Glu Mobile continues to win big with iPad version of Glyder 2

Glyder 2 for iPad

Glyder 2 for iPad [rating: 5/5]

Glu have produced many great apps but one of their best and most successful franchises has been Glyder. So far there have been 3 incarnations, the original Glyder, Glyder 2 and the Glyder inspired How to Train Your Dragon, all reviewed here on touchreviews.net and all received high scores. Well now hot on the heels on the launch of the iPad Glu have released an enhanced version of Glyder 2 specifically for it.

I already reviewed all the previous version of Glyder and so while I can offer a good comparison of them all the fact that I rated the other three so highly may suggest that it’s a foregone conclusion that Glyder 2 for the iPad may also get a high score regardless of it’s conversion. Well iPad apps that are converted from iPhone/iPod Touch apps will only get high scores if they offer something new and take advantage of the extra real estate and power that the iPad offers. So how does Glyder 2 for the iPad shape up?

The first thing that you’ll notice if you fork out another $5 on this version of Glyder 2 will be the enhanced graphics. The 6 islands sparkle with their new hi-resolution graphics. The depth of each island is great, the textures are smoother and the environments are more detailed enhancing the overall pleasure of gliding around them. While there are no additional worlds to explore in Glyder 2 for iPad but as previously mentioned they do look much better.

An additional control method has been added which means that instead of using the accelerometer you can use you finger on the screen to control Eryn’s position. Now it may be that I’m used to the controls by playing the other three version of the game but I didn’t find the touch controls anywhere near as intuitive as the original method. Players who are new to the game though may like having a choice of controls.

There are also two new features to help you find your way around the islands. Firstly the global map not only show’s you all the islands as it has previously done but now also shows your relative location. While the 3D world viewer shows each island in glorious 3D and high-lights places of interest and crystals making it easier to find those last few elusive items.

If you are a fan of the Glyder series and have upgraded to an iPad then another 5 dollars on Glyder 2 will not be wasted and even if you’ve completed the game before you will still take pleasure in completing it again in it’s updated incarnation.

If you haven’t played Glyder 2 before then this is the perfect opportunity to delve into the beautiful world that Eryn has made it’s own.

As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, and with Glyder 2 for the iPad Glu Mobile have done that and more.

The Good

  • Building on a winning formula
  • Enhanced graphics make the worlds look even better
  • Accelerometer controls are more responsive on the bigger device

The Not So Good

  • Additional new control method adds little

Price: $4.99 (iTunes Store Preview)
Released: Apr 01, 2010
Reviewed Version: 1.0.0
Size: 96.5 MB
Language: English
Seller: Glu Games Inc
© 2010 Glu Mobile, Inc.
Rated 4+
Requirements: Compatible with iPad. Requires iPhone OS 3.2 or later.

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