GAME
OF THE
DAY

Cult hit Hyper Light Drifter makes a spectacular App Store debut.

Hyper Light Drifter

Explore a mysterious world

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One of the most original and beautiful 2D worlds ever created awaits in this unforgettable action-adventure.

Combining challenging, precise combat with atmospheric exploration, Hyper Light Drifter is a treat for the thumbs as well as the eyes.

The titular Drifter is a nomadic warrior seeking a cure for a deadly disease. He faces a fight for survival, and so do you – the fact that one of the first lessons you learn is how to heal yourself (thanks to a friendly drone who follows you everywhere) says it all.

The world of Hyper Light Drifter is not just lovely to look at – it’s a real pleasure to explore.

When enemies arrive, the action rarely lets up. Luckily, ill though he may be, the Drifter is a skilled fighter: thrusts and slashes of his sword make short work of smaller foes, while a quick dash lets him nimbly dodge lunging foes and bullets. That these are the two biggest on-screen buttons is no accident.

His pistol needs to be used more sparingly, since only sword attacks will charge it up. Get up close and personal to refill its energy ammo, and then you’ve got a full chamber to deal with any opponents that are best taken down from range.

The Drifter’s quick dash is an essential part of your move set.

It’s fast, fluid, intense and exciting – and even when the Drifter falls, he’ll haul himself back up for another try. You’ll start from the room before you fell, giving you the chance to immediately gain revenge. It’s a great feeling when you finish the final enemy off, and watch the Drifter stab his blade into the ground with a triumphant flourish.

Outside of these fights, Hyper Light Drifter gives you plenty of room to breathe, letting you soak up the eerie ambience of its stunning world. With the help of composer Rich Vreeland’s moody soundtrack, it feels fearsome and inviting all at once.

From time to time you’ll bump into the Guardian, who helps you on your quest and helps flesh out the world and its backstory.

From towering raven mages to giant leaping toads, the guardians of north, south, east and west present a hefty challenge. But you’ll never feel overawed – and thanks to an Easy difficulty setting, just about everyone should be able to reach the game’s powerful climax. 

It gets even better if you have an iPad Pro: boasting double the frame-rate, it makes the already silky action smoother still. But whichever device you own, this is one Special Edition that’s more than worthy of the name.