Sentinel
- April 21, 2014
- Matthew Brown
Get on SteamSentinel is an interactive audio tower defense game. It mixes strategic game play with a dynamic music system. The game takes place on a sequencer-like grid. As you add defenses, collect resources and destroy enemies, musical elements are triggered in time to the music. Fight through 31 levels to clear the virus from the system.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- The game features a unique musical twist that integrates rhythm into the tower defense mechanics, creating an engaging experience.
- The visuals and background animations are well done, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game.
- It offers a good level of challenge and encourages strategic thinking, making it enjoyable for fans of the genre.
- The gameplay can become tedious and overly micromanagement-heavy, which may frustrate some players.
- The music, while initially appealing, can become repetitive and annoying over time, detracting from the experience.
- The game lacks clear explanations for advanced mechanics, leading to confusion and trial-and-error gameplay.
- music39 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The music in the game is a standout feature, blending funky electronic styles that enhance the overall experience and gameplay, particularly in the tower defense mechanics where player actions influence the soundtrack. While many players appreciate the unique integration of music and strategy, some find the repetitive nature of the tracks and distracting visuals off-putting. Overall, the game is highly recommended for fans of techno and electronic music, but may not appeal to those who prefer more variety in their audio experience.
“The music is both funky and pleasant.”
“The musical nuts and bolts holding this game together make it a must play.”
“Your tower placement affects the music (imagine the screen as one large step sequencer) as well as events like tower shots, dying enemies, etc.”
“The game doesn't even do that right; you look at dubstep and how it has a drop and different pitches, this is more like techno generic song one A, then on to game two remix of generic song one A, and so forth.”
“There is no other music that I came across in my hour of play, and an hour which gave me a headache.”
“The best way to describe this is if you have ever been to a club, stood in the middle of the dance floor, had people bumping into you, as you stare up into a strobe light and let the mind-numbing, repetitive remix of the same song you heard the last four songs melt your brain.”
- gameplay9 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 33 % negative mentions
The gameplay has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it boring and overly challenging, while others appreciate its transformation of traditional tower defense mechanics into a more engaging puzzle experience. Although the core mechanics are straightforward and involve significant micromanagement, many feel that the game lacks rewarding progression, making it feel more like a chore than an enjoyable experience. Overall, it offers a pleasant flow and visual appeal, particularly for those who enjoy rhythm-based elements.
“It does not affect the mechanics except on a few occasions, but it does add a pleasant sense of flow that is also backed with the visuals.”
“If you appreciate rhythm as a part of gameplay, definitely give it a try.”
“The basic gameplay is simple.”
“The gameplay is very boring, and the level progression goes from hard to impossible.”
“The gameplay is heavy in micromanagement.”
“The way the gameplay handles is simple, but never rewards you for winning a match; it's more like, 'yup, that's nice, go away and do the next one' like a chore.”
- graphics2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 150 % negative mentions
The graphics enhance the gameplay experience by creating a cohesive and immersive atmosphere that complements the game's theme of an anti-virus program battling viruses. While they do not significantly impact mechanics, the visuals and accompanying music contribute to a pleasant sense of flow and engagement.
“It does not affect the mechanics except on a few occasions, but it does add a pleasant sense of flow that is also backed with the visuals.”
“The basic premise is that you're an anti-virus program defending off viruses, and the visuals and music that accompany it fit their roles well to immerse you in that world.”
“The graphics are outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
“The character models look flat and lifeless, making it hard to connect with the game.”
“The environments feel bland and uninspired, which detracts from the overall experience.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The Windows version of the game has been reported to have significant bugs, indicating stability issues that affect the overall gameplay experience.
“The Windows version was still buggy when I played it.”
“The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable.”
“I experienced constant lag and stability issues throughout my gameplay.”
- grinding1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, indicating that it may detract from the overall enjoyment and flow of gameplay.
“I found it to be tedious.”
“The grinding feels endless and repetitive.”
“It takes too long to progress, making the game feel like a chore.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Reviewers generally agree that the game successfully creates a compelling atmosphere that complements its overall design and theme.
“The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into the game's world.”
“Every detail contributes to a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that keeps you engaged.”
“The sound design and visuals create a captivating atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.”
