Less RPG, more strategy this is what Reality Pump Studios brought us this time, it isn’t the sequel or a sequel to the Two Worlds franchise as we know it, just a game added on to the universe that seems to play off while events in the main game occur.
Some key points that this game offers:
- Large level design, which can allow for up to 50 units on screen deployment simultaneously.
- Content straight from the original Two Worlds and Two Worlds II games.
- There are six different characters for you to make use of in each Level’s defense.
- Several different Level concepts that you will play in, all neatly detailed.
- More than 20 different enemy types exist, that will all try to break through your line of defences.
- Leaderboards so you can show off your skills in Campaign and Arena mode scoring.
- That’s right two game modes, Campaign mode and then Arena mode for instant action.
Gameplay & Controls:
Not a grand scale of controls, which does not mean it is lacking, the game is fairly simple in its commands, the true test comes from how you control the battlefield and that comes from correct unit type placement. You have the directional arrows which can be used to move the screen, this however may not be required, it depends on the resolution you play at and whether you play windowed mode or full screen.
You have the trusty mouse with which you can use the right mouse button to also move to the screen, and on the left side you have the button for business, which you use to confirm choices such as clicking on a node to place a unit type. The spacebar can be used to pause the game and resume again.
Using spells and upgrading units also has shortcuts to the keyboard numbers, so we have some control over the game but just the basics to make it easier for us. At your mighty mouse’s disposal, you have six different unit types, which all upgrade a few levels in strength, and health; Strength making them stronger and Health keeping them alive longer.
Your main character can be one of two unique characters, in this case the goal is to keep them alive at all costs, and they fight just like your other units do and can also be upgraded, but if your main character dies it is game over. Your first trusty unit is your swordsman with his trusty sword and shield, the cheapest character to place but a very trusty one which will accompany you through every level. Once fully upgraded the swordsman is very powerful.
The Second unit you have is your archer, with his trusty bow, also quite effective and once upgraded a decent line holder, that’s right your units don’t just fight to hold off enemies they get attacked too and can die, but with the third unit type that can be slowed down, yeah the priest has healing powers, quite expensive to upgrade but well worth it, he makes sure that the evil forces don’t breach your melee line.
Your mission is to survive several waves in each level fending off more and more enemy mobs that increases in strength the deeper you go into the levels, all your characters do slowly heal themselves after the battle, so if they do survive they will regenerate, if they die you can pay a small fee to get them back. Fret not as you start to roll in the gold you will have the funds available to cast a few different spells on the enemies when they start swarming you.
Last but not least you start with a swordsman but later on you unlock a more powerful melee fighter and A ranged fighter which can replace your earlier units, they are more expensive to place and to upgrade but they pack mighty punches. You have three different difficulty levels to choose from making you choose how tough the game gets for you.
Graphics:
The graphics are what you can expect from the Two Worlds game, the same concept, look and design, just different from the perspective you view it in, here you have an overhead look as a dungeon master, much like most other Tower Defense games out there.
On the settings side we have the option to choose whether we want to play full screen or window mode, and then we can choose our resolution in a few different options.
Sounds:
Decent intro movie accompanied by decent music, giving us a very lively introduction into what we are about to experience. The background music on the main menu is fairly subtle, egging you on to just start the game already. Sound and music during gameplay is very dramatic giving you that extra experience and thrill making the game more exciting.
We have a few options in the menu regarding sound and volume control.
Replayability:
As with most Tower Defense games you usually go back and play them again for a few different reasons. As for me, I love them to bits, I think these types of games are one of the greatest add ons we have in gaming. These games bring testing your skill to whole new levels, so there is always reason to replay them, bettering your current score, or getting a gold medal on the hardest difficulty.
So, each has their own version or reason for replaying it, with Two Worlds II Castle Defense it can be to get through the higher levels with high scores to get to those number one spots on the leaderbaords, or general instant action fun in Arena mode.
MGR Gaming’s Conclusions:
Spoilers Ahead:
All in all, Two Worlds II Castle Defense is a decent add on to the franchise, it may not be exactly what we wanted in terms of a new game, but it adds onto the main story from a different side of things. So, who knows this may build to something larger in the future, the game itself does lack a few finer things that would have made it much greater, but as it is, the game is pretty decent.
I found it a bit short on the content side but enjoyable nonetheless for Two Worlds fans and Tower Defense fans, this game will offer you fun and entertainment.
Additional Info:
Platforms: PC: Mac: IOS
Genre: Strategy, Tower Defense
Censor Rating: Mature
Age Rating: n/a
Developer: Reality Pump Studios
Publisher: Topware Interactive
Release Date: 14 June 2011
MGR Gaming Steam Curator:
https://store.steampowered.com/curator/32364038/
