I've technically received this game for "free" as I did not purchase it on Steam, but received a product code for participating in the crowdfunding (which cost more than the game).
Previously a gacha game on DMM, Seiken Manifestia blends interesting tower defense and RTS mechanics together with cute units and a pun-filled story if you can read it.
I have guides available in English for those wanting to know more or how to play.
The following is a combination of my experience on DMM after four long years of service, and the Steam re-release.
Pros:
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[*]Balance -
While the original game was a gacha game, where a lot of pay to win mechanics exist, the game was always balanced around being completable with the free units. There were always experienced players posting guides on how to clear everything with only free units. Some units were very strong, but no one felt OP to the point of being mandatory.
The game has been rebalanced on Steam, with the majority of units being toned down to compensate for everyone being available.
[*]Maps -
Wide variety of set-ups and gimmicks that make maps interesting to play. There's any number of strategies available to complete the map with the large selection of characters.
[*]Characters -
Nearly 150 units with varying effects and skills. Lots of different strategies you can play around with, and you can choose anyone at any time provided you have the very easy to obtain in-game currency.
[*]Art -
shizuo, artumph, and Akasa Ai provide the bulk of the character artwork, with a few freelancers mixed in. The designs all trend towards a cyber-steam-punk-ish? aesthetic that I find really cool
[*]Time -
Maps don't take a long time. This isn't Bloons where you spend 10 minutes and die on wave 99. Take your time and a map might be 5 minutes tops. Reset quickly at any time. Come back when you're stronger for better clear times. No pressure.
[*]Gameplay -
I've always found the gameplay to be interesting. The ruleset is very simple to understand. Summon units. Move them down the paths. Kill enemies. Save towns. Destroy towers and the castle.
The maps are possible enough to beat with previously free only units, but difficult enough that you can struggle with max tier units if you don't plan well enough.
Most importantly, there is easy reproducability. You can mimick someone else's strategy very easily, or repeat your pass attempts without worrying about pixel placement or weird target interactions.
[*]Progression -
I personally enjoy the leveling type progression. You get a good feel for how much better you do in a map as your unit's levels increase, particularly if you're running an event where you get scored based on time or kills.
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Cons:
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[*]Expensive -
Kind of pricey, but all content is included, and some more will be added in the future.
[*]Grindy -
The amount of experience gained and required to level is significantly lower than the original. Combined with no stamina gate, it's far easier, but it's still a lengthy process if you're aiming to max your units.
[*]Sound -
A lot of sound effects scale to attack speed, which can be pretty annoying when your fastest unit is attacking at 10 times per second.
Other than that, it's very cute.
[*]Overwhelming -
For a new player, there's an overwhelming amount of characters. This re-release is aimed towards veterans who supported the crowdfunding, and more or less know exactly who they want to be reunited with. It can be difficult to choose who to add to your team, especially if you don't know what any of the effects are.
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