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Review of Desktop Tower Defense on Nintendo DS

by Hemal Harris Hemal Harris photo May 2009
Cover image of Desktop Tower Defense on DS
Gamefings Score: 8
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 10 May 2009
Genre: Tower Defense
Developer: Paul Preece
Publisher: Not specified

Introduction

Welcome to the chaotic world of Desktop Tower Defense, where your mouse isn't just a pointer; it's a weapon of mass defense! Originally a murderous browser game, this portable version brings it to your Nintendo DS, ready to test your strategic thinking while you sip on a soda and pretend to be doing homework. Get ready to build, upgrade, and inevitably lose your sanity as waves of digital creeps march towards your graphics card!

Gameplay

Here's the deal: enemies, affectionately dubbed 'creeps', are on a mission to reach the end of your screen. No, they're not just looking to borrow your Wi-Fi - they want to touch the edge of the grid like they own the place. Your job, as the tactical mastermind, is to build towers strategically so these creeps have the worst day possible! But wait, there's a twist! The creeps don't follow a set path; instead, they navigate through the barriers you create! Want to really mess with them? Create a long, winding road that makes them feel like they're on an episode of a reality show - "Traveling Just to Get Ignored!" Each wave packs unique challenges; from speedy creeps zooming by like they forgot their wallets to those pesky flying creeps that think they can just ignore your defenses altogether! Let's talk about those upgrades. You start with a few basic towers and a limited budget, but as you demolish your foes, coins rain down like confetti at a parade. You'll need to upgrade your towers wisely, alternating between slow-damaging snipers and fast-shooting, yet feeble, cannons. The higher the difficulty, the more twisted the decisions become, especially when boss creeps decide to join the party. Desktop Tower Defense isn't just about mindless clicking, oh no! Each creep isn't just a simple target; they have attributes like immunity to certain towers or the ability to spawn even more creeps (because who doesn't want a crowded battlefield?). The real challenge lies in how you adapt your strategies based on which creeps are overwhelming your defenses this time around. You might think you're a genius, only to be caught completely off-guard when the next wave decides to bring a surprise party. You can also select from various challenges, which are like high-stakes games of hide-and-seek with towers. "The 100" mode has players enduring 100 levels of escalating drama, while other modes limit your resources to keep things spicy. Imagine trying to build the Eiffel Tower with only Lego blocks, now put that on steroids and fuel it with caffeine! The game is utterly binge-worthy, and satisfying - a dependency for strategists everywhere!

Graphics

Graphically, you won't confuse Desktop Tower Defense for a AAA title anytime soon. It's clean, minimal, and charmingly basic-kinda like that first apartment you had in college. The visuals are clear and easy to understand, which is a massive plus because when you're in the heat of battle, you don't want to be scratching your head wondering what on earth that pixelated blob you're looking at actually is. The presentation is simple, yet effective, making the gameplay the shining star. One thing's for sure: it's more visually appealing than your actual desktop after a week of not cleaning.

Conclusion

Desktop Tower Defense is the hidden gem for anyone wanting to flex their brain muscles in quick gaming sessions. With its clever mechanics and challenges, not to mention the ability to frustrate even the most patient of players, you'll find it hard to put down. Whether you're in it for the fun or for some serious tower-building action, it delivers a delightful cocktail of strategy and chaos that'll keep you coming back for more. Just remember: it's a game, not a career - after all, no one wants to explain to their boss why they have twenty tabs open about tower defense. It scores a solid 8 out of 10 and deserves a place in your gaming collection. Clear your desk, it's time to defend it!

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