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Galaxy on Fire 2 by Fishlabs throws you into a stunning 3D sci-fi space adventure game wrapped in a solid foundation of old school role playing, and trade simulation. One of the first things you will notice is the game’s visuals. The game offers completely immersive and seamless aesthetics that are easily comparable to the Xbox 360, or PlayStation 3 right on your iPhone 4, next generation iPod touch, or iPad. The game offers a compelling primary storyline, as well as the ability to take on freelance missions, and the freedom to allow you to set your own personal goals.

Unlike its predecessor Galaxy on Fire 3D, Galaxy on Fire 2 offers considerable depth, and takes a long time before it becomes repetitive. The on-screen controls have also been improved, but I still prefer to use the accelerometer. I’ve logged over 12 hours of game play, and I’m still exploring the galaxy, taking on new missions, and trying to get my hands on more powerful weapons, and a better spaceship.

If you are an old school Mac gamer like myself, then you possibly recall the Escape Velocity series. I was a huge EV fan as a kid, and I’ve been waiting for a 3D version of Escape Velocity since I was 13. With Galaxy on Fire 2 it is finally here, and it is simply stunning

The primary storyline of Galaxy on Fire 2 is that of Keith T. Maxwell, a space pilot who accidentally travels 30-years into the future finding himself in a war torn galaxy with new technology, new weapons, and new enemies. The main storyline is challenging, and offers a wide range of missions that teach you the ins-and-outs of the galaxy as you play. There are numerous space dog fights, epic explosions, and plenty of battles to be had, but not every mission is about destroying your opponent. Sometimes you’re simply mining for raw materials, or trading to complete blueprints for a new weapon.

The primary story took me about 6 and a half hours to accomplish, but on average seems to be taking people around 8 hours. I did a few freelance missions on the side, and got a few lucky trades which enabled me to get a better ship sooner so I was able to easily beat a few missions that would have been much harder had I been less equipped. With that said, that is the beauty of this game, you are in control of when you want to accomplish various missions. This game has so many variables, and options everyone will experience the game differently.

You’ll quickly find yourself sneaking missions whenever you get that chance, as the game is highly addicting. At a mere $6.99 this game is a steal. So far, this is the best game I have ever played on an iOS device, and that is saying a lot.

The game features:

• A large galaxy with over 20 solar systems and 3D animated planets
• 100 unique 3D space stations and more than 30 customizable 3D space ships
• Unique reputation- and diplomacy system
• Story-based, mission-based and free game play
• Complex trading system with over 170 different trading goods of all kinds
• Ore mining in dangerous, dynamic asteroid fields
• High quality music, voice acting (English) and 3D sound
• Action Freeze™: 3D screenshot tool to save screenshots from any perspective and upload them to Facebook™
• Game centre and OpenFeint integration of leader boards, achievements and games saved online
• High resolution support for retina display