Video games based off of licensed properties are always a gamble. Developers are challenged to both capture the look and feel of a unique universe while simultaneously building a game that's engaging and fun. One without the other is a hollow experience that satisfies neither fans of a series or genre gamers looking for a fresh experience.

In the case of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and G5 Entertainment's Voltron: Defender of the Universe for the iPhone and iPod Touch, the gamble has paid off.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Voltron has never been riper for a video game adaptation, and even though fans may have craved a beefier console title to christen the franchise's entry into electronic gaming, this mobile title delivers a respectable maiden voyage.

With a premise pulled straight from its animated source material, the game begins by providing players with a chance to pilot all five lion mechs through the enemy-laden terrain of Planet Arus. Just like in the original animated series (or the American-dubbed version, at any rate), each lion has a special skill that makes it suited for a given mission. The red lion projects fire, the blue lion forms ice and they all clobber the soldiers and tanks of the evil Zarkon army with claw swipes and missile launchers.

Environments are fairly immersive for a mobile game. Water can be swum through, rocks can be crushed and chasms can be leapt across. Aside from a few limitations, moving around the board feels intuitive and plays out in interactive ways.

Levels are structured by acts, giving each lion ample time to shine before the team combines its vehicles into the mighty Voltron mode. The transformation comes just in time to spar with giant bosses in a 2-D fighter style. It's a welcome changeup to the angled overhead action of the game's 30 levels and provides players with the kind of variety that keeps replaying missions from becoming stale.

Boss battles utilize all of Voltron's characteristic powers, most notably Argon Force Field and the Blazing Sword attack. The Robobeast bosses demonstrate unique abilities and each provide a relatively diverse challenge, which comes in especially handy after they're defeated.

Outside of the main story mode, players can battle at will in the "Zarkon Arena." As a built-in fighting game, players can repeat their Voltron battles or - better yet - play as their fallen foes in whatever configuration they choose provided they've defeated each Robobeast to unlock them as a playable option. This option provides a really fun incentive to complete the game and unlock its various achievements.

While each mission offers new obstacles and challenges, the overall difficulty of the game is geared toward casual gamers more than experts. Controls are mastered in a matter of minutes, giving players a chance to enjoy the game out of the gate rather than wading through power ups, item management or skill advancements. Most missions can be completed with a moderate amount of concentration and attention to detail after a few attempts, making completing the game fun without being frustrating.

Unlike some touchscreen games, Voltron's onscreen control pad provides players with sizeable buttons and seamless response time. In-game action is clear and very rarely hindered by having to touch the device, leaving hands free from eyes and eyes able to focus on the task at hand.

The game isn't without a few flaws, however. Dodging attacks seems simple while confronting one enemy at a time, but the Lion's individual mobility is put to the test during major battles in open areas. As simple as vehicle navigation seems through geographic corridors, the lions are ultimately less spry than a player would like. This shortcoming can be forgiven when the mobile game's format is considered, but it doves prove irksome when it results in untimely deaths during what seem like straightforward challenges.

Powerups are also an issue when it comes to obtaining extra health or ammunition. Rather than providing a kind of helpful fail-safe that keeps players from gorging themselves on more than they can use, any powerup a player encounters is pretty much instantly absorbed. That means even a completely full life meter will suck down a chance at more health rather than automatically saving it for later when it might be helpful. Skilled gamers won't have a problem avoiding this pitfall, but it's one more hassle to remember in the middle of a missile exchange with a monster.

The game retails for $3.99 through Apple's iTunes store, which is a bargain considering the title's hours of content. Its missions, cut scenes, achievements and replayable battles in the "Zarkon Arena" make it a must-have for Voltron fans and a genuinely good time for any newcomers itching for some new iPhone game action.

Voltron: Defender of the Universe is a solid action game that combines style with substance with the fervor of five robotic lions uniting as an unbeatable robotic warrior. By embracing its roots and incorporating original animation, sound effects and characterization, the first-ever Voltron video game proves itself worthy of the Voltron name.