Defense Grid: The Awakening
For someone not really into tower defense games, I was surprised to actually enjoy this game. Mostly I’ve experienced this kind of game on a cell phone where the gaming is usually restricted by limited screen space and limited controls. One main difference between past games I’ve played like this is the graphics. Using a 3D engine, it gifts a bit more depth and realism to what has mostly been a cartoony genre. Audio is good too. The soundtrack supports a noble battle feeling, while a British general type (and somewhat over-dramatic) computer advises you during your defending.
Instead of stopping enemies from getting somewhere, this one does something a little different. The game mainly centers around invading aliens coming to steal “power cores”. For the most part, they’re on a pickup and delivery job. Your job is to destroy them before they make off with all of your power cores. As the game progresses you learn about different weapon towers and a variety of invaders being thrown at you.
Overall the game is pretty easy to pickup and play. The level/map design is pretty good as well. When you firs start the game, it mostly starts you on simple paths that you must defend. Later on, the paths become a bit more open-ended, making things more complex. If you’re into tower defense games or are just getting into them, I would recommend you download the trial. After while you’ll soon be downloading the full version.
Editor’s half-note: Defense Grid isn’t typically the kind of title I’ll play. I had an opportunity to sit down to a few levels and liked what I played. I want to note, for those not familiar with this style of gaming, that this is very strictly a single player game. Admittedly, I didn’t jump at playing it knowing that there was no competition to be had (other than score bragging rights). Even still, it’s a great looking title with a solid 8 hours of Xbox 360 playtime for a scant 800 MS points (about 10 bucks). At that price the decision is pretty easy, but for you PC owners, be mindful that a Steam download will run you double.
