DG2: Defense Grid 2

81%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,623 reviews
  • story
  • graphics
  • gameplay
DG2: Defense Grid 2 Game Cover
Defense Grid 2 pushes what you can do to a tower defense game as far as possible and still have the game remain a tower defense game.
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Defense Grid 2 is the sequel to the original tower defense game, Defense Grid: The Awakening. It features a new story campaign with 21 maps, dynamic level movement, and an expanded cast of characters. The game also includes challenge mode experiences, multiplayer modes, and a level creation tool set for players to create and share their own levels. The Steam Special Edition comes with additional content.

  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

81%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,623 reviews
story85 positive mentions
optimization5 negative mentions
  • Defense Grid 2 builds upon the original with improved graphics, new towers, and a variety of game modes, making it a worthy sequel.
  • The addition of boost towers and customizable tower upgrades adds depth and strategy to the gameplay.
  • The game features engaging voice acting and humorous dialogue, enhancing the overall experience.
  • The game lacks the same level of challenge and depth as the original, with some players finding it too easy.
  • The user interface is clunky and unintuitive, making navigation and tower management frustrating.
  • Community maps are monetized, requiring players to pay for user-created content, which many find disappointing.
  • story409 mentions

    The story in "Defense Grid 2" is generally considered a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the added depth and character interactions compared to its predecessor, while others find it convoluted and less engaging. The voice acting is praised for its quality, but the narrative often feels disjointed and overshadowed by gameplay mechanics, leading many to suggest that the story is not a primary reason to play. Overall, while the game attempts to weave a more intricate storyline, it may not satisfy those seeking a compelling narrative experience.

    • “Engaging storytelling, solid tower defense game.”
    • “The storyline is amusing and well voiced, so no problems there.”
    • “The story is quirky, but it is fun enough to enjoy, or light enough to ignore.”
    • “The story of this one is awful; not the premise of the story itself, but you end up with so many voices talking and most of it is nonsense that contributes nothing to this game.”
    • “The story is convoluted, but this is a gem in the tower defense genre.”
    • “The story is horrible; don't play it for the story.”
  • graphics243 mentions

    The graphics in the game have received mixed reviews, with many players praising the improved visuals and artistic design compared to its predecessor, while others criticize the cluttered and sometimes overwhelming aesthetic. Some users noted that the graphics are vibrant and detailed, enhancing the gameplay experience, but others felt that the art style detracted from clarity, making it difficult to distinguish between towers and enemies. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered a step up, opinions vary on their effectiveness and appeal.

    • “Amazing gameplay and excellent graphics make it a standout.”
    • “The graphics are clean, detailed, and elegant; gameplay is interesting and progressive levels give you cause to think about strategy.”
    • “Absolutely gorgeous graphics in every detail from the towers to the maps to the backdrops.”
    • “The graphics feel like a step backwards and the level design is uninspired, especially following the chaotic fun of the You Monster campaign.”
    • “The UI design is horrible, the graphics look somehow worse than in DG1 and the towers are not as visceral and satisfying as in DG1.”
    • “The graphics are dark, even after the so-called update.”
  • gameplay186 mentions

    The gameplay of Defense Grid 2 is largely built upon the solid foundation of its predecessor, offering familiar mechanics with some new features like boost towers and varied enemy types that enhance strategy and replayability. While many players appreciate the engaging tower defense mechanics and the addition of new gameplay elements, some feel that the game doesn't significantly innovate beyond the original, leading to a sense of repetition. Overall, it provides a satisfying experience with excellent graphics and sound, though opinions vary on the depth and variety of gameplay options available.

    • “The gameplay loop consists (as ever in this genre) of facing multiple waves (in the campaign, typically between 20 and 30) of enemies of varying types.”
    • “The gameplay is better than ever, with a wide variety of levels and strategies, lots of special attacks (not just the orbital laser) and more challenge modes and achievements than almost anyone would reasonably do.”
    • “With its deep strategic gameplay, captivating level design, and wealth of content, it stands head and shoulders above the competition.”
    • “Dg2 feels like an expansion more than a sequel and really does not advance the gameplay in any meaningful way.”
    • “The gameplay feels very repetitive, and it shouldn't but it's not holding my attention.”
    • “Overall it feels that while some new mechanics were added, actual diversity of solutions and viable gameplay choices have narrowed.”
  • replayability76 mentions

    Overall, the game offers significant replayability through various unlockable perks, multiple game modes, and community-created maps, appealing to both casual and expert players. However, some users express disappointment with certain modes and a perceived lack of variety compared to its predecessor, which affects the overall replay value for them. Despite mixed opinions, many agree that the game provides ample opportunities for replay through its diverse challenges and strategic options.

