N.O.V.A. - Near Orbit Vanguard Alliance

 iOS
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. 148Apps
    Feb 6, 2011
    90
    NOVA has oodles of polish, and it's incredibly easy to forget that you're playing a game on your iPod. With a fleshed-out single-player mode and a solid multiplayer option, NOVA has it all. It's beautiful, the controls are great, and even multiplayer doesn't lag.
  2. Destructoid
    Feb 6, 2011
    90
    The word is "impressive." Impressive polish and control, impressive storytelling and visuals. The originality factor? Not as impressive. But even with its obvious influences, N.O.V.A. is still a game that stands on its own, and is a game that is well worth your time and money.
  3. Eurogamer Italy
    Feb 6, 2011
    80
    It might be extremely derivative (N.O.V.A. totally looks and plays like H.A.L.O.), but this is a fun and rewarding First Person Shooter that's perfect if you fancy some pocket shooting.
  5. IGN
    Feb 6, 2011
    90
    Despite its obvious cribbing from Halo (and, in all likelihood, because of it) N.O.V.A. is the best first-person shooter on the iPhone right now. The excellent pacing and great set pieces never allow for a drop in the action, save for a few "calm before the storm" moments. The controls are fantastic.
  6. No DPad
    Feb 6, 2011
    100
    Gameloft truly outdid themselves with this game, and I was totally blown away by NOVA.
  7. Pocket Gamer UK
    Feb 6, 2011
    90
    Extraordinarily polished gameplay and high production values guarantee a blast, even if N.O.V.A. lacks the originality necessary to be an all-time classic.
  8. Slide to Play
    Feb 6, 2011
    100
    Fans of FPSes shouldn't let this one slip by. Halo ripoff or not, it packs a lot of great content into a tiny, modestly-priced package.
  9. TouchArcade
    Feb 6, 2011
    100
    It's one of the most ambitious iPhone games I've played so far, and despite the questionable originality of the game I've really got to hand it to Gameloft for creating such an amazing iPhone experience.
  10. TouchGen
    Feb 6, 2011
    100
    Great graphics, superb controls, and – though it does contain some cheesy voice work, an un-original but great musical score, and a storyline that borrows from a whole host of games of yore – when these elements all come together they offer what can only be described as pure fun!

Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best iOS Game of 2009
3
#3 Most Discussed iOS Game of 2009
2
#2 Most Shared iOS Game of 2009

User Reviews

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User Score
7.3

Mixed or average reviews- based on 37 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 37
  3. Negative: 5 out of 37
  1. SJ_pl
    Jan 31, 2012
    5
    Ok, you're a shooter. Ok, you have nice graphics, cutscenes, VO's etc. But... you are oridinary. Normal oridinary shooter on a mobile device.Ok, you're a shooter. Ok, you have nice graphics, cutscenes, VO's etc. But... you are oridinary. Normal oridinary shooter on a mobile device. There is absolutely nothing special about it what so ever! Boring story, regular shooting system... I mean... if you played Battlefield and Modern Combat don't download this one.… Full Review »
  2. Ir_009
    Jun 17, 2019
    10
    No doubt is the best mobile FPS game all the time.
    Even the sequels don't even close for this quality.
  3. destinyfan1
    Jun 17, 2017
    8
    nova is one of the best ios shooters out there with great graphics , very good campaign and enjoinable multiplayer, the story could have beennova is one of the best ios shooters out there with great graphics , very good campaign and enjoinable multiplayer, the story could have been better but everything else is amazing
    Download this free halo game    … Full Review »
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