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Review of Defense Grid 2 on Nintendo Switch

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Feb 2019
Cover image of Defense Grid 2 on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8.0
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 07 Feb 2019
Genre: Tower Defense
Developer: Hidden Path Entertainment
Publisher: 505 Games

Introduction

Since the dawn of video gaming, humans have had a knack for defending strategic points against hordes of aliens, zombies, and in some cases, a questionable cast of characters. Among this colorful roster lies 'Defense Grid 2', where your main job is to protect power cores from a constellation of extraterrestrial foes intent on ruin and an alien buffet. So gear up, grab your snack of choice, and let's dive into the intriguing universe of tower defense where you're the valiant commander of structures and mischievous monsters roam.

Gameplay

In 'Defense Grid 2', players are treated to a delightful mix of strategy, chaos, and the irresistible urge to yell at your screen as aliens attempt to snatch your precious power cores. From a top-down perspective, you control an arsenal of towers, which are, in essence, your loyal soldiers fighting valiantly against waves of increasingly bizarre enemies. Each alien type comes with its quirks: some zoom by like they just chugged a Red Bull, while others plod along like they just got off work after a long shift. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to create a fortress that even the most well-equipped alien ninja would fear to breach. Strategically placed towers can turn the tide of battle, but they're only as good as your foresight. You've got multiple tower types with unique capabilities. There's the good ol' laser tower, which zaps foes with a fiery vengeance, and the missile tower, which annihilates foes from afar. And let's not forget the star of the show - the 'boost tower'. This little guy can't shoot lasers or missiles, but he's core to your strategy, providing a tactical layer, helping other towers evolve into the superheroes they were meant to be. And yes, you get to choose special abilities before levels! Let's just say the orbital laser is like your secret weapon - no biggie, just a gigantic beam of light that requires super planning to unleash. So not only do you have to lay traps and figure out the best tower layout, but you also have to time your explosions of power perfectly to wreck pesky alien plans and keep them at bay. Focus on reading the aliens' attack patterns, optimizing tower placements, and if you can solve the puzzle before they take your cores, you're golden!

Graphics

Let's take a moment to appreciate the art style of 'Defense Grid 2' on the Switch. The graphics are a smooth blend of animated vibrancy and practical sci-fi aesthetics. The game runs clean, which is essential when you're about to go full-on tactical mode. You won't get lost in overly detailed designs, but rather, the graphics serve to highlight and create an engaging gameplay experience. Each tower and alien has visual cues that make it easier for you to remember which tower does what. However, put on those nostalgia glasses because while the game glimmers with 2014's charm, it's not pushing any boundaries graphically, and that's okay! Sometimes, less is more, especially when you're trying to keep focus while panic spikes through your gaming intensities. So while it may not look like the latest AAA title, it certainly gets the job done and keeps that sweet immersive feel. It's like an old-school VHS tape in a world filled with 4K ultra HD - classic, but with a unique charm.

Conclusion

All said and done, 'Defense Grid 2' invites players into an engaging mix of strategy and tactics that feels as satisfying as finishing your last slice of pizza after a long day. It successfully builds upon its predecessor by adding new mechanics, plenty of gameplay options, and an abundance of alien types to conquer. While the story might be weaker than your average superhero flick, it doesn't take away from the overall experience. People often want deep character arcs and complex plots, but let's be honest: you're really here for the thrill of choosing the right tower types and watching those aliens explode. So, if you're itching for a cerebral but playful challenge on the Nintendo Switch, 'Defense Grid 2' should sprint its way onto your device. The game's blend of strategy, engaging gameplay, and a sprinkle of humor makes it an enjoyable way to spend your time. Plus, the replayability factor means you can come back for more without feeling like you've binge-watched a mediocre series. Score: 8 out of 10, because hey, not everything is perfect, but this is pretty darn close!

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