When I heard that Tilt to Live was getting an HD version, naturally I was ecstatic. Don’t get me wrong, playing the original on 2x mode with my iPad is pretty awesome too, but nothing beats a native version. With it’s nice visual style, signature gameplay, and diverse achievements, Tilt to Live HD was certainly a joy to play. And while I couldn’t really find anything different in the HD version aside from the new game modes, I was still relieved to finally try it out with enhanced graphics.

Gameplay 10/10

Boasting four unique types of gameplay, Tilt to Live HD brings a lot to the table. In Classic, purely an arcade-styled mode, the objective is to try and destroy, and avoid, as many red dots as possible. Destroying red dots can be achieved by using weapons, or orbs. These come in a variety of colors and each one has a unique effect. For example, the blue orb, when activated, instantly freezes red dots around it, leaving them vulnerable and easy to crush. The red orb emits a nuclear explosion that vaporizes red dots within its relatively small radius. In total, there are 9 orbs. Four can be used from the start, and five can be unlocked later.

In Gauntlet Evolved mode, red dots can’t be killed and the objective is to grab as many green and blue orbs as possible. In, Frostbite, the player has to shatter frozen dots before a hot spring thaws them out. This can be especially challenging when a few frozen dots have been missed and they’re thawed into regular red dots. Code Red is basically a much faster paced Classic mode. Playing through the game modes, I could see a common thread: they were all extremely fun to play and frantic. I couldn’t believe how many times I was sitting on the edge of my seat, almost violently tilting my iPad from one extreme to the other. If there was anything that Tilt to Live HD had a lot of, it was definitely tilting. Aside from leaderboards, Tilt to Live features a full list of achievements, 48 in all, enabling a lot of replay value.

Graphics 10/10

Playing the original Tilt to Live 2x style on my iPad, and comparing it with the HD version, I found that enhanced graphics really did make all the difference.

Not only were there less jaggies visible, but there was also a lot more screen space, taking the little arrow more time to float from one extreme to the other. And with more screen space, comes more action. Truthfully, with sometimes hundreds of red dots all on the screen at the same time, it really got hectic. In this field, the HD version is superior than the iPhone version. Not just a quickly rehashed port, Tilt to Live HD is tons of fun and an all in one, nicely scaled package.

Controls 10/10

Now, I’m sure most of you out there reading this right now are thinking, “With a name like Tilt to Live HD, what other control method could it possibly incorporate?”. Well, you’re right. Tilt to Live only uses tilt controls and if you’re not into the whole tilt gaming scene, believe me when I tell you that this is definitely the first one you should try out, especially for free.

Sound 10/10

Tilt to Live HD is not only great looking, but also great sounding (and not just because of the price). In truth, there’s an excellent track unique for every game mode, making it amazing to play and listen to. I really thought that the different tracks for each game mode were a nice touch because it would’ve been easy to come up with generic sounds and just put them in there. Definitely a highly polished game with a great soundtrack to match.

Longevity 10/10

Most games these days are full of levels that take a certain length of time to play through and finish. Once beat, there’s not really anything else to do. With Tilt to Live HD, every play-through is exciting and, depending on how much you like frantic gameplay, brimming with replay value. Although the actual games aren’t very long (lasting somewhere between 2-3 minutes each), there are a lot of achievements to unlock and more weapons (for those who have the full version) so it definitely has tons of longevity.

Cost 11/10

Yes, you read correctly, Tilt to Live HD receives an 11 out of 10. How can that be? For starters, it’s available for free. With your free download you get access to the Classic mode, which just by itself, warrants almost unlimited replay value. Also, you get a few of the available weapons. For $3.99 (in-app purchase), you can unlock the rest of the game, including game modes Code Red, Frostbite, and Gauntlet Evolved. You also get access to the rest of the games weapons, 9 in total.

Conclusion 61/60 – 5/5

With it’s frenetic gameplay, stellar graphics, and slew of other great qualities, it’s certainly a must-have for the iPad. I’d fully recommend downloading Tilt to Live HD, even if you won’t be unlocking the full game.

Tilt to Live HD on the App Store.