Ravensword: The Fallen King, this year’s most eagerly anticipated iPhone/iPod Touch game has finally arrived. So was it was worth the agonising wait…? I’ll answer that question with another: Does a troll lurk in the woods?!

Set in a vast 3D sandbox world (think Gameloft’s Gang$tar, but with Orcs and swords), this role playing/action hybrid wastes no time in getting down to business. After a brief cut-scene, which introduces the amnesia suffering central character and establishes the usual wafer thin plot, you’re thrust straight into the game. Thankfully, given the open-world style of Ravensword, there’s adequate time to get to grips with the controls and explore your surroundings before embarking on your first quest.

The first thing that’ll hit you is the graphics. The world of Ravensword is big and beautiful, there’s breathtaking scenery and other graphical loveliness everywhere you look, so feel free to have a bit of a wander around. The game begins in Avon Town, where you can chat to the locals (who provide you with jobs and information), enter buildings, or even cause some mischief (knocking over boxes and barrels). The controls work well initially, a d-pad moves your character, while large jump and attack buttons do exactly that. Weapons and other items that you gather are stored in a knapsack, accessed by a single tap that brings up the menu screen (doubling as a pause feature). And even with all these buttons and icons the screen manages to feel uncluttered.

A rapier-sharp wit cuts runs through the usual RPG hokum- a mysterious force of evil plaguing a mythical world (yawn)- with MC Hammer quoting villagers, a Mc Donalds spoof, and the description of your dagger reading ‘for when you’re feeling stabby,’ amongst the game’s frequent gags. The comedy is a welcome addition to the somewhat clichéd storyline, and helped me warm to the game’s cast of kooky village people instantly.

The deeper you go into the world of Ravensword, the more you realize just how vast it really is. From misty graveyards to bustling villages to snow-capped mountains to lava pits, every classic RPG setting has been crammed into the game. However as you progress a few minor problems do rear their ugly heads. Character movements are a little jerky, and sometimes your protagonist looks as if he’s doing a demented dance. Also the combat system leaves a little to be desired, the auto-targeting system is a tad inaccurate.

That said, these niggles soon pale into insignificance as you become absorbed by the overall experience. The main storyline has hours worth of gameplay, while side-missions add re-playability. And the astounding amount of content (weapons, enemies, missions etc) in the game is hugely impressive, ultimately meaning Ravensword feels like one of the most polished, console-style experiences yet to grace iPhone/iPod Touch. There’s always something to do in this massive fantasy world, and whether you prefer fast paced first-person hack and slash action, or taking your time to explore and level up, Ravensword is flexible enough to offer both.

One of the most ambitious iPhone/iPod Touch titles to date, this Oblivion inspired, action orientated RPG is an adventure well worth embarking on. And I’m looking forward to the inevitable sequels already!

Score: 9.5 out of 10

Giveaway will be in the next couple of days so, please check back later for the giveaway.

Ravensword: The Fallen King on the App Store.