Aegis Defenders is an action tower defense game that tries to blend 2D platforming with tower defense combat mechanics. It isn’t a new idea to combine tower defense with some sort of action combat side, but the way Aegis Defenders executes it makes it feel unique.
Aegis Defenders has good visuals, primarily due to its style choices, rather than having high resolution graphics. Animations look fluid and give some variety between characters. When compared to the gameplay, the visuals tend to actually outshine it and almost make the game seem better than it really is. The sound design didn’t do much for me, although the soundtrack is enjoyable and fits every situation well.
Gameplay-wise, there is a split between platforming and tower defense. The prequel to each tower defense level is a medium sized platforming section, where you fight enemies and explore the level without anything to defend. Once you complete that portion of the level, it transitions to a full tower defense segment, which still uses the platforming mechanics from earlier, but adds on the main strategy gameplay. After beating the tower defense segment, you visit your camp where you can buy upgrades for your characters. This sums up the entirety of the game, and I have very few problems with the overall setup of the game.
The biggest issue with the game is that good ideas are executed poorly. Combat is decent, but also repetitive and simplistic. The platforming segment to begin each level feels pointless because it is so similar to the normal gameplay, but with the tower defense pieces switched off. There isn’t enough variety to keep you interested for long. It is a frustrating game to play because it is so close to being good. It just lacks a lot of polish and is ultimately, an underwhelming experience.
