17.waves TD

The game itself is a lot of fun! But it also has that beautiful co-op quality, of feeling different with each new group you play with. I could see me and my friends coming back to this one over and over!

17 waves is a very unique tower defense! Super fun if you're playing with friends, and a great challenge solo.

Reminds me of playing old tower defense games on flash websites, but with all the modern conveinces of a Steam title (and coop). It could use a little QoL and the gold throwing mechanic is iffy, but it's great fun.

Super fun tower defense game. Disclaimer: I've only played with friends and haven't tried the game solo. I like the action elements. They keep you busy and communicating with your teammates, but it's not so busy that you feel you don't have opportunities to strategize on the fly. Definitely seems like there's not just "one possible solution" for each level so you don't have to worry too much about screwing something up and not being able to course-correct (although you'll likely have to replay some levels a bunch to get through them!).

All the little characters and bugs are so cute! Their animations are so bouncy and charming

This is a really fun and chaotic tower defence game to try with friends!

Great tower defence game, get it with a group of friends and you'll have some good chaotic sessions. Solo play is really fun as well as there's a lot of opportunity to figure out the best build for each level.

17.waves TD is a cooperative strategy game that reimagines traditional tower defense mechanics through an energetic blend of teamwork, resource management, and real-time coordination. Developed by Peartree Games and published by 2 Left Thumbs, the game places players in the role of defenders protecting distant human colonies from overwhelming alien invasions. While the foundation is rooted in classic tower defense design, the game distinguishes itself by requiring players to actively participate in nearly every aspect of the defense effort rather than simply constructing towers and waiting for them to do the work. The setting revolves around the embattled colonies of Exo-Planet W4-V35, where wave after wave of extraterrestrial attackers threaten humanity's survival. The narrative remains relatively straightforward, but it serves its purpose by providing context for the relentless battles that unfold across each map. The true focus of the game lies in the struggle to survive increasingly difficult waves of enemies while working together to keep defensive systems operational. Unlike many entries in the genre, 17.waves TD places a strong emphasis on player activity. Every participant has multiple responsibilities beyond simple tower placement. Players gather resources, collect currency from defeated enemies, construct new defenses, upgrade existing structures, and ensure critical systems remain supplied and functional. This constant demand for involvement keeps the gameplay engaging because there is rarely a moment when players can afford to become passive observers. The cooperative design is undoubtedly the game's greatest strength. Supporting up to four players, matches become exercises in communication and teamwork. Success often depends on how effectively a group can divide responsibilities and react to changing battlefield conditions. One player may focus on resource collection, another may prioritize upgrading defenses, while others manage expansion and repairs. This division of labor creates a satisfying sense of collaboration that gives every participant an important role. Resource management introduces an additional layer of strategic depth. Currency collected during combat does not remain available indefinitely, creating constant pressure to retrieve valuable resources before they disappear. This seemingly simple mechanic adds urgency to every battle and forces players to make difficult decisions. Leaving defensive positions to gather resources can be risky, but ignoring valuable rewards may limit future growth. The tension created by these choices helps maintain engagement throughout every match. Tower maintenance is another feature that separates 17.waves TD from more conventional tower defense games. Defensive structures require ongoing support and resources to continue operating effectively. Building towers is only the first step; players must also ensure that those towers remain supplied and upgraded as enemy forces grow stronger. This mechanic transforms defense management into an active process rather than a one-time investment, creating a more dynamic and involved gameplay loop. The progression systems are handled effectively. As players survive additional waves, they gain access to stronger upgrades and new strategic possibilities. Different upgrade paths encourage specialization, allowing players to tailor their contributions to suit the needs of the team. Some upgrades improve movement and resource gathering, while others enhance defensive capabilities or strengthen support functions. These choices help create meaningful variety between matches and encourage experimentation. Enemy waves are designed to escalate steadily in both size and difficulty. Early stages provide opportunities to establish defenses and learn map layouts, while later waves demand increasingly efficient teamwork and resource allocation. This gradual increase in challenge creates a rewarding sense of progression and ensures that victories feel earned. The game consistently pushes players to refine their strategies and improve their coordination. Visually, 17.waves TD adopts a clean and colorful science-fiction aesthetic that supports gameplay without becoming distracting. The isometric perspective offers a clear view of the battlefield, making it easy to monitor enemy movements, track resources, and identify vulnerable sections of the defense network. While the graphics are not intended to compete with major blockbuster releases, they effectively communicate information and maintain readability during chaotic encounters. The game's pacing is one of its most appealing qualities. Matches move quickly enough to remain exciting while still providing time for meaningful decision-making. There is a constant balance between preparation and reaction, with players alternating between expanding defenses and responding to immediate threats. This rhythm helps maintain momentum and prevents gameplay from becoming repetitive. Another notable strength is accessibility. The core objective is easy to understand, making it approachable even for players who are unfamiliar with tower defense games. At the same time, the combination of resource management, cooperative coordination, and strategic planning provides enough complexity to satisfy experienced players. This balance allows groups with varying skill levels to enjoy the game together. The influence of cooperative management games is apparent throughout the design. The need for communication, role assignment, and multitasking often feels reminiscent of team-focused party games, but those elements are integrated into a much more strategic framework. The result is a unique hybrid that combines the accessibility of cooperative multiplayer games with the depth of a traditional tower defense experience. The game's biggest limitation is that much of its appeal depends on having other players available. While solo play is possible, many mechanics clearly shine brightest when experienced with a coordinated group. Players who primarily enjoy single-player strategy games may find certain challenges more demanding and less rewarding than intended. Additionally, those seeking a heavily narrative-driven experience may find the focus on gameplay systems more prominent than storytelling. Despite these limitations, 17.waves TD succeeds because it understands the value of active cooperation. Every mechanic reinforces teamwork, and every victory feels like the result of collective effort rather than individual performance. The game consistently rewards communication, planning, and adaptability, creating memorable moments whenever a team successfully survives an especially difficult wave. 17.waves TD is an inventive and highly enjoyable cooperative tower defense game that blends strategic defense building, resource management, and multiplayer coordination into a compelling package. Its emphasis on teamwork, active participation, and evolving battlefield challenges helps it stand out within a crowded genre. Players looking for a cooperative strategy experience that requires communication and coordination will find a rewarding and surprisingly deep adventure that transforms the familiar tower defense formula into something refreshingly interactive. Rating: 8/10

Awesome game! The game loop is addicting and really reminiscent of Dome Keeper in gathering resources while maintaining tower defense. Plus the music is totally amazing! Also, I immediately invested all my money into flying machines and forgot that not every wave is flying. That run didn't last long. 10/10.

The way the player has to collect resources adds a great twist to the usual tower defence gameplay. I'm still trying to get the hang of the throwing mechanic.