Axon TD: Uprising - Tower Defense
- September 27, 2024
- Element Studios
- 10h median play time
Get on Steam"Axon TD: Uprising - Tower Defense" is a game where players can create and manipulate the map's layout using a brush, adding a new layer of strategy to traditional tower defense games. The shifting battlefield allows for longer paths and support for more towers, and tiles can bridge to islands for additional maze-building opportunities. In survival mode, players face a series of randomized maps, strove, and techs, and must adapt to the expanding map area and accelerated tower technology progression to earn a spot on the global leaderboard .
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique maze-building mechanic that adds depth and strategy to the tower defense genre.
- There is a wide variety of towers and upgrades, allowing for diverse playstyles and strategies.
- The survival mode is engaging and provides a roguelike experience that enhances replayability.
- Turret targeting options are limited and often do not function as expected, leading to frustration.
- Some towers feel underpowered or ineffective, making certain gameplay choices less rewarding.
- The campaign can feel short and lacks sufficient challenge, with some players finding it too easy.
- story102 mentions
- 24 % positive mentions
- 74 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game's story is described as a mix of engaging and generic elements, with some players appreciating its integration into the tower defense mechanics while others find it lacking depth and interest. The campaign features a decent narrative that unfolds through missions, but some players feel it ends on a cliffhanger and lacks a rewarding completion system. Overall, while the story has potential and offers a classic feel, it may not captivate all players, especially those seeking a more profound narrative experience.
“What sets 'Axon TD' apart is its fascinating storyline, weaving a narrative that unfolds as players progress through the levels.”
“The story not only serves as motivation but also introduces new elements and twists, keeping the experience fresh and exciting.”
“In summary, 'Axon TD' successfully combines tower defense, maze navigation, an intriguing storyline, challenging puzzles, and a points system to create a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding gaming experience.”
“The story mode, for me, isn't terribly interesting, but I absolutely love playing the 'survival mode' in search of the perfect run.”
“Very generic story that is what it is... like the game... just boring and not worth the asking price at all.”
“The story will be expanded in further development and is not fully integrated as of writing this review.”
- gameplay68 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this tower defense game is praised for its innovative mechanics, strategic depth, and replayability, with a mix of familiar and fresh ideas that cater to both casual and hardcore players. While many enjoy the combination of tower placement and puzzle-solving, some critics note a lack of variety in upgrades and level design, which can lead to diminished interest over time. Overall, the game is considered a solid addition to the genre, particularly with its engaging co-op features and unique mechanics.
“Great tower defense game, with a few interesting new mechanics, easy to learn but hard to master.”
“The combination of strategic tower placement and puzzle-solving creates a satisfyingly challenging experience catering to both traditional tower defense fans and those seeking a mentally stimulating gameplay.”
“This game is extremely replayable due to its amazing mechanics; every session will be a different experience.”
“They're trying to push the tile addition like it's innovative, but it's identical gameplay to just having a bigger map.”
“I enjoyed the first couple of hours, but I lost interest due to the lack of gameplay variety and uninteresting upgrades.”
“I was waiting for any new level design mechanics to show up, but it never happened.”
- graphics30 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players praising the improved visuals and sci-fi aesthetic compared to previous titles, while others criticize them as dull and lacking in quality. Overall, the graphics are described as decent but not spectacular, with a notable absence of cartoonish themes, making it a refreshing change for tower defense fans. However, performance issues may arise, prompting players to disable enhancements to maintain gameplay fluidity.
“The visuals are good; it's nice to not have a tower defense game with cartoony graphics and juvenile themes like Bloons TD or Kingdom Rush.”
“Great graphics, very replayable, co-op is awesome.”
“Graphics, animations, and music are tip-top; hours of fun to be had!”
“I love a good tower defense game, but usually, they are pretty naff with poor graphics.”
“Not so much stats, which are indeed a need, but the graphics are trash.”
“Graphics are horrible, plain dull.”
- replayability24 mentions
- 42 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability, driven by its engaging survival mode, diverse tower options, and a points system that fosters competition and strategy improvement. Players appreciate the depth in crafting paths for enemies and anticipate even more replay value with the upcoming map editor. Overall, the combination of interesting mechanics and varied content ensures that each play session offers a unique experience.
“For the price, performance, and replayability, I would definitely recommend the game.”
“This game is extremely replayable due to its amazing mechanics; every session will be a different experience.”
“The points system between levels adds an extra layer of excitement and competition, encouraging replayability as players strive to improve their strategies and climb the global leaderboards.”
“So apart from the obvious advancement in graphical finesse compared to dg, there is far more scope for long-term replayability and inexhaustive permutations.”
“It has interesting mechanics and the upcoming map editor will give us endless replayability!”
- stability12 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's stability is generally positive, with most players reporting it as "pretty much bug free" and experiencing no significant crashes or freezes. However, some users have noted occasional bugs, such as issues with players remaining in the lobby and rewards not being distributed correctly, particularly when playing on the Steam Deck.
“I've been playing exclusively on Steam Deck and it runs great as long as you re-map the controls a bit; it's just basic clicking with a handful of hotkeys.”
“Pretty much bug free.”
“It’s buggy at times, games starting for one player and the other staying in the lobby, rewards not being given between rounds, and a few other small issues.”
“It’s buggy at times, games starting for one player and the other staying in the lobby, rewards not being given between rounds, and a few other small issues.”
“(5 hr review but I have played a lot of Element TD 2 to know this is not a buggy game).”
- music12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives mixed reviews; while some praise the soundtrack as amazing and fitting, others find the use of vocaloid and anachronistic instruments like banjos and bongos distracting in a technologically advanced setting. Overall, the addition of new music and sound effects enhances the gameplay experience, contributing to a fun atmosphere.
“The soundtrack is actually amazing!”
“Graphics, animations and music are tip-top, hours of fun to be had + positive thumbs up +”
“New music is great.”
“I think the soundtrack is a little anachronistic, featuring banjos, bongos, and other tribal and earthy instruments, when this is clearly a deep technology landscape.”
“They added some music, many flashes and explosions, and mega booms to enhance the lackluster gameplay experience.”
“The music feels out of place, as it doesn't match the futuristic setting of the game.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely appreciated, with players finding it entertaining and well-integrated into the campaign mode. The variety of game modes also contributes to the overall comedic experience, making it a fun and engaging title.
“Campaign mode is really fun, and I like the humor.”
“Funny game with a lot of different game modes.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
While the game offers good value in terms of price, performance, and replayability, users have noted that the optimization is lacking, resulting in subpar performance.
“For the price, performance, and replayability, I would definitely recommend the game.”
“Performance isn't great.”
“Performance isn't great.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of creating levels, particularly those involving numerous waves, to be tedious and frustrating due to the lack of effective tools for testing balance without repeated playthroughs.
“Grinding through levels with numerous waves is incredibly tedious, especially since there's no way to determine the actual balance without repeatedly playing them.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding makes it feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable experience.”
“The lack of variety in grinding leads to a monotonous gameplay experience that quickly becomes boring.”