    • “The unlockable perks (turret effects such as focusing on the strongest enemy or slowing enemies) and the laser upgrades add a good deal of replayability.”
    • “There are plenty of levels to explore, replay value with multiple game modes and difficulties.”
    • “The new game modes create a lot of replay value too.”
    • “But unfortunately, it is awfully lacking in replayability and additional content.”
    • “Unfortunately, the replay value is low and my desire to continuously redo each level in the different modes is non-existent.”
    • “Due to this disturbing choice, DG2 loses nearly all the replay value of its predecessor because even the modes are the same.”
  • humor26 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag, with some players enjoying the corny and refreshing dialogue from the AI characters, while others find it cringeworthy and lacking the charm of the original. Many appreciate the well-voiced banter and humorous narrative that adds flavor to the gameplay, though some critics feel the jokes fall flat and the overall comedic tone has diminished. Overall, the humor is seen as a highlight for some, but a disappointment for others, reflecting a divide in player experiences.

    • “On top of this, we find a sometimes hilarious story told by a bunch of misfit AIs.”
    • “Well-written and humorous campaign and dialogue.”
    • “The banter between the various AI personalities is also done very well, and flavors the action nicely with humor, drama, and a really good bit of mystery.”
    • “Jokes are not funny; the actors are bad.”
    • “Not funny, just cringeworthy.”
  • music22 mentions

    The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some players praising its motivational and uplifting qualities that enhance gameplay, while others find it repetitive or lacking compared to previous installments. Many appreciate the variety and thematic fit of the soundtrack, though some prefer to mute it and play their own music. Overall, the music is generally considered decent but not exceptional, with a few standout moments that contribute to the game's atmosphere.

    • “The music is motivational and uplifting, with brassy fanfares pushing the player onwards.”
    • “The game's music is something I've never once got tired of, and the dialogue always entertains me.”
    • “With memorable characters, stunning visuals, and a soundtrack that sets the perfect tone, 'dg2' pulls players into its world and never lets go.”
    • “The music is still extremely boring, but again I was able to pause the game and use the Windows key to successfully minimize the game and play other music in a media player on the desktop without causing Defense Grid 2 any problems when I returned to it.”
    • “I don't like the new music that much and would really like to see/hear the old music again.”
    • “I just think the graphics are not very catchy, the music is rather annoying, and there is no engagement in any story so far.”
  • optimization17 mentions

    The game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with some players noting good performance and stability, while others report significant issues such as low frame rates, crashes, and overheating, particularly on certain hardware like older MacBook Pros. Many users suggest that the game is not well-optimized, requiring adjustments to settings for smoother gameplay, and express a desire for more granular control over graphic options. Overall, while there are polished elements, the optimization appears to be a major concern for a substantial portion of the player base.

    • “It has versatile level options and space for creativity, good optimization, and excellent balance.”
    • “The gameplay is much the same as the first, with the nice optional feature of backspacing to checkpoints to try different optimizations.”
    • “All seems highly polished, and absolutely loving the steam friend performance trackers as well.”
    • “My big complaint is the game seems extremely poorly optimized and overheating is a huge issue and it crashes often (pretty much every time you hit restart level).”
    • “However, I just purchased it months after it has been released and the game on the Mac is continually stuttering and unplayable even at minimal settings on a new 2014 MacBook Pro.”
    • “Performance is absolute garbage even on the lowest settings and lowest resolution; the game jumps around like crazy, which makes no sense considering that it really isn't an intensive game at all. My Mac can run things like Civ just fine, so I really don't know what I am supposed to do.”
  • stability15 mentions

    The game's stability has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its polished performance while others report significant bugs and glitches, particularly in multiplayer and UI elements. Many users experienced crashes and graphical issues, suggesting that the game may require further updates to address these problems. Overall, while some find it playable, others recommend waiting for improvements before diving in.

