There are very few games in the world of tower defense that combine strategy, action, and humor quite like the Orcs Must Die! series. Developed by Robot Entertainment and published in 2012, Orcs Must Die 2 is a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed original game. It brings back everything that made the first game appealing and dials it up to eleven with new elements, improved mechanics and even more orcs to destroy. Read on for the full review of this exciting sequel.
The Call to Arms Once Again
The original Orcs Must Die! made its mark on the tower defense category, mixing strategy and action elements in a delightful concoction. Its sequel, Orcs Must Die! 2, retains the core gameplay but improves upon one key area — the lack of multiplayer from the initial game. Co-op play breathes new life into the orc-slaying mayhem and is a fantastically fun aspect of the game.
A Duo of Destruction
In Orcs Must Die 2, War Mage returns to his day job as a miner, and one day, he goes back into action as a fresh rift pops up. This time, he is joined by the Sorceress, a former foe who has become an ally, adding depth to the narrative and gameplay. This isn’t just a gimmick, it’s the bedrock of the game’s increased strategic depth and humorful banter between fights.
Strategic Slaughterhouse
The gameplay continues with the formula that worked for the original game released. Similar to Orcs Must Die, players will set traps and go in for the kill with some good old hacking and slashing fun. With not much to work with, every round feels like a puzzle and each dead Orc grants you the means needed to reinforce your defenses. Creating a devious death maze and watching (or playing) in the destruction was as rewarding as it ever was.
Morbid Currency and Endless Upgrades
Grim currency skulls from the first game return. As before, you can use them to upgrade yourself and acquire new equipment. The redesigned spellbook interface makes changing and upgrading your arsenal easier, which now comprises an even wider array of traps and weapons. The freedom to refund and re-spend skulls lies at the heart of learning in Orcs Must Die 2, as it means players can tweak their strategies without fear of wasting currency.
Co-Op: The Highlight of the Horde
Orcs Must Die! 2 shines brightest when playing with a friend. The War Mage & Sorceress have unique play styles, tons of extra weapons to find, and traps to place on the battlefield. Pair it with the Sorceress’ long-range trickery, and your twosome can pull off all sorts of tactics together. It features stages designed to offer multiple entry points and challenges can only be beaten by teamwork. So, venturing alone through the same is a daunting task.
Familiar Faces, New Challenges
The game will be comfortable for series veterans to pick up and play. Still, new threats like regenerating trolls and venomous bats add new strategic depth. An Endless mode is also available that extends the replayability and opportunities to earn skulls.
A Few Quirks Amidst the Chaos
Orcs Must Die! is a great, challenging game that deserves more recognition. Still, for all the enjoyment to be found on a single playthrough of each level, it doesn’t convince me it will keep me entertained long enough. 2 has flaws. The trial-and-error of the game can be a bitch, and not only are you sometimes given NO INFO about what is approaching next, but that could mean your 40 minutes to an hour run has been for nothing. This causes impromptu and surprise losses that require a complete change of strategy. There’s already lots of it, and the soundtrack and Corvo & Emily’s quips get old.
Final Verdict
Orcs Must Die 2 is a solid sequel that says everything it needs to about the first game and then some. Co-op play is a huge deal, providing additional new levels of enjoyment. Though the later stages are a bit much for solo players, the fun mechanics and orc carnage help make it worth playing. If you have a buddy to play with, Orcs Must Die! 2 is a must-have. The inexpensive asking price is low enough for even the solo player, making this chaotic adventure too tempting to pass up.
You can check our Guide to Orcs Must Die 2 Achievements. And if you’re really a fan of this genre, check our Action Games section.
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