Rival Knights jouster is an archetypal but expensive freemium title

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A meaty 110MB download, but with graphical delights to make it worthwhile, Rival Knights is Gameloft's latest freemum epic. And it's everything you might expect from a lavish freemium title, multiple currencies, things to collect, social notices, events, and - of course - ways to make the developers very rich....

From the Store description:

JOUST LIKE A KNIGHT!
√ Experience the thrill of fast-paced and highly addictive jousting
√ Sharpen your war skills with precision timing and aim
√ Battle ruthless foes and rival clans across 5 leagues to seize their castle and thrones 

BONE-BREAKING ACTION
√ Motion-capture animations for knights and horses immerses you in battle like never before in a free game
√ Enjoy stunning 3D graphics, dynamic camera angles and lifelike graphics
√ Compete in breathtaking environment with changing weather conditions and time of day
√ Send rivals flying with real-time ragdoll physics and slow-motion effects

ARM YOURSELF FOR VICTORY 
√ Unlock over 120 mounts, lances, armor, helms and more 
√ Upgrade them at the Blacksmith to gain an edge over opponents 
√ Use temporary boosts wisely to triumph in your adventure 

THROW DOWN THE GAUNTLET!
√ Challenge other players in asynchronous multiplayer games
√ Enter weekly PVP multiplayer tournaments for glory… 
√ …and win King-size rewards!

The game is everything you'd expect from the description and build-up above, both good and bad:

Screenshot, Rival KnightsScreenshot, Rival Knights

There are small additional online checks and downloads, but nothing to worry about; (right) this list of toasts should give most people a moment's hesitation. I guess if you were really, really into Rival Knights then you might want all this streaming into your toast bar and Action Center. I know I don't!

Screenshot, Rival KnightsScreenshot, Rival Knights

The core game mechanic is a first person perspective as you gallop down the jousting arena. Tap to build up speed in the right way and then drag down at the last minute, to position your lance head over some vulnerable spot on your opponent. And... that's it. All the rest of Rival Knights is freemium frippery!

Screenshot, Rival KnightsScreenshot, Rival Knights

Various parameters can be built-up, to help your chances of victory...

Screenshot, Rival KnightsScreenshot, Rival Knights

Ah yes, social and royal seals, coins and gems, it's freemium gone mad again from Gameloft. With a £80 purchase for the unwary. I say again that Microsoft should cap IAPs... isn't it time the market itself rebelled against over-greedy freemium items like this?

If you're not too put off by the opportunities to spend rather large sums of money, then you can download Rival Knights here in the Store.

Source / Credit: Windows Phone Store