Fortified
- February 3, 2016
- Siege Camp
- 65h median play time
"Fortified is a thrilling strategy shooter set in a 1950s retro sci-fi world, where players defend Earth from a Martian invasion. Combining third-person shooter, real-time strategy, and tower defense mechanics, players can enjoy single-player, co-op, or multiplayer modes, building defenses and wielding an arsenal of Cold War-era weapons. Protect the city against towering attackers and experience an exciting blend of gameplay styles for a unique and immersive adventure."
Reviews
- Fun and engaging gameplay, especially when played with friends.
- Unique 1950s sci-fi aesthetic with varied enemy designs and character abilities.
- Challenging mechanics that encourage strategic thinking and teamwork.
- Frequent crashes and technical issues, making it frustrating to play.
- Poorly balanced for solo play, leading to a lack of enjoyment without friends.
- Limited content and repetitive gameplay, with many players comparing it unfavorably to better tower defense games like Orcs Must Die.
- graphics35 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The graphics of Fortified are widely praised for their unique 1950s sci-fi aesthetic, reminiscent of retro comic books and classic B-movie themes, which adds a charming visual appeal to the game. While the character designs and animations are noted as top-notch, some reviews mention that the environments can feel bland. Overall, the art style is considered a standout feature, enhancing the fun gameplay experience.
“The golden-age comic art style and the retro 50's sci-fi look were instant likes for me.”
“Everything has a very unique and good art style, portrayed like an old comic book would be both visually and aesthetically.”
“Graphics, effects, and overall atmosphere are beautiful; the game has all the attributes of the Martian madness era.”
“Pretty lackluster graphics.”
“There are about 12 traps and weapons in total per character, some of which are repetitive. The graphics are mediocre, the gameplay feels slow at times and then nearly impossible during the very next wave, the humor is dry and predictable, and each character has about three pieces of dialogue that they just continuously repeat.”
“The game runs very well at higher resolutions with a wide selection of graphical options for you to change to your liking.”
- gameplay34 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 65 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Fortified is characterized by its balanced challenge and accessible mechanics, making it easy to pick up while offering a fun, retro aesthetic reminiscent of 1950s sci-fi. However, some players find the mechanics too simplistic, leading to repetitive gameplay and a lack of depth, particularly in single-player mode. Overall, the game shines in multiplayer settings, where its solid mechanics and engaging gunplay can be fully appreciated.
“Fortified has a fun 1950's alien invasion aesthetic, four heroes ripped from the pages of a pulp novel/golden age comic, and plenty of fun gameplay.”
“The gameplay is solid, just try to play it with at least one other person if you possibly can.”
“The game's slick, the graphics are nice, the setting is unique (groovalicious!), and the gunplay, tactics, and mechanics are a ton of fun.”
“Those same simplified mechanics that make the game accessible sadly also make things rather shallow.”
“The issues that keep me from recommending this game are all to be found in the gameplay itself, unfortunately.”
“The gameplay does get a little bit repetitive towards the later stages of the game as you get used to the different types of enemies.”
- story20 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 85 % neutral mentions
- 15 % negative mentions
The game's story is largely criticized for being minimal and lacking depth, with many players noting that the campaign feels more like a series of disconnected missions rather than a cohesive narrative. While some find the characters and backstory somewhat amusing, the overall consensus is that the game offers little in terms of storytelling, making it less engaging for solo players. Despite its entertaining gameplay, the absence of a compelling story detracts from the overall experience.
“I was somewhat amused by the hokey story and characters.”
“I kinda wish the campaign had a more progressive story cut-scene between each level.”
“Other than that, the only thing I have an issue with is the campaign; it seems a bit long and drawn out, and there isn't really an overall narrative or story to speak of, it's more just a series of missions.”
“No story during the campaign.”
“Other than that, the only thing I have an issue with is the campaign; it seems a bit long and drawn out, and there isn't really an overall narrative or story to speak of, it's more just a series of missions.”
“There is literally no story there other than a lackluster backstory.”
