Serious mobile gaming has seen a massive boom in recent months, with Fortnite releasing on iOS, Final Fantasy XV Pocket Edition on both iOS and Android, and even the infamous PUBG shooter can be found on mobile screens across the world. Now Hi-Rez Studios decided to bring one of their their console- and PC-based 5v5 hero-shooter to iOS and Android.
Hi-Rez Studios are the guys behind Smite and Tribes: Ascend, and they have just released a MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) adaptation of Paladins: Champions of the Realm on mobile, titled Paladins Strike.
How is it different to Paladins Champions of the Realm?
It features the same characters and lore, but entirely new gameplay that features an isometric camera, with a virtual stick at the bottom left for movement, and action buttons on the bottom right. Abilities are aimed by sliding your finger in the direction you want to shoot, something that took us a while to figure out. But once you master it, the game is extremely addictive.
The in-game artwork has also been adapted to suit mobile, with champions being more stylised and animated for the angled third-person view. Lobby screens are also different, but it’s pleasing seeing the Paladins style adapted very effectively for the smaller screen.
The main game mode is still Siege, where two teams of five attempt to push the payload into the opposing team’s base. If neither team is able to do so within the time limit, a sudden death King of the Hill round decides the victor. Matches are short, lasting between six and ten minutes.
But that’s not all. There are also three other modes available. Summons is another objective-based mode, with a slightly longer duration at about 10 minutes. Deathmatch is the shortest game mode at just 5 minutes, and the final mode is a practice game that you can enter to hone your skills with a specific champion.
Where to get it
If you’re an avid Paladins player (like us), or a mobile gamer who would like to learn more about the Realm, check out Paladins Strike on Android and iOS. It’s available free-of-charge and features in-app payments (IAPs).