Alright. So, [i]Invaders Tower Defense Online[/i] is only $1.99? That's quite the bargain for this game in my estimation. At the time of this writing, there is no player base to speak of, so the online portion of this isn't something you can really enjoy unless you are playing against friends, but the single player matches are a lot of fun. What this game does as a baseline is bring back that old school gaming you may have enjoyed in games such as Total Annihilation, Archon, and so on, but in single lane tower defense form.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3316213891
As such, you can expect old arcadey style music, simple and yet effective graphics, maps that are uncomplicated and yet provide a real defense challenge, especially the further you get into matches, and just a cool fun vibe without any pretentious gameplay mechanics. Which is pretty refreshing IMO. It is definitely a pickup and play experience. Matches can last a few minutes at a time (or longer depending on the difficulty settings you choose).
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3316213948
There is actually a fair amount of menu options for dialing in your matches, from neutral towers and creatures/mechs available to all factions, to the specific maps and factions being used. It's not vast, but what is there provides the opportunity for a lot of variety in each individual match. Each faction does of course have their own faction specific towers and creatures. The costs on these vary, and outside of fodder troops, they typically offer a splash of unique flavor. For towers, this is demonstrated in the specific attacks available and the range/damage of said attacks. Towers can be upgraded several times as well, offering even better defense options. Creatures/mechs are not upgradeable, but can feature things like improved armor, hp regeneration, and so on. Additionally, different creatures/mechs move at different speeds, which impacts their ability to reach the end of the lane.
Everything is purchased with coins, and you gain bulk coins every ten seconds with other coins filtering in periodically throughout the match as well. The amount you earn increases as the match goes on, allowing you to more easily afford better towers, their upgrades, and creatures. You and your opponent have an hp pool. If a creature/mech reaches the end of the lane, it explodes causing damage to your pool. The specific amount varies depending on the specific unit.
When someone's health pool reaches zero, the match is over. Speaking of matches, there are the typical PvP and PvE matches as well as Defense specific matches where you try to survive as many waves of enemies as possible playing on defense. Those get crazy once the enemy starts spawning the super fast units.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3316224048
I did not experience any technical issues playing this. I expect you would want to play this with k/m or touchscreens only. Gamepad doesn't seem like it would be an efficient way to play the game whatsoever.
In my opinion, this is a game worthy of your attention. As is, in early access with no player base, it is still a lot of fun, and I gotta think if the player base grows or you buy this game with friends to play against each other, it could only get better. Give it a look if you're looking for a pretty casual tower defense experience.
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