Plot: What’s it about?
Defense Grid: The Awakening is one of the most acclaimed tower defense games out there, the kind of game that revitalizes a genre and brings in droves of new fans. In other words, a lot of people who weren’t into tower defense games were lured in by Defense Grid and the genre has grown as a result. Now Hidden Path Entertainment has given us Defense Grid 2, but does it manage to keep pace with the original? As you’d expect, the core tower defense mechanics return and that is great news, but this isn’t a sequel that rests on its laurels. The basic concept here is that aliens want to steal your power cores and you, using various towers and such, want to foil their plans. You will need to soak up knowledge on both your defenses and your enemies, learning what defenses are best in which situations. Not just which defenses, but where to place them for maximum benefit, so you aren’t overrun once the aliens start to pour in. In Defense Grid 2, placement is more important than ever, since some levels are now open inside of linear pathways, which really amps up the fun. I love this choice because it adds challenge to those more open levels, but it also opens up so many options and adds replay value, seeing which wild tactics might work. A new tower called a Booster has even been added to help keep your insanely complicated defense paths up and running.
While there is a story in Defense Grid 2, you’ll only find exposition in small text messages before levels. This is sure to let some players down, but the focus on game experience over narrative was a wise one here. Tower defense games are puzzle games at heart, so the lack of story elements isn’t a real concern. Another potential issue for some players is the learning curve, which can be a little steeper than most games. So this isn’t a game you will steamroll over if you’re not a genre veteran and really, even those veterans will find a good challenge here. So yes, the complex mechanics will turn some newer players off, but to others, it will simply make that eventual victory all the better. So while there some things that are prickly here, Defense Grid 2 is a game that takes what the original great and builds on it. The developers didn’t try to reinvent the experience, which means all the good stuff is still there, but with some great new twists thrown in. If you were a fan of Defense Grid: The Awakening, you will love this sequel and if you’re still hesitant to give the tower defense genre a spin, this would be an ideal jumping in point. The strategic experience is superb and once again, Hidden Path has crafted a game that advances its genre. So whether you’re a virgin to tower defense or a grizzled veteran, Defense Grid 2 is highly recommended.
Video: How’s it look?
While tower defense games have a reputation for bland visuals, this one blows that stereotype out of the water. The game looks terrific, with bright, bold, and lively visuals. The graphics really come to life during the more intense action segments, as colors burst and animations shine. But even just setting up your defenses in the quiet moments is impressive. This is a nice step up overall the original, without question.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The sound design here is rock solid, especially in the alien battles. The action comes to life with grand presence, which really amps up those intense moments. The music is fine, but not all that memorable, but it gets the job done. All of the needed bases are covered and the battles sound great, which is about all we could ask here.
