Gnumz: Masters of Defense
- December 24, 2014
- 8floor
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Get on itch.io StoreGnumz: Masters of Defense is a fantasy tower defense game where players protect their gold mines from enemy troops. Utilize a variety of towers, gnomes, and magic to fend off waves of goblins, orcs, and trolls. The game features multiple levels, boss battles, and a crafting system to upgrade your defenses.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique twist on the tower defense genre by using traps instead of traditional towers, providing a refreshing gameplay experience.
- It features a variety of campaigns and enemy types, which can make for an engaging and relaxing gaming experience.
- The graphics and sound effects are well done, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere while playing.
- The game suffers from poor design choices, such as limited tower options and lack of synergy, making it feel repetitive and unchallenging.
- As a mobile port, it lacks essential features like hotkeys and proper settings management, which can frustrate players.
- Many players find the game grindy and unbalanced, with a focus on trial and error rather than strategic planning.
- graphics18 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 28 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally described as decent to good, featuring detailed artwork, well-designed backgrounds, and unique maps that enhance the overall experience. While some players appreciate the visual style and enemy design, others note that the upgrades lack significant graphical improvements. Overall, the graphics are considered a strong point, though not groundbreaking.
“The graphics and sound effects are great with many details and unique maps intertwined, which is sadly unusual in most casual games.”
“Cool graphics, easy to understand, fun so far.”
“This time around the UI and graphics look good, great even.”
“The first upgrades have almost the same graphics.”
“Graphics style is okay.”
“It is an 'okay' tower defense game with decent graphics.”
- grinding14 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be a mixed experience; while it can be tedious and feels designed to encourage in-game purchases for upgrades, some appreciate that it scratches the tower defense itch without becoming overly frustrating. The resource management is strict, and despite the grind, some players note that the game is less grindy than its predecessors, making it more enjoyable for those willing to invest time. Overall, opinions vary, with some recommending it on sale for its entertainment value despite the grind.
“Even with full upgrades after hours of grinding, you still can't 3-star unless you burn crystals on spells.”
“Managing resources is quite the strict affair to beat the levels, and grinding gems for permanent upgrades to allow more progression quickly gets tedious.”
“The game is made to be grindy in order to frustrate you into buying gems so you can upgrade your defenses.”
- music8 mentions
- 13 % positive mentions
- 13 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it relaxing, while others criticize the poor sound quality and the use of recycled tracks. Overall, the music and sound effects are considered subpar, with issues like sound collision detracting from the experience.
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
“The sound is really bad; the music and sound effects collide.”
“I'm not a fan of the recycled music.”
“The music and sound effects are not the best, but they're okay.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay features an original damage system based on four elements—fire, ice, earth, and shadow—where enemies are vulnerable to traps made from their opposite element. While the power-up system is functional, it lacks originality, which raises concerns about the overall gameplay experience. Despite these issues, players find the gameplay to be decent.
“The mechanics introduce an original damage system based on four elements: fire, ice, earth, and shadow. All enemies are made of one element, suffering extra damage from traps made of the opposite element.”
“The power-up system is functional; without it, the game could be unplayable. However, it lacks originality, which is likely why it's the only mechanic that works.”
“As long as the gameplay is decent, that's what really matters.”
“The mechanics are trying to introduce an original damage system based on four elements: fire, ice, earth, and shadow. All enemies are made of one element, suffering extra damage from traps made of an opposite element.”
“The power-up system is acceptable; without it, the game could be unplayable. However, it is nothing original, and this is likely the only mechanic that works.”
“Doesn't bode well, but what the heck, as long as the gameplay is decent, right?”
- story2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story conveys a powerful message about resilience and the unpredictability of life, emphasizing that perseverance in the face of adversity can lead to unexpected and rewarding outcomes.
“The moral of the story is that you never know what life has in store for you. If I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
