Given the sheer volume of new games which appear on the App Store each month, it's almost inevitable that some ideas get used more than once and some imitation is likely to occur.
There are plenty of Angry Birds clones to attest to this, but that doesn't forgive the almost blatant plagiarism that Song of Swords is guilty of.
It's an almost direct copy of Battleheart, a game which we reviewed back in 2011. The fantasy setting, control system, and skills tree are also lifted from that particular game.
The premise is simple - you have to clear a battlefield of invading enemies using a variety of warriors with different skills and weaknesses. Combat units are obviously used to slay your foes, while healers keep things in tip-top condition. Ranged units are weak, but can attack without the risk of close-quarters damage.
Copy catCharacters are blessed with skills such as defensive magic and attacks, and these incur a recharge time in-between uses. Skills can be upgraded over time, giving the feeling that each unit is developing and growing in stature as you move through each of Song of Swords's missions.
Seeing as Song of Swords borrows so heavily from Battleheart, it stands to reason that it shares many of that game's more positive traits. The gameplay mixes action and strategy with a fair degree of success, allowing you to flex your brains as well as your reactions.
Cuts both waysHowever, by the same token it also shares some of Battleheart's less welcome features. During particularly busy battles, it's difficult to select the right character - especially when your units overlap one another.
The other big issue is repetition: the game is challenging, but the core gameplay doesn't really alter than much. You attack enemies, make sure your units don't die, and then repeat.
Song of Swords isn't the first iOS game to shamelessly rip off another, and it won't be the last. It's still fun, polished, and playable, but Battleheart is still the superior option - and should be the title you pick if you find the concept even slightly interesting.