Despite a rather slow-paced story progression, Mass Effect: Infiltrator offers enjoyable, quick-burst gameplay, writes Himmat Singh.

Australian developers IronMonkey Studios made a giant splash into the mobile gaming market last year with the release of Dead Space on Android and iOS.

It continued its successful foray into the young and ever-growing mobile gaming market with Mass Effect: Infiltrator, a game launched in tandem with the release of Mass Effect 3 for PCs and gaming consoles.

Overview
You play Randall Ezno, a Cerberus agent who hunts and captures aliens for experimentation purposes at a secret facility. However, when the director of the facility goes a step too far, Randall feels he’s had enough and vows to bring down Cerberus instead.

You take control of Randall in a third-person perspective as he battles his way out of the secret facility, facing Cerberus troops, escaped prisoners, alien fighters and a good friend gone evil.

The game is also related to Mass Effect 3 in that you can upload intel collected to Mass Effect 3 to increase your Galactic Readiness. You can also increase war assets in Mass Effect 3 by completing Mass Effect: Infiltrator.

Gameplay
Mass Effect: Infiltrator uses a cover-based gameplay mechanic where you have to take cover to avoid enemy fire. Where this game sets itself apart from other mobile shooting games is the availability of biotics. These are much like special powers that you can use to your advantage in a heated gunfight.

In addition to the standard fare of assault rifles, shotguns and snipers, there’s also the ability to punch and slide tackle the enemy. And then there’s cloak, which renders you invisible for 10 seconds. You would need to strategise well because the weapons, for example, can overheat.

You are encouraged to use these different fighting styles to earn �style points� that will affect your �star rating� together with the speed and efficiency at which you finish each fighting scene. All of these are vital as the better your rating, the more in-game credits you earn.

Controls
By default, you tap on an enemy to lock your weapon, aim and fire. For seasoned gamers, this is a tad too easy. Thankfully, there’s the option to disable the auto-aim functionality.

Other than that, the game features the standard on-screen dual-stick control scheme for shooting games. For those who fancy a USB or Bluetooth controller to play the game, you’re out of luck as the game doesn’t offer such support.

Final Thoughts
This game is a top-class third-person shooter for mobile gaming enthusiasts as well as fans of the Mass Effect series as it delivers a satisfyingly good and immersive mobile gaming experience with its varied gameplay using guns, biotics and cloak.

Game reviewed on an Acer Iconia Tab A510 tablet. It is available for selected Android and iOS devices.

Verdict: 4/5
Graphics: 4/5
Storyline: 3/5
Gameplay: 4/5
Replay Value: 3/5