Northend Tower Defense
- September 4, 2024
- Northend Games
Get on Steam
Get on itch.io Store"Northend Tower Defense" is a strategy game with big battles and smooth performance. Choose from over 20 unique units, each with their own abilities, and upgrade them as you progress through 8 different levels. Use skills as the commander to turn the tide of battle in your favor.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has a cute art style and is very addictive, making it enjoyable for casual play.
- It offers a unique twist on the tower defense genre, with a variety of units and gameplay mechanics that keep it interesting.
- The developers are responsive and actively working on updates, showing commitment to improving the game.
- The game suffers from numerous bugs and performance issues, making it frustrating to play at times.
- Gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks depth, with some units being overpowered and others feeling useless.
- The constant interruptions from upgrade pop-ups during battles disrupt the flow of gameplay and can be annoying.
- gameplay30 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 53 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews are mixed, with some players finding it engaging and addictive, particularly in the tower defense genre, while others criticize its lack of depth and balance issues among units. The art style is appreciated, but the frequent upgrade screens and mediocre overall quality detract from the experience for some. Despite these flaws, many acknowledge the potential for fun, especially in the game's early access state, and recommend it for fans of strategy games.
“Cute art style and very addicting gameplay.”
“I enjoy this tower defense game with strategic elements and overall gameplay that is engaging and entertaining.”
“But all the minor flaws aside, this is an early access game with very fun gameplay.”
“The gameplay is going to feel very basic to you.”
“Some of the units/mechanics need balancing as some troops with shorter ranges like the flamethrower and shotgun are extremely weak due to not being able to shoot through cover, whilst troops such as the sniper and grenade launcher are extremely overpowered due to their unlimited range and ability to shoot through cover respectively.”
“I refunded this game, totally disappointed by its lack of depth, gameplay, and dishonest marketing.”
- graphics28 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some players finding them reminiscent of older titles like Atari's Space Invaders, while others appreciate the cute art style and unique visuals that enhance the gameplay experience. Many users highlight the graphics as fun and engaging, contributing to the game's addictive nature, though some feel that the graphics are not the primary focus. Overall, the art style is generally well-received, with potential noted for future improvements.
“The art style is great, and at the end of the day, I keep coming back.”
“The graphics and sound are pretty nice, as well as the theme.”
“Wasn't really impressed with the graphics, it's like playing old Atari Space Invaders.”
“Graphics don’t matter in this game.”
“The quality of graphics and gameplay are truly something I have never experienced before, and I would heartily recommend this game to anyone with the ability to perceive it.”
- stability22 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent freezes, crashes, and glitches, particularly when many units are on the field. While some players acknowledge the challenges of early access, they express frustration that the game feels unpolished and buggy, especially after recent updates. Overall, the stability concerns detract from the gameplay experience.
“Every time I open this game and enter a level, it freezes and then exits automatically.”
“Waaaay too buggy... what finally put me over the edge was continuing a long run after needing to step away, and coming back to not having any units unlocked, so no way to play.”
“Oh and it is in early access, as you probably know, but so many games are in early access now that I feel like it's not really an excuse. I could understand glitches as it's in early access and early access does help get rid of bugs (since people playing give feedback and report bugs), but it's not really an excuse to be in early access if it's ready to be bought and played.”
- story20 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is virtually nonexistent, with a campaign consisting of eight missions focused solely on base defense without any narrative context or motivation. Players express frustration over the lack of factions and meaningful storytelling, leading to a repetitive and grindy experience. Overall, the absence of a compelling story detracts significantly from the gameplay experience.
“🔲 epic story”
“🔲 like playing temple runners for the story”
“~ story ~”
“The campaign consists of 8 missions of defending different bases, with no story or reason why you do it.”
“There are no factions, no story, and no reason to play it.”
“This game has no story.”
- humor14 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by the absurdity of character models smiling while engaging in combat, amusing glitches like a teleporting medic, and quirky elements such as bicycles. However, while these comedic aspects can elicit laughter, they are often overshadowed by frustrations related to gameplay mechanics and a lack of quality assurance. Overall, the humor is described as simple and entertaining, but it may not be enough to sustain interest in the game.
“I died laughing when I saw all the character models smiling even when shooting at each other.”
“The bicycles are beyond funny.”
“Also, there's a teleporting medic glitch and it's funny as hell.”
- replayability12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The game currently offers limited replayability, primarily revolving around grinding for units and upgrades, which many players find unengaging. While it is still in an early development stage (version 0.1.6), there is potential for improvement in this aspect as the game evolves.
“The other thing being replay value - right now the only replay value is grinding for units and upgrades - and it is not exactly the fun type of replay value.”
“I picked the game up for 4 euro and at the moment of review it is at a very early version 0.1.6 and I assume this is one of the first versions that are playable (based on version and release date of March '22).”
“But it is at a really early stage, small and with limited replayability, but there is potential.”
“Right now, the only replay value is grinding for units and upgrades, and it is not exactly the fun type of replay value.”
“The game is at a very early version (0.1.6) and I assume this is one of the first versions that are playable, but the replayability is quite limited.”
- grinding8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and unengaging, particularly after the initial stages where upgrades are required. While some acknowledge that the grind can be rewarding, the repetitive nature and menu navigation detract from the overall enjoyment, leading to a lack of fun in replay value.
“This game sucks hard, tedious after 5 mins in.”
“The only replay value is grinding for units and upgrades - and it is not exactly the fun type of replay value.”
“Having to go back and forth to the menu can get tedious.”
- optimization4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Overall, the game's optimization is considered decent, with some players finding the upgrade process initially grindy but ultimately rewarding. However, many users report poor performance, even on the lowest settings, detracting from the overall experience.
“A tad grindy at first to get all the upgrades, but super rewarding and optimization is decent.”
“It's fun, but the performance is just bad, even on its lowest settings.”
- music2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The reviews highlight that the music in the game is engaging and enhances the overall experience, with many users praising its quality and ability to complement the gameplay. However, some feel that it could be more varied to prevent repetition during longer sessions. Overall, the soundtrack is generally well-received and contributes positively to the game's atmosphere.
- character development2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Character development is noted for its simplicity, with designs that are described as charming and appealing, though lacking in complexity.
- monetization2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users note that increased advertising from the developer could lead to more sales, which would help fund quicker updates for the game.
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its unique style, contributing to an engaging experience. Players appreciate the distinctiveness and effectiveness of the units, which enhance the overall ambiance.
“I love the atmosphere and style of this game, and the units are each unique and effective in their own ways.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game evokes a profound emotional response, particularly through its portrayal of soldiers, which resonates deeply with players as they reflect on the families left behind, often leading to tears and a strong sense of empathy.
“The emotional impact of watching the swathes of men who likely have children, wives, and other family members waiting for them at home fall upon the blood-soaked sand has brought me to tears many times over.”
