There’ve been a number of noteworthy 3D games released in the past month and foremost amongst these is the deeply strategic and exciting Anomaly Warzone Earth by Chillingo.  This reverse tower defense game is set in a smoke-filled and gorgeously  rendered 3D war zone where you build and lead an armored convoy through a minefield of deadly towers in a series of diverse and progressively difficult missions.  It’s a beautifully presented, unique and compelling war game.

You’re able to set and reset the path of your convoy as you progress in order to attack or avoid certain towers as you advance toward your mission objective.  There are severel types of towers and each tower you destroy leaves a special power for you to repair your convoy, lay decoys, throw out smoke screens or call in airstrikes.  You can also plan your route to pick up stashes of cash which you can use to build up and strengthen your column as you go.

Your convoy consists of Tanks, Crawlers, Shields and APC’s that are introduced gradually as you progress.  In the beginning of each mission you build your convoy and set it’s initial path.  You don’t have to set a path through the entire war zone, in fact that makes the game quite difficult.  Rather, you set an initial path to clear out small areas and collect valuable resources to build up your convoy and then plan your next advance. Anomaly plays at a measured, thoughtful pace as you switch between the planning and execution screens but once your convoy is on the move the action increases as you busily try to protect, repair and assist your column with the power ups. 

Although the game demands thoughtful tactics rather than sheer numbers to overcome the towers, the touch-based play is always simple, smooth and easy to employ. The briefings are well presented, the missions diverse and the battlefield is filled with the sounds of explosions, rockets and desperate intercom messages that make for an exciting and intense experience as you advance through the streets of Bagdad within a backdrop of an alien invasion that has established a dome in the city.  The opening intro is superb.

Anomaly contains three difficulties and 15 levels that take from 15-30 min. each plus after you finish the campaign you unlock the commander trials which have different requirements for success like destroying all towers, finishing with 4 repairs or only using Crawlers. For $2 you can’t go wrong if you’re looking for a unique mission-based tactical war game that will engross you for hours.  Especially if you prefer playing as the mobile attackers.

goyami@comcast.net