Warhammer: Freeblade is without a doubt one of the best looking games on iOS, even being used as a tech demo in some locations. But does its gameplay shine behind the glossy exterior?

Warhammer is free to download, but like most free iOS games, it offers “In App Purchases,” the option to purchase currency in the game with real world money. The problem that most games of this caliber have with this process is making it almost impossible to progress when far into the game, without spending any real money. But “Warhammer” breaks the mold by letting you easily jump from level to level in your towering machine. But its still there, and Trevor Sheridan (of applenapps.com, November 20th, 2015) said, “You can get lost in the free to play mechanics with the different forms of currency, upgrades, weapon forging, etc. It’s best to ignore all of it-”

You play as a Freeblade, a machine of immense power that supports the “Dark Angels,” a faction from the series lore. The “Warhammer” series has always been a string of strategy games, until “Warhammer: Freeblade” broke the mold as a spin-off shooter, surprising the fanbase, but it will please even the most hardcore “Warhammer” fan by referencing the game’s extensive lore.

The controls are surprisingly intuitive for a mobile game. For example, you double tap to fire off a volley of rockets, or slide your finger across the screen for a machine gun burst. The graphics are exceptional for a mobile device, showcasing the action onscreen, and pairs with the smooth framerate. Yes, it stutters occasionally, but this is expected on a mobile device.

The story is almost nonexistent, and feels like a forced excuse to blow something up from one level to the next. As said before, the lore and fan-base loyalty is still there, but it feels like a missed opportunity that the story is missing compared to its counterparts.

With missiles flying everywhere, machine guns roaring, and giant chainsaw-fights with a who-knows-what monster, this game is just plain fun, and earns an 9.25 out of 10.