- humor6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a mixed bag; while some players find the co-op experience and character dialogues amusing, others criticize the humor as dry and repetitive. The game's quirky 50s-inspired aesthetics and flailing robot designs add a layer of comedic charm, but overall, the humor may not be strong or varied enough to sustain interest throughout.
“It's also funny to play co-op.”
“+ The dialogue and phrases are funny to listen to.”
“The flailing robot designs are a fantastic homage to the era that inspired them, and they are straight up hilarious to annihilate.”
- music6 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game is praised for its great soundtrack that complements the early 1900s art style and enhances the overall experience, despite some repetitiveness. The combination of pulpy comic cutscenes and engaging music contributes to a fun atmosphere, particularly in multiplayer settings. Overall, the music is considered a strong aspect of the game, adding to its charm and action.
“Great soundtrack, great visuals, and a lot of fun, especially with a friend.”
“The early 1900s art style, from the music down to the pulpy comic cutscenes and menu, is a delight.”
“The comic book, pulp fiction cutscenes, and music are done so well and translated into a 3-dimensional world so nicely!”
“I wasn't totally bored by the same music track played over and over.”
“All-in-all it's a great tower defense game with a decent theme & music and any repetitiveness is forgivable (at least, for me) due to the captivating constant action.”
“[td]soundtrack[/td]”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere effectively captures a 50s vibe, enhanced by beautiful graphics and effects, though some players feel it could be stronger. Additionally, the inclusion of humor and quirky sayings adds a lighthearted touch to the overall experience.
“There's a little humor injected with some random sayings, and the 50s atmosphere is present, although it's not as strong as I wish it was.”
“The graphics, effects, and overall atmosphere are beautiful; the game captures all the attributes of the Martian madness era.”
“There's a little humor injected with some random sayings, and the 50s atmosphere is there... although it's not as strong as I wish it was.”
“Graphics, effects, and overall atmosphere are beautiful; the game has all the attributes of the Martian madness era.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game offers significant replayability, with a single playthrough lasting around four hours and the option to choose from four distinct characters, each with unique abilities that provide varied experiences. This diversity in character classes encourages players to explore different playstyles and strategies.
“A single playthrough of the game using one character took me just under four hours to complete; the game has tons of replayability with three more characters to use, which will provide a different experience each time due to their variety in abilities.”
“Four individually leveled classes add significant replayability.”
“The four individually leveled classes add more replayability.”
“Once you complete the main story, there's little incentive to replay the game.”
“The lack of meaningful choices and consequences makes replaying feel pointless.”
- optimization2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Overall, the game is well-optimized, running smoothly both in and out of combat, and is considered a complete package without the issues typically associated with early access titles.
“Other than this problem, it's a lot of fun, runs smoothly, and is a complete package, not questionable early access stuff.”
“The game runs smoothly in and out of combat and is well optimized.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players noted that while grinding is a common element in leveling up, it often becomes tedious and ultimately feels unworthy of the time invested.
“As with all games that involve increasing amounts of XP to level, there was grinding involved, and eventually that grinding wasn't worth the time.”
“The repetitive nature of grinding made the game feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience.”
“I found myself spending hours on grinding, but the rewards just didn't justify the effort.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The stability of the game is highlighted by the ability of the space man to become immortal and freeze the environment temporarily, allowing for uninterrupted gameplay and strategic attacks. This feature contributes to a sense of control and reliability during intense moments.
- character development1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game features impressive character designs and high-quality animation inspired by 50s cinema, contributing to a visually engaging experience. However, the reviews do not provide specific insights into the depth or progression of character development within the narrative.
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the game profoundly emotional, evoking strong feelings of nostalgia and excitement as it resonates with their past experiences.
“My god, this game is so amazing! It actually hits you emotionally, leaving you rattled and excited to relive those good old days!”
“The emotional depth of this game is unparalleled; it truly makes you feel every moment.”
“I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster this game took me on; it left a lasting impact.”