Game review: Shadow Guardian - iPad

Good job that Gameloft are on hand to answer these demands with Shadow Guardian.

As far as the plot goes, Nathan Drake, no wait, I mean... Jason Call, is searching for the Prima Materia (a generic Mcguffin), a search that takes him across the globe in an Indiana Jones-eque quest, seeing him taking out various henchmen and monsters and climbing walls.

The presentation of the game is generally good, however, it has a number of rough edges. While the details of the hero are impressively rendered, some of the environments could of done with the same level of care and attention.

The climbing sections of the game play out brilliantly. While not as satisfying as the big-name titles Shadow Guardian is trying to emulate, the game does feature some sections that are quite enjoyable. In fact, the tomb raiding sections of the game are arguably the best moments that it has to offer.

Unfortunately, the game is marred by some infuriating controls during the shooting sections.

The fact that the game has an auto aim feature that usually targets someone else completely different to your intended target often leaves Jason open to damage, and has you screaming at the game while watching Jason get taken down by some big bastard with a gatling gun.

What further exasperates this is the fact that you can't turn the auto aim off.

The game also suffers from a reduced frame rate, especially when there are a number things going on.

All this and the fact that the game isn't at all challenging mean Shadow Guardian is a bit of a mixed bag.

It looks impressive and it's great to see an action adventure game on the iPad, it's just a shame that it's not the handheld gaming treasure it could have been.

Verdict: 6.5 out of 10