Kingdom Rush Frontiers
- March 29, 2023
- Ironhide Game Studio
- 35h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Kingdom Rush Frontiers" is a challenging tower defense game with numerous upgrades and special abilities. Players defend their kingdom against various enemies, such as bandits, dragons, and mummies, across diverse stages like deserts, jungles, and underwater worlds. The game features heroes with unique abilities to aid in battles and adds a reinforcement system to strengthen towers during intense fights.
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Reviews
- gameplay412 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Kingdom Rush: Frontiers" is widely praised for its engaging and active mechanics, which enhance the traditional tower defense formula. Players appreciate the introduction of new heroes, unique level designs, and various gameplay systems that keep the experience fresh and challenging. While some critiques mention issues with balance and pacing, the overall consensus highlights the game's addictive nature, strategic depth, and charming presentation, making it a standout sequel in the tower defense genre.
“Almost each level features a unique gimmick, which adds a special touch and keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.”
“Thanks to the powerful heroes and defense towers, this game has a lot more fun and interesting gameplay.”
“The gameplay has become very entertaining - now we face tasks that can be done in different ways - with different combinations, different styles, and strategies.”
“As a result, through gameplay progression you keep unlocking heroes that are, at their unlock level, pretty useless compared to the ones you've been leveling up.”
“There is one strategy and only one to beat a level, so it all boils down to a trial and error gameplay.”
“On later maps, the lack of a speed up mechanic basically ruins the game.”
- graphics356 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 49 % neutral mentions
- 2 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming, cartoonish art style and vibrant colors, which enhance the overall gameplay experience. Many reviewers highlight the unique sprite work, smooth animations, and attention to detail, making it visually appealing and immersive. While some note that the graphics may feel slightly dated compared to modern standards, the overall aesthetic remains a strong point, contributing to the game's identity within the tower defense genre.
“Kingdom Rush has an incredibly unique art style; its sprite work is truly fun to watch, and it has such smooth, simple animations for projectiles that you never feel lost on the screen like many in its genre.”
“This is what gives the game such a personal feeling, and with so much effort put into every aspect of the game’s visuals and audio, I can safely say it is one of the most visually pleasing games I've played, and definitely the best on mobile.”
“The presentation of Kingdom Rush is simply fantastic; the art direction is top-notch, and the cartoony art style is crisply drawn and looks great in full screen, with many interactive elements that make the world feel more believable.”
“But the graphics look a little dated now, so you might be better getting the sequel instead.”
“Don't be pulled in by the cute graphics and vivid scenery for the lulling mediocrity will grasp you tightly soon after.”
“While I have no criticisms regarding the gameplay, I wish the graphics were updated with respect to a high resolution screen.”
- story228 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The game's story is generally considered simple and somewhat generic, often revolving around classic fantasy tropes like defeating an evil villain. However, players appreciate the depth added through environmental storytelling, character backstories, and humor woven into the gameplay, with many levels featuring hidden easter eggs and lore. While some players find the narrative lacking, others enjoy the charming graphics and comic-style presentation, making it a fun backdrop to the engaging tower defense mechanics.
“For those who love the game story: each level has a bit of story behind it, and lots of easter eggs hidden inside the level.”
“The story, while not very innovative, is interesting in that it feels like a classic fantasy epic adapted to be a video game, and yet it has its own feel, style, characters, and world.”
“Absolutely marvelous game (like all Kingdom Rush games): great gameplay with talents and progression, storyline is fun and is full of epic easter eggs.”
“The story is really simple, and told through hand-drawn comic-style pictures.”
“Storywise... there really isn't one, bad dude stole an artifact and you gotta get it back, that's really all there is to it.”
“The story is... kinda lacking, but then who plays a tower defense game for the story?”
- replayability102 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 45 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability, with multiple difficulty modes, endless waves of enemies, and various game modes that keep players engaged long after the initial playthrough. While many players appreciate the challenge and charm, some note that once all trophies are earned or modes completed, the replay value may diminish. Overall, the combination of unique heroes and strategic gameplay contributes to a satisfying and replayable experience.
“It has a lot of replay value, fun secrets, charming characters, and endless levels.”
“Excellent replay value, with multiple difficulty modes and endless waves of enemies to keep players engaged long after the initial playthrough.”
“The endless modes offer so much replayability and the hero roster is very fun to switch around.”
“The lack of online multiplayer may limit the game's long-term replayability for some players.”
“Got bored after about six levels, zero replay value.”
“Only downside is a lack of replayability.”
- music98 mentions
- 55 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise for its engaging and atmospheric soundtracks, with many players noting its ability to enhance the overall gaming experience. While some feel that the original game's soundtrack was more memorable, the current music is still considered catchy and enjoyable, contributing to the game's fun and immersive environment. Overall, the sound design, including music and sound effects, is regarded as top-notch, with ratings often reaching 9/10 or higher.
“Amazing tower defense with a gorgeous hand-drawn art style, cool towers, very good music, awesome gameplay, and more!”
“Fantastic, eye-engaging art, invigorating music, and accessible menu all surround an endlessly fun gaming experience that will engage new players and satisfy veterans alike.”
“Music: it's pretty damn good, helps set the theme for the game and each area; I would often leave the game unfocused on the cave levels just because I really like the pre-fight music there.”
“The original had a better OST and felt more balanced.”
“Music is quite, sometimes very, atmospheric, although not as memorable for me as some music in the previous 'Kingdom Rush' installment.”
“While playing it, I often listen to some music at the same time (don't get me wrong, the soundtrack is very good) or a YouTube video or series in the background.”
- humor88 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is widely praised for its clever pop culture references, funny character animations, and humorous voice lines, which enhance the overall experience. Players appreciate the lighthearted art style and the comedic elements woven into gameplay mechanics, making it a fun and engaging title. Overall, the humor is considered a standout feature, contributing significantly to the game's charm and appeal.
