the game is not yet out for general release so that could change but I have my doubts. Overall the game looks absolutely great for an iPhone game, plays well and has fun albeit familiar game play. If you live in Canada check it out now, if not and it remains free to play it is at least worth playing until they expect a lot of your money. Check out some in game screens below!