XT by Lka Interactive is a space shooter, however it’s quite different from any space shooter you’ve ever played. XT is more like a cross between Asteroids and Pac-Man. Weird combination, yes, but it actually works pretty well for this game. The main goal of XT is to collect glowing green and red gems while fending off enemies either by shooting them or just avoiding them. The game can get pretty hectic when having to collect multiple gems while trying to avoid an increasing number of enemies. XT uses two onscreen joysticks to control the action – one too move your space craft and the other to shoot.

XT is a pretty straight forward game. If you can collect all the green and red gems right away, each level will go by fairly quickly. You can also upgrade your ship in-between each level with better shields, speed and weapons. You technically could play the game without even firing a shot if you’re good enough at avoiding enemies and enemy fire but that makes the game quite difficult. XT is a pretty solid space shooter though with some pretty decent challenges.

The only real problem with the game are the controls. The control scheme is accurate but they are too twitchy. The movements don’t feel very precise and your spacecraft sometimes becomes difficult to move where you want to move. There were some parts where I has to circle and area over and over again because I would keep missing the gems. After a while you start getting used to the controls but I’d really like to see it tweaked a bit more so they are more responsive and less twitchy.

XT is available now in the App Store for $1.99. There is also an HD version of the game for the iPad available here. It is also $1.99

Rating: B

Description

Strategy and shooting action come together in provide an exhilarating space adventure in XT! Download this strategic level-based shooter NOW and jump in the driver’s seat of an exotic spaceship, gathering every green or red gem scattered around the cosmos while utilizing navigational cunning and accurate shooting to thwart the attacks of any enemy ships that stand in your way.

Playing through XT, users are tasked with utilizing both agility and strategic thought to conquer sequentially more challenging levels by collecting every green and red gem on a given map without being shot down by an enemy space craft or flying over and enemy mine.

The game includes 30 unique levels of play. Points collected during game-play can either be used to upgrade the user’s ship between missions, or saved and uploaded online via Openfeint leaderboards.

XT boasts extremely straight forward and intuitive user controls that are responsive and easy to learn. Users simply use one thumb pad to steer their spacecraft and a second to aim and shoot their crafts weapons. Furthermore, this game utilizes smooth yet vivid 3-D graphics to provide users with a gaming experience of the highest possible quality. Don’t wait around to battle through the cosmos, with XT all you need to jump headlong into an enthralling deep space is your mobile device.

App Features:

* 30 unique levels
* Integrated with OpenFeint for online score-tracking
* Online Player Leaderboards
* Un-lockable in-game achievements
* Upgrade options for: weapons, defense, engines, and life bank
* Detailed 3-D in-game graphics

XT is developed by LKA Interactive.

System requirements: iOS 3.1.2 or higher, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch 3G, iPhone 4G, iPod touch 4G

[via App Store]