App Store Review - Uniwar

Uniwar is an interesting addition to the App Store's list of strategy games. But how well does it stack up?

Genre: Turn based strategy

Players: Offline single player vs AI / Online Multiplayer via Internet

Price: $0.99 - You can’t beat this price for a paid iPod Touch / iPhone application from the App Store


Graphics: 9.5/10

The graphics of Uniwar remind me of Starcraft - one of the great pioneers of the real time strategy genre. They are both retro and well done. Each unit has animated idle and movement states. Battles are also animated. Such attention to detail is good to see on the iPod Touch / iPhone platform.


Gameplay: 7.5/10

With 19 playable maps, a strong computer AI, the ability to play online, and several playable sides, Uniwar offers a lasting gaming experience for maximum replayability

Maps include nine types of terrain which each affect your units attack power, defense ability, and mobility. Not every unit can travel on all types of terrain. So, you have to plan accordingly. In addition, each map is a new experience - demanding a new strategy. What works on one map probably won’t work on the next. You must continually adapt to the situation thrown at you.

Uniwar is perfect to play for a few minutes or a few hours. Every time you exit the app, your game progress is automatically saved.

Features: 10/10

For the price, Uniwar has an amazing feature set. I am impressed that it has an online multiplayer mode. This is what nearly every other strategy game has been missing. Playing against the computer AI is fun enough, but if you want more of a challenge, there is nothing quite like battling against a real human opponent.


Computer AI: 9/10

If you’re looking for a challenge, you’re in luck. The AI is no pansy. It is both intelligent and powerful. The game starts off easy but gets challenging fast.

The AI efficiently evaluates the game map and is smart with its units. It won’t stick to one or two unit types. It’s happy to throw everything it has at you.

I would like to see a difficulty setting added to the game. Some users may be looking for a more casual experience or may be new to the strategy genre - needing an easier opponent to start with.

For experienced players of the genre, the built in difficulty is great. But some will want a change.


Stability: 10/10

In several hours of gameplay, Uniwar has yet to crash even once for me. It’s fast and responsive.

Final Score: 9.2

If you are itching to add a new app to your iPod Touch or iPhone, you can’t go wrong with Uniwar. It is a fun turn based strategy game that will have you playing for hours and coming back for more.
The developer has obviously put a lot of time and effort into making the game a success. With a range of great features and gameplay options put together in a solid, stable package, Uniwar is a must-have for any strategy fan.