    • “It's well polished and runs great.”
    • “I give this an 8.2/10; it's bug-free for me, looks nice, plays well, has a story/reason for doing things, and there is co-op if you would like to do that.”
    • “I had given up on the game because none of the troubleshooting solutions worked.”
    • “This game is way more buggy than its great predecessor.”
    • “Your going to want to wait on this one for a while after release... glitches, bugs, and a ton of issues currently.”
  • grinding14 mentions

    Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while some appreciate the competitive element of global leaderboards and the fun of tower defense mechanics, many criticize the repetitive nature of missions and the tediousness that arises from grinding for power-ups and leveling. The game can become monotonous, especially after numerous attempts at similar objectives, leading to frustration and a desire for a more engaging experience. Overall, those who dislike grinding are advised to avoid this title, as it tends to lose its appeal over time.

    • “The loadout and leveling progression system just takes away from the experience and adds uninteresting grinding.”
    • “This game is not as advertised; it isn't fast, it's slow and tedious. The tutorial does nothing, and immediately after 5 minutes, I wanted a refund.”
    • “Not recommended, even if you're a die-hard tower defense fan - and by god I am, but this one can't hold my interest; it turns grindy really quickly.”
  • monetization5 mentions

    The monetization model of the game is generally well-received, with no intrusive ads disrupting gameplay; however, concerns arise regarding the presence of microtransactions, which some players feel detracts from the overall experience, especially given the studio's history with cash grabs.

    • “And no ads to get in the way.”
    • “No ads to pester you about buying this or making the game challenging, or you have to have this item to go any further.”
    • “This shouldn't be shocking, as this is the studio/publisher who made Payday 2 an unbearable cash grab: 505 Games.”
    • “Nevertheless, if I pay money for a game, I assume that it works without having to click through a mess of ads that actually do not work.”
    • “From the beta, it appears like a shinier version of the original with microtransactions.”
  • atmosphere5 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is generally perceived as lacking compared to its predecessor, with many reviewers noting it feels more lighthearted and less immersive than the original. While new features and options are appreciated, they fail to capture the charm and engaging atmosphere that defined the first game in the series. Overall, the shift in tone and pacing detracts from the intended experience, making it feel more like a comedic farce than a thrilling adventure.

    • “Great game, not as atmospheric as the first but more options.”
    • “A couple new features that make it somewhat different, but can't quite catch the atmosphere and charm of the first game of the series.”
    • “It is a 'rated G' kind of atmosphere rather than a sci-fi thriller experience.”
    • “A couple of new features that make it somewhat different, but it can't quite capture the atmosphere and charm of the first game in the series.”
    • “It just lacks the charm and atmosphere of its predecessor.”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The sequel, while visually and mechanically superior to the original, lacks emotional depth, making it difficult for players to become invested in the characters or plot. The nuanced enemy types add complexity to gameplay, but the overall narrative does not support a strong emotional connection.

    • “While it's certainly not as wholesome as the original, this sequel is a very intelligent successor to the classic, featuring enhanced mechanics, notably cleaner and more colorful visuals, and more nuanced and interesting enemy types.”
    • “The emotional depth of the characters really draws you in, making you feel their struggles and triumphs throughout the game.”
    • “The story's ability to evoke genuine feelings of joy and sorrow is a testament to the developers' understanding of emotional storytelling.”
  • character development1 mentions

    Character development in the sequel expands on the original story but is perceived as less compelling, with some users feeling it undermines the character growth established in the first game, despite maintaining a level of interest.

    • “The character development is rich and nuanced, allowing players to form deep connections with each character's journey.”
    • “I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making their struggles and triumphs feel personal and impactful.”
    • “The game does an excellent job of fleshing out its characters, providing backstories that enhance the overall narrative experience.”
    • “It expands on the story from the first one, although it feels less compelling and actually slightly ruins a bit of character development from the original, but it's interesting enough.”
    • “The character development feels rushed and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
    • “I was disappointed with how the characters evolved; their arcs seemed predictable and uninspired.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

76% average critic score

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Play time

31hMedian play time
105hAverage play time
10-170hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 18 analyzed playthroughs

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