rRootage Online HD (ad supported) (2010)

Kenta Cho's acclaimed shooter, rRootage, has been ported and fully optimized for iPhone and iPod touch, delivering an enhanced experience tailored for mobile devices. This version, rRootage Online HD, offers four distinct gameplay modes and a total of 160 stages. Players can enjoy the original soundtrack and sound effects while competing for online high scores and achievements. The game supports Game Center and OpenFeint integration, allowing players to track progress and compete globally.

Game Reviews

Critical reception for rRootage Online has been overwhelmingly positive:

• EUROGAMER (9/10): "rRootage Online is why Kenta Cho releases his games in the way he does; it's now got a chance to hit a new audience, and be enjoyed by many more people, in what feels like the definitive version."
• APP SPY (4/5): "...for those who consider themselves fans of the shmup genre, this is without a doubt a must buy."
• TOUCHARCADE: "Anyone who enjoys a nice 2D shooter should grab this one instantly."
• WHATSONIPHONE (4.5/5): "rRootage is a classic game faithfully rendered on the iPhone."
• FINGERGAMING: "rRootage offers much more variety than the typical App Store shoot-'em-up [...]. Shooter fans should definitely check this one out."
• POCKETGAMER: "The fact that this gem is available on the App Store is great news."
• THEPORTABLEGAMER: "If R-Type was too simple for you, or DoDonPachi Resurrection was something you completed with one eye closed while doing one-handed pushups, then this is worthy of your time and money."

Controls and Interface

The game features intuitive touch controls designed for mobile play:

• Touch and hold to move your ship.
• Tap with a second finger to activate a special attack.
• Double-tap to pause the game at any time.

The menu is simple: touch the squares to select the desired mode or stage.

Gameplay Overview

Players control their ship to dodge incoming enemy fire while using a laser weapon to destroy enemy battleships. Laser shots are more effective when fired close to the enemy, increasing damage output. The game ends when all ships are destroyed. Ship extensions are awarded at 200,000 points and every subsequent 500,000 points.

Game Modes

Normal Mode

This is the standard gameplay mode. The special attack, called Bomb, clears enemy bullets. The number of available bombs is displayed in the lower-left corner of the screen.

PSY Mode

In PSY Mode, the graze mechanic allows your ship to become temporarily invincible. Each time the ship grazes a bullet, the graze meter in the lower-right corner fills. When full, the ship gains invincibility for a short duration. The special attack, Rolling, increases the grazing range for greater defensive capability.

IKA Mode

IKA Mode introduces dual ship attributes, white and black. Enemy bullets share these attributes, and bullets matching the ship's attribute are absorbed and automatically converted into lasers. The special attack, Attribution Change, switches the ship's attribute to strategically absorb enemy fire.

GW Mode

In GW Mode, the ship is equipped with a reflector. This special ability deflects bullets around the ship. To activate the reflector, the player must build up the special meter until the reflector meter in the lower-left corner indicates 'OK'. Once the meter is full, the reflector can be deployed to manipulate incoming projectiles.

Conclusion

rRootage Online HD offers a faithful mobile adaptation of Kenta Cho's classic shooter, combining challenging gameplay, multiple modes, and online features. With touch-based controls, a diverse set of game mechanics, and competitive score tracking, this version delivers a comprehensive and authentic 2D shooting experience on iOS devices.

Verdict: rRootage Online HD delivers a fast, clean, and addictive shooter experience that still feels sharp today. The controls are simple, the stages are varied, and the four game modes keep the action fresh. If you love classic bullet-hell chaos, this one hits the mark without trying too hard.

It’s not the flashiest game on the store, but its tight design makes it easy to recommend. Fans of intense shooters like :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} or :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} will feel right at home. We strongly suggest giving it a try.