 Some games seem destined for certain platforms. It feels as if the Iphone has been awaiting the arrival of Star Defense since its inception and together they’ve merged to form a marriage made in the heavens. Ngmoco has created a game that turns tower defense on its head without getting you dizzy while maintaining the playability, depth and clarity of the genre’s finest.
Set in space, Star Defense gives you an omnipotent feeling of power as you spin gorgeous planets, set towers and watch worldwide battles unfold from any and every angle while you tinker and spin to your hearts content. The ease and smoothness of the touch control makes this game a joy to play. You swipe to spin, pinch or spread to zoom in or out and turn two fingers to rotate the planet. The camera is so simple and natural that it never interferes but only enhances the game play.
The objectives are always crystal clear in this fixed-path TD game - stop the S’rath from overrunning your shield wall by optimizing placement along their path while upgrading and balancing your defenses. There is a 20 tower limit in the beginning planets and 30 in the final two which encourages thoughtful play. You will never end up with a screen covered with towers that you need to micromanage. The Star Defense galaxy isn’t won by sheer numbers.
 
The pacing and game play balance in Star Defense is superb. While you can’t pause and lay out your defenses, the intervals between waves and the distance they need to travel are such that you’re afforded time to think, an important attribute of any RTS as so much plays out in your mind. I never felt the game collapse into a frantic rush although you do need to manage your time and resources in the harder levels. There are 3 levels of difficulty on seven planets and with some of the planets taking up to an hour to defend you’ll be grateful for the exiting autosave. The inclusion of square planets adds nice variety. Unlike an open-field TD game which plays differently each time, this fixed-path game will play similarly each time which may limit its replayability.
 
There’s an addictive quality to Star Defense that can eat away an hour in a flash. You’ll lose track of time watching the S’krath skim, scuttle, crawl and fly across the planets trying to get through your 5 types of tower defenses with three upgrades each. Some S’krath have resistance to certain towers but you’ll always know the category of the upcoming wave to adjust your defenses or you can send them early if you’re balanced and ready. You can also send multiple waves at once to earn commendations or faster cash. There are pages of commendations and medals that you can strive for.
 
The sound is great with spacey background music that is listenable for long stretches and all the appropriate effects. There is a challenge mode and you can battle friends via Twitter, Facebook and email.
Star Defense would be a standout game on any platform but teaming it with the screen of the Iphone gives it a 5 star touch of perfection.
reviewed by goyami (goyami@comcast.net) - Iphone |