First Look: Chopper 2 [video],[gallery]

Chopper 2 coming to a TV near you!

You may remember back in April we posted about Chopper 2 being played on a TV. Well if you ever wanted / needed a reason to get both an iPhone and iPad we may just have it. The long awaited to sequel to kiwi-made Chopper, Chopper 2 is going to be available from Tuesday and will work on both your iPhone or iPad. Best of all, this is one of the first games you will be able to use whilst the iPad is plugged in to your TV (via component cable or VGA adapter) and controlled by your iPhone!

Hit the read more to see our first look and a video of the game in action.

When I first got my iPhone one of the first games I downloaded was Chopper by Majic Jungle Software (if you don’t know, Majic Jungle Software is a NZ-based one man band run by David Frampton). A simple side-on shooter that sees you flying a helicopter and completing missions (pretty much by shooting anything that moved), it was instant classic. Now, a couple of years later we finally get to play the sequel, Chopper 2.

Chopper 2

With the same premise as the first, Chopper 2 requires you to rescue stranded civilians from war zones and whilst you’re there you’ll need to kill a few of the enemies at the same time. Not only this but you now have to run ‘other’ missions, such as defending a base with your allies whilst it comes under attack from both sides, or take a bomb disposal expert to a tower to diffuse a bomb whilst you wait to take him back to base. There are eight enemies in total all with different artillery.

All new design

Although based on Chopper, the game has had a complete re-write and now has some fantastic 3D graphics and all new landscapes, that look great on the iPhone, iPad or TV! The control system has also had an overhaul and now utilises the new gyroscope in the iPhone 4, uses touch-based aiming/shooting that is independent of the motion controls and if you prefer you can also switch to D-Pad style controls.

New levels

There are 12 new locations over three difficulties, and each location has three missions. This totals 36 missions in all, enough to keep you playing for some time. There is a map based navigation system where you unlock new locations and missions to choose between. Meaning you don’t need to stick to one location until it’s complete.

It utilises OpenAL for spatial sound effects and according to David it even features an amazing 17 minute long original soundtrack, which I have to say is pretty cool. Also on the soundtrack, you can listen to your own music if you prefer: just start your music before starting the app and you’re away (alternately you can switch to the iPod if you are on iOS 4).

Awesome graphics

There is unlimited ammo from your machine gun, although be careful as it may overheat, and you get different types of bombs and missiles which are limited to 8. There’s also a new health meter that allows you to take a certain number of hits before you die. Most missions have a base or two where you can regain health and/or top up your missile supply, but there is a time bonus at the end and if you spend too long topping up ammo or repairing you’re going to lose points.

Chopper 2 also features OpenFeint for your online scores, leaderboards and achievements, and your high score is tracked for each of the locations.

Lastly (and this is the biggie), you can now control the chopper on your iPad with your iPhone via bluetooth! OK, so not so huge, but pretty bloody awesome. Well David didn’t stop with the awesome, he decided all the new game play, sound track, universal app with HD graphics, bluetooth control and more just wasn’t enough. Oh no, he decided to go one step further and add in the ability to view the game on your TV! Yep that’s right. In the video below you can see me playing the game on my 55″ TV.

The graphics still look just as awesome and what a great way to play the game. Now just to be clear…. the game is only visible on the screen whilst you are in a mission. When switching between locations you will have to do this from the iPad itself, but hey…. I am playing an iPhone game on my telly!

David developed this game as a solo effort and much of the landscape work was taken from inspiration of his own artwork of New Zealand landscapes and views and I have to say I am impressed. Seriously this game is awesome and will keep you playing for some time.

Inspired by New Zealand?

As I say the game will be available on the App store from Tuesday 27th for a special introductory/launch price of $2.99 and then going up to $4.99. It is universal for iPad and iPhone/iPod Touch, with HD graphics on both the iPad and iPhone 4. I always think this represents great value as you get both an iPad game and iPhone game in one.

The link is below, so why not bookmark it now ready to get the game at the special price.

– Chopper 2 (available 27/07/10)