Large game with engaging storylines and impressive open-world experiences are hard to come by on the iPhone and iPod Touch. The amount of funding and time that has to be put into an large RPG as this is normally only attempted by large game developer such as Gameloft and Rockstar Studios. Therefore, I was surprised when a third, lesser known, game developer entered the fray with their promising looking RPG title, Xenome: Episode 1. Its ambitious 3D graphics, large storyline and suitable RPG elements make for a fun game, but is has some fundamental flaws that keep it from being the perfect title.

Gameplay 8/10

Xenome places you in a pre-apocalyptic land where he land has been savaged and dangerous mutated animals and enemies walk the land. You are introduced to the game with no understanding of your surroundings or history, which is then revealed piece by piece as you talk to people and discover new places.

The game mechanics of Xenome: Episode 1 are very good. From expected RPG elements such as being able to upgrade your character with weapons (long and short range) armor and leveling up. But also abilities and XNA which are more complex and act as a spell or trait which will give you an advantage in combat. No doubt these features will make any RPG fanatic proud and serves well in that aspect. It does take a while to become accustomed and the lack of a proficient tutorial doesn’t help.

Graphics 8/10

Xenome’s graphical design is outstanding, and I was surprised at the developers ambition at providing a stunning 3D, 3rd person experience. The barren wasteland looks stunning. Certain landmarks bear particularly well and the draw distance of the scenery is almost unnoticeable. On the other hand, the draw distance of enemies is not so great, and can provide as a hindrance when contracted to kill a certain type of animal when you can only see then when you are 100 meters away.

The graphics are stunning, if a little barren.

Xenome’s massive scale also serves as a disadvantage. It may boast to include a massive play area, which it maintains impressively, a lot of it is just hill after endless hill of desert and wasteland which can become tiresome when you are required to get somewhere for a mission. Thankfully though, Pingers are provided to transport you quickly around the map, but you have to discover them first before use.

Controls 8/10

Xenome uses the dual-stick method which takes a while to get used to but works well in the long run. The controls for combat and jumping could be better placed, but nothing game breaking.

Sound 9/10

To match the impressive visuals, Xenome also comes with a range of sound effects. It may not compete with the latest console games, but its detail is impressive enough, especially when compared with the scope of the game.

Menus 7/10

Navigating the many screens to do with your character can be confusing, especially without a tutorial, but when understood work very well. They also look great.

The combat is unique.

Longevity 7/10

Despite Xenome’s great storyline, there is no incentive to keep on playing. This is not helped by the fact that your character is a very illusive character wearing a gas mask with glowing eyes and full body suit. You never have a chance to bond with your character or anyone else. Therefore the storyline seems vague and disinteresting and moves more towards an endless grind rather than an enthusing story.

Cost 10/10

$2.99/£1.79 at time of writing is a staggering price. But if you missed the sale, then even it original price of up to $7.99 is reasonable enough.

Conclusion 57/70 – 4/5

Xenome gives us hope that not everything has to be casual on the iDevice and goes way beyond anything already out there. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel which will hopefully iron out the current issues.

Xenome: Episode 1 on the App Store.