Review: Heroes Call (iOS)

Heroes Call is an action-RPG for iOS similar to games like Diablo, Titan Quest, Torchlight, etc in look and feel—the same 3/4 isometric camera; the abundance of loot; and the "click, click, click" replaced with "tap, tap, tap." It's a free universal app with in-app purchases for "gem" packs—which can be found in-game during quests—used to buy new characters, gold, identification scrolls, or speeding up in-game wait times. The only character available for free is the Blood Knight (use your imagination), and a Plague Wizard can be purchased with gems; two additional classes—Combat Alchemist and Shadow Assassin—are "coming soon."

My biggest concern with IAP-based games is whether I need to buy IAP or if I can get by—much slower of course—without paying a penny. Thankfully, I never once felt the need to buy gems for gold, scrolls—plenty can be found during quests (much more frequent than gems)—or for removing the wait time for new quests. And while I prefer playing as a mage, I didn't have a problem sticking it out with the knight. That said, I won't be spending much more time with game for one very specific reason.

One of the main reasons I enjoy playing action-RPGs is the grind of gaining experience and leveling up my character. It's borderline obsessive-compulsive, but I love watching my experience bar slowly fill up and get a little sad when I eventually reach the level cap. In Heroes Call there is no experience; instead, your character gains levels by completing quests. In the beginning, a new level is gained after one quest, then after two, three, and so on. I don't find the leveling system enjoyable and what makes it even worse is that while you can replay quests, only new quests count towards raising your character's level. It's an odd system that kills all of my desire to keep playing.

Speaking of quests, completed quests can be replayed over and over at any time to grind for gold, items, gems and scrolls; in contrast, new quests can only be played after a certain amount of time—which gradually grows with every new quest and can be skipped with a specific amount of gems. I wouldn't have a problem waiting, but when I know the only way to level up my character is through completing new quests, I lose all motivation to stick with the game.

It's disappointing because the game itself is actually pretty good. The controls are touch-based—no virtual buttons or d-pad—and work well for both moving and attacking. The visuals, while not stylistically intriguing, are nice and clean and the overlaying interface is never intrusive. Fundamentally the game is fun and well-put-together, but the one decision to remove an experience system killed what could have been a great game.

It kills me to see a game with so much potential ruined by one awful choice; but at the same time, I know it's a very subjective flaw and because of that I still recommend the game . You may look at games like this in a completely different way and find my major complaint dumb, but it's the way I am and I know I'm not alone. Either way, Heroes Call is free to try and the only reason to pass it by is if you just don't have the time.

Heroes Call (Universal App | Free)