Army Corps of Hell Review for PS Vita

System: PS Vita
Dev: Entersphere
Pub: Square Enix
Release: February 22, 2012
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 544p	Blood and Gore, Violence

The metal music—a smattering of modern metal ranging from metalcore to power metal, if that means anything to you—is sure to be a sticking point with many players as well. While I personally love extreme metal, not all gamers will be able to tolerate all the screaming and bludgeoning guitar riffs. And even I was disappointed when the limited set of songs started (you guessed it) repeating. I think it might have worked better if the developers had chosen instrumental songs rather than including the over-the-top vocals.

Army Corps of Hell Screenshot

At least the controls work well, though. While you will occasionally need to use the Vita's more gimmicky aspects, such as the rear touch pad, the developers stuck to the buttons for the most part. Controlling your devil and giving your minions instructions feels incredibly natural, even when things start getting more complicated. You move with the thumbsticks, change between different types of minions with the face buttons, and get your minions into formation and instruct them to attack with the shoulder buttons. Another face button performs a dash move that can help you avoid damage.

Essentially, Army Corps of Hell has its merits, but it's far from what one might expect of a launch title. The tactical combat can be exciting at times, but it soon becomes repetitive—as do the environments and the music. It's not a bad diversion for a few hours, but it wears out its welcome well before the game ends, it has no online multiplayer, the graphics are dated, and its $40 asking price is far too high.

By
Robert VerBruggen
Contributing Writer

@RAVerBruggen
Date: February 24, 2012

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.7

Graphics
This looks like a PSP game.

4.5

Control
The developers resisted the temptation to overuse the Vita's gimmicks.

3.0

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Many players will be put off by the constant extreme metal.

2.6

Play Value
The game gets boring and repetitive quickly.

2.8

Overall Rating - Average
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Lead an army of 100 goblin soldiers with unique classes and abilities who engage in an endless variety of actions and reactions onscreen.

Combine materials dropped by fallen foes to create new equipment for your troops and you; customize equipment and items to change their look and upgrade the abilities of the King and his goblin soldiers.

Play with up to four players via ad-hoc multiplayer and face tougher bosses.

Use the rear touchpad to command your Goblins to play instruments, each activating special properties. Revive your hero, rejuvenate your soldiers, and inspire your army to increase their strength.