“This strategy game defined itself for the satisfying gameplay, unique and exciting upgrades for towers, and a hilarious art style and theme.”
“Enemies have funny death animations, boss fights have funny mechanics, there is probably the largest quantity of pop culture references out of any game.”
“If you are impatient like me and skip the story dialogue, you can still get a feel for the personality of the devs because their humor bleeds into every aspect of the game.”
- grinding40 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 10 % neutral mentions
- 90 % negative mentions
The game's hero leveling system is widely criticized for being excessively grindy, which discourages variety and can make the early game feel tedious. Players express frustration over the lack of a fast forward option and the introduction of an item shop that allows for easier progression through grinding, potentially diminishing the challenge. While some find the strategic elements and overall experience enjoyable, many agree that the grinding aspect can become repetitive and detracts from the game's appeal.
“There is no fast forward button and they seem to have added an item shop that has some very cheaty items which you can pay for by grinding missions.”
“After you've completed every stage, there isn't much reason to play the game aside from achievements and grinding.”
“This new hero leveling system is weird; it promotes grinding and makes the difficulty curve out of whack.”
- monetization32 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 81 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
The monetization model of the Steam version of the game has been positively received, as it eliminates the microtransactions present in the mobile version, allowing players to unlock all heroes through normal gameplay progression. Users appreciate the value for money, noting that for a low price, there are no in-game purchases or additional costs, making it a more satisfying experience compared to its mobile counterpart. Overall, the absence of microtransactions has significantly improved the game's reception.
“It blew me away that for 10 bucks there are no in-game purchases; this is the definition of bang for your buck.”
“All heroes are unlocked from normal progression, which is a bonus over the microtransactions needed to buy them on mobile.”
“Hd remake, pleasing to the eyes, no signs of microtransactions, and of course, the gameplay itself is as good as it could be.”
“The negative aspects of this game are mostly holdovers from its original mobile and microtransactions release.”
“As one commenter pointed out, this game does have an in-game shop which felt like something from a mobile game with in-app purchases.”
“However, while Plants vs. Zombies 2 put me off entirely despite my love for the original PVZ due to the in-app purchases feeling required at times, I rarely if ever felt that way with Kingdom Rush Frontiers.”
- optimization22 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 41 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The game is highly praised for its optimization, receiving scores around 9.5 to 10 for performance, indicating it runs smoothly even on lower-end devices due to its mobile-friendly design. Players appreciate the solid graphics and technical performance, noting that the action remains engaging without requiring perfect performance to achieve high ratings. Overall, the game delivers a well-optimized experience with minimal bugs.
“Well optimized & does not demand high performance since it was developed with mobile platforms in mind.”
“Another nice touch is that you don't need perfect performance to get 3-star ratings - it's possible to let a few enemies past and still get the top grade.”
“Technical performance: 10/10”
“Technical performance, bugs: 9.5/10”
“Optimization: 9.5”
“This is the second game, the map has done a lot of optimization, a lot of magic creatures and enemy mercenaries, of course you also have a strong hero and soldiers; in a word, it is a good tower defense game.”
- stability18 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 44 % negative mentions
Overall, the game demonstrates strong stability with minimal bugs and glitches reported, providing a polished experience. Players appreciate the improved graphics and smooth gameplay, although there are occasional issues with barracks troops not engaging invisible enemies. The game is considered a solid choice for tower defense enthusiasts, especially given its unlockable heroes and lack of microtransactions compared to the mobile version.
“The art is very good, as is everything in general. The game is highly polished and bug-free as far as I know, and overall it is a very nice and slightly challenging tower defense game.”
“Solid, bug-free, and well-balanced tower defense with good graphics and lots of replayability.”
“No glitches, no bugs.”
“The game offers some pleasant graphics and really vibrant colors, although there are some ugly glitches here and there.”
“The gameplay works well and there are no glitches that I have noticed, except that sometimes barracks troops don't confront invisible enemies.”
“Glitches: 10”
- atmosphere12 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is characterized by charming graphics and animations that create an immersive experience, with a strong focus on the natural environment over the medieval theme. While the music contributes to the ambiance, it is noted to be less memorable than in previous installments. However, some users feel that the overall atmosphere lacks depth and soul, contrasting with the appealing visuals.
“Charming graphics and animations that are visually appealing and create an immersive atmosphere.”
“The same cute graphics; all heroes are new -- in 'frontiers' you level them up globally, that is, their levels remain after you win a map; music is quiet, sometimes very atmospheric, although not as memorable for me as some music in the previous 'Kingdom Rush' installment; maps, it can be seen, have been designed with love.”
“Great atmosphere...”
“No soul, no graphics, no atmosphere.”
“This time the natural environment of the levels draws more of our attention than the medieval atmosphere.”
- character development10 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The character development in the game is highly praised, with reviewers highlighting its exceptional design and engaging plot. The characters are described as cute and well-voiced, contributing to a rich and diverse experience that enhances replayability. Overall, the game is considered the best in its franchise, thanks in part to its impressive character design and development.
“Nice plot, great character development, diverse, replayability as well as stunning graphics.”
“All in all you should give this game a try if you are a fan of (challenging) tower defense games with a nice character design.”
“Best game of the franchise by far, character design is 10/10.”
- emotional6 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional connection to the game, with nostalgia evoking tears and a sense of warmth despite the violent gameplay. The juxtaposition of cute monsters and intense action creates a unique emotional experience that resonates deeply with long-time fans.
“Even after so many years, the game still resonates with me (I cried from nostalgia).”
“Butchering tons of cute monsters carrying huge, glowing whips never felt more heartwarming.”
