Android Game Review: Homerun Battle 3D by COM2US

Homerun Battle 3D is one of the first Android games to seriously show the gaming capabilities of the Android platform and it’s ability to run games as well as the iPhone.

Homerun Battle 3D has it all – 3D graphics, solo and online multi-player modes, upgradeable characters, and intuitive controls. At it’s core, the game is a Home Run Derby style game, where you try to hit as many home runs as you can to earn points. The CPU player pitches the ball, and all you do is tilt your device up/down and left/right to align the batter’s swing area to where you think the ball is going to cross the plate.

There are 3 different game modes: Matchup, Arcade, and Classic. Matchup is the online multi-player mode, and is where the game really shines. The game allows matchups against other Android players as well as iPhone players around the world, a unique feature that I hope all games will move toward (platform independent multi-player games). On the Droid, there is also a picture-in-picture feature which allows you to see the other players’ game in a small window so you can watch their progress while you’re playing against each other. In Arcade mode, you hit as many home runs as you can before you get 10 strikes/fouls counted against you. Classic mode is similar, except the points are accumulated a little differently and in-the-park hits are also counted as outs.

In every mode, there are chances to earn “GoldBalls” which you can then spend on upgrading your character. There are many different bats, gloves, uniforms, pants, an shoes to choose from, each which affect the power and contact attributes of your character differently and cost different amounts of “GoldBalls”. This feature of the game is what initially keeps you playing, to earn more “GoldBalls”. I’ve maxed out my character on the best options already, so I hope the game gets an update with more available items to earn/purchase. That will definitely help keep the game fresh and increase the replay value.

Overall, Homerun Battle 3D is a huge step forward for gaming on the Android platform. I’ve tested it on the Motorola Droid and it works great, but it is a pretty advanced game so I’m not sure how it will fare on older Android devices. Note that on the Droid, if you’re starting it up for the first time it may stay on a black screen for up to 30 seconds before the game loads.

HOMERUN BATTLE 3D
Developer: Com2Us
Price: $4.99
Overall Rating: