With the recent release of Plants vs. Zombies 2, defense games with the same style of gameplay and similar controls are looking to build off that success and popularity. Developer, Javier Aznar first released Shark Attack in 2011 and introduced a strategy game that a lot of people would quickly pick up on given the surging options and popularity of tower defense games on the app store. This time around, with the release of Shark Attack 2 ($1.99, App Store Link), the game introduces 50 all new levels through 5 worlds and 18 different fish to choose from to defend your territory.
Overview
There are plenty of similarities with Shark Attack 2 to Plants vs. Zombies, not only from a perspective of gameplay and controls, but even to the less detailed parts of the game like the interface of each level. In one case where it differs is that Shark Attack 2 has less of a story or summary, but more of a history. The basic premise of the game is that you have to help Max, whose fish are being attacked by 28 different large marine predators such as swordfish, stingrays, and of course, sharks. It would have been great if there were some cut scenes or an actual story being that the app is $1.99, plus the amount of IAPs that the game offers.
One of the first weapons of offense that you’re given to start the game are oysters, which produce pearls. This is similar to sunflowers of Plants vs. Zombies where you collect these to harvest more weapons. You can also collect pearls that fall to the sea throughout each level. Other weapons you can use include blue fish that shoot bubbles, coral to slow down and trap enemies, and fish that have dynamite attached.
Gameplay
One aspect of Shark Attack 2 that sets it apart from other defense games is that when you’re overwhelmed by a large number of enemies, they can easily be wiped away by using your choice of five different special powers available to your arsenal. You use virtual currency to pay for these special powers, which are diamonds. If you don’t have enough diamonds to use a special power, you can purchase more through IAPs.
It seems like the game relies heavily on this because the difficulty is somewhat hard, even through the first 10 levels. You can purchase 100 diamonds for $1.99 or up to 10,000 diamonds for $7,99, which is a bit high since you’re already paying $1.99 for the app in the first place. Some of the powers you can choose from are waves, which cost 50 diamonds, thunderstorms and whales for 40 diamonds, and crabs, which are 30 diamonds.
It really doesn’t make a difference which power you use since they all have the same outcome, which is that they wipe away all the enemies. Two diamonds can also be obtained by watching 15-second trailers for other apps. You have to watch these in the middle of a level, so it sometimes takes away the fun and excitement of the actual gameplay. I could understand if this was offered between levels, but the way it’s currently set up just interrupts the whole flow of the gameplay and experience.
Graphics
Something that also might be noticeably similar with Shark Attack 2 to Plants vs. Zombies is the interface. Everything from the layout of the level to the selection of artillery is laid out in a similar way. Also, parts of the gameplay like collecting pearls or having to wait to a certain amount of time to put more fish on the board can seem familiar if you’re used to these specific defense games.
The art design isn’t an area of the game that really stands out too well. Most of the fish and enemies look pretty basic. As far as the animation of the special powers, it looks great the first few times you use it, but after that it becomes a bit stale. It would have been nice to be able to interact with the special powers in some form besides just touching on the screen to activate them, such as having the option to use one power throughout the level rather than all at once.
Overall
Especially, since more than likely you’ll end up paying for them through IAPs if you use them often, it would have been great for the powers to be used in a more creative way. Overall, Shark Attack 2, is still average at best.
I also found that the difficulty in gameplay can vary in two extremes depending on how you play. If you use special powers often you can get through each level in no time, since the powers can knock out all enemies. The gameplay can get repetitive because of the difficulty and there are a few better options out there, which are free an offer a lot more if you’re looking for your fix of tower defense games. Nonetheless, if you’re someone who likes a tough challenge with tower defense games, give Shark Attack 2 a try.
Price: $1.99, App Store Link
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* The above review was commissioned by the developer in accordance with our app review policy, and has been written in an objective, unbiased fashion.