Defender
Gameplay 6
Graphics 6
Sound 6

Defender is a pretty basic castle defense game, but it is fun to play. With the same playing field and a rather limited selection of monsters it can become a bit boring the more you play. While the game is free there is also a cash shop where crystals and cash can be bought unless you prefer to grind for these valuable resources. A nice game to play every once in a while, but it soon grows tiring.

Gameplay: Addictive at first, but the lack of variety can make it a bit boring later on.

Graphics: Very polished, but could have used some more variety.

Sound: The sound effects are good

Summary 6.0 Above Average
Gameplay 0
Graphics 0
Sound 0
Summary rating from user's marks. You can set own marks for this article - just click on stars above and press "Accept".
Accept
Summary 0.0 Terrible

Defender

Developer: DroidHen | Publisher: DroidHen |Release Date: 2012 | Genre: Arcade / Strategy | Website: Official Website | Purchase: Google Play | Size: 14 MB | Requires: Android 2.3 & Up | Version: 1.1.3 | Price: Free (Offers In-App Purchases)

Defender is one of a myriad of castle defence games where you have to protect your stronghold from a horde of advancing enemies. In this game, the enemies consist of monsters that attack in waves while your only means of repelling them is your bow and an arsenal of magic spells. Kill all the foes and you are given a brief respite where you can upgrade your weapons, magic and defences before its back into battle. Once your castle walls crumble, it is game over however.

There are so many castle defence type games available that it really takes something special to stand out from the crowd. Defender is free to play which is obviously a big plus but comes with a build-in app store where real money can be spent on coin and crystal. Coins allow you to upgrade your strength, agility and defences, while crystals are needed to level up your magic spells and mana. Both of these resources can be earned from completing levels so spending real cash is best left for those with more money than time.

The game is quite fast paced, but can be very frustrating initially as you start off very weak. Once your speed and strength has been upgraded and your spells are more powerful the game becomes a lot better. Your lone archer fires in the direction where you tap the screen while holding down your fire will keep a constant stream of arrows coming. It can be tricky to shoot monsters towards the edges of the screen, but overall the controls work fine. Spells are cast by dragging and dropping them onto the enemies, which is a breeze to pull off. You have three main spells that covers fire, ice and lightening and each have their own advantages. Enemies have health bars so do not expect to dispose of them with one shot until your levels are much higher.

A bit more enemy variety would have been a welcome addition as after a few levels you will have seen pretty much everything that the game has to throw at you. There is a boss battle every ten levels, but even these do become repetitive. Since there appears to be no limit to the levels and the background never changes this is definitely a title that becomes somewhat boring after extended playtime. The cash and crystals earned from killing monsters will keep your upgrades going, but you will eventually reach a maximum level for these at which point the game can start to feel a bit aimless.

Defender does feature some decent detailed visuals and, although the enemy variety is lacking, their designs are very nice. Everything from pink club wielding monsters to brown, spiky eyeball creatures will storm your castle walls and some even have the ability to lob fireballs at you from afar making them a priority. The action is complimented nicely by some great sound effects. The music is nothing to write home about, but gets the job done.

I had fun playing Defender but never had the urge to spend any real cash on it. I also doubt if I will ever go back to it, considering how far I got. It is one of those games that are fun at first, but the longer you play it the more repetitive it becomes. At least it is free so be sure to check it out and decide for yourself.

*Review originally published 2012.

Related posts

Daigasso! Band Brothers

Daigasso! Band Brothers

A rhythm game on the DS might sound like a strange choice but it definitely works. Utilizing every button and the touch screen things get way more hectic than in any guitar hero or rock band game. The midi tunes sound great and there's enough variety to keep you playing for a long time. As long as you can get over the language barrier that is. Gameplay: If you like rhythm games then you'll love this. Graphics: Not much going on visually but then again that's not the focus. Sound: Some really great tunes.

Trauma Center: Under The Knife

Trauma Center: Under The Knife

Trauma Center: Under the Knife is quite a unique game and might easily be overlooked. However, doing so would be a crime as this game has a lot to offer and really stands apart from other DS titles. You'll need quick reflexes and the ability to work efficiently, but saving people's lives has never been this much fun. Gameplay: More of a arcade / puzzle game than a sim but very challenging. Graphics: A nice blend of 2D story scenes and 3D operations. Sound: Tense tunes that will keep you focused on the operations.

Sweet Sins

Sweet Sins

The genre is certainly not lacking in titles, but dodging obstacles and bashing baddies as very cute versions of the seven deadly sins is still a ton of fun. The game features addictive gameplay, great visuals and catchy audio along with a very fair use of in-app purchases. If you crave something fast paced that can be played in short bursts, but will keep you hooked for hours then look no further than Sweet Sins. Gameplay: The game is polished, simple to play and very addictive. Graphics: The beautiful art style and adorable characters are highlights. Sound: Catchy music that matches the style of the game perfectly.

Ceramic Destroyer

Ceramic Destroyer

At first glance, Ceramic Destroyer looks like some sort of Puzzle Bobble imitation, but play it for a while and you will soon become hopelessly addicted. There are a ton of levels to conquer and some strategic thinking is actually required to complete the levels. This game would have been great value for money even if it was not free. Gameplay: Much more addictive than it might appear to be. Graphics: Basic but very polished. Sound: Unobtrusive music and great sound effects.

Star Ocean: Second Evolution

Star Ocean: Second Evolution

A good game, although not as good as the first title. It will still provide you with hours of challenging and entertaining gameplay so if you are a RPG fan then this still comes highly recommended. Gameplay: The epitome of old-skool. Graphics: Pretty much the same as the first game which isn't a bad thing. Sound: Pretty standard fare.

Sorcery!

Sorcery!

It may be many, many years since the release of the original Fighting Fantasy book on which this game is based, but Inkle did a great job bringing the story to life. The game remains very true to its source material, but also makes full of the mobile platform to present it in an appealing and enjoyable manner. The visuals are top notch and overall this is a great game for fans of the original work as well as newcomers. It is a little on the short side, but makes up for it with plenty of replay value. Gameplay: Lots of reading, but the story is compelling and constantly adapts to your choices. Graphics: Contains the excellent original illustrations as well as a new 3D map and character art. Sound: Sparse tunes, but great ambient noises and sound effects.

Leave a comment

17 + 8 =