A viable alternative to Destiny 2 has been discovered by our author Robert, of all places, on mobile devices! Shadow Gun Legends is available as a free download for iOS and Android – and it’s surprisingly good. We are putting it to the test.
Yes, I admit it, my patience with Destiny 2 has run out. I completed the first mission of the new Warmind expansion and then quit the game, disappointed. My first mission reward turned out to be a selection of reskins with the same boring perks I have seen dozens of times. No, thank you.
If you want to indulge your Destiny addiction without playing Destiny 2, it’s tough, isn’t it? In fact, for the past few days, I’ve been quite engaged with a game that is at home on mobile devices and obviously has “borrowed” elements from Bungie’s shooter. You could also say: It’s a Destiny clone.
Shadowgun Legends – Download on Android and iOS
The game is called Shadowgun Legends and has been available for free since March on iOS and Android. Shadowgun Legends is the spiritual successor to Shadowgun from 2011, which reminded more of Gears of War. However, the successor only sporadically builds on the original – prior knowledge is not necessary.
You’re wondering how good a Destiny clone can be on a mobile device? Well, surprisingly good. You do have a character level, but what is much more important is the power level, which is based on the gear you are currently wearing.
Mobile game with nice graphics: Developer Madfinger Games has done a great job with the graphics. If you have a high-end device and can play on the highest graphics settings, you’ll experience a remarkably pretty game by mobile standards.
Shadowgun Legends – The Destiny clone?
The similarities to Destiny 2 don’t end with the power level:
- You can collect holograms, which you can then convert into gear with an NPC. No, this person is not called Rahool, but Pedro:
- Ammo boxes look like this:
- If you are not on a mission, you mingle with other players in a hub that is controlled in third-person view. In this hub, there are merchants, access to PvP, and the mission triggers.
Shadowgun Legends – Gameplay and Missions
How good is the gunplay of Shadowgun Legends? Surprisingly good. Even though I had initial problems with the camera (the Y-axis cannot be inverted), the missions and fights are surprisingly fun.
The controls are intuitive. With one finger, you move your character through the missions, and with the other hand, you control the camera. If you aim a weapon at an enemy, your weapon automatically fires (can be disabled in the options). Anyone who double-taps the screen switches to the weapon’s aim view.
Of course, the controls of Shadowgun Legends do not reach the complexity of Destiny 2: you can neither crouch nor jump. This makes the game very straightforward and facilitates the entry.
If you have the option to talk to NPCs, hack terminals, or open crates, a separate button appears, keeping the UI tidy.
Character development in Shadowgun Legends: You have the option to distribute skill points after level-ups, which are divided into the areas of combat, survival, and mobility.
Additionally, you can unlock skills like a turret or grenades, which you have access to during a mission from time to time. You can also unlock support skills that allow your teammates to heal you.
What is the weapon system like in Shadowgun Legends? The weapon system is based on Destiny 1 – you have access to a handgun / sidearm, a primary weapon, and a heavy weapon. Switching weapons is easy; you just have to tap the weapon symbols in the upper right corner.
Not a fan of touch controls? No problem, Shadowgun Legends offers controller support.
How do the missions play and how long do they take? Missions in Shadowgun Legends are significantly shorter than in Destiny 2. You should plan about 5-10 minutes for a mission, depending on your own strength. The game is thus excellent for one or two rounds “in between”.
However, don’t expect much variety in the missions. You will often have to return to already visited areas. Primarily, it’s about shooting the bad guys, of course.
By the way, Destiny veterans will feel right at home with the enemies: foes that resemble the Hive or nasty ones that not only bear a resemblance to the Cabal Phalanxes at first glance.
In raids, you should plan a bit more time, as fights with larger opponents last about 30 minutes, which are also garnished with smaller puzzles and riddles. In terms of matchmaking, Shadowgun Legends has the edge over Destiny 2 – all activities support player search, be it PvP, raids, or missions.
How “free-to-play” is Shadowgun Legends really? Unlike other F2P games, you don’t use energy for missions – you can play as long as you want. There is a real-money currency, which, however, is not prominently displayed dozens of times.
This currency is mainly used for cosmetic items like headgear, emotes, or weapon colors.
But here’s a catch: You start with only 15 slots in your inventory. To upgrade to 96 slots, you need to purchase something in the shop. It doesn’t matter how much money you spend. With every transaction, there is a golden ring that significantly expands your inventory. Anyone who wants to play Shadowgun Legends longer will probably not escape this step.
How much battery does Shadowgun Legends consume? Tested on an iPhone 7 Plus and an iPad Pro – and the battery consumption is definitely noticeable. Anyone who wants to play longer on the go should get a power bank.
How good is Shadowgun Legends as a Destiny alternative?
If you want to play Destiny without resorting to the original, you can have fun with Shadowgun Legends. The graphics are remarkably good for a mobile game, the gameplay is fun, and all activities can be played cooperatively.
The real-money shop stays discreetly in the background (aside from the necessary inventory expansion) and primarily serves as a basis for cosmetic items.
Have you tried Shadowgun Legends yet? What do you think of the shooter?
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