Aegis Defenders

It’s been quite a start to the year with the sheer videogame quality on show in 2018. Aegis Defenders is a title that totally delivers on its initial concept. It’s a game that built on the obvious passion of the developers, resulting in something that’s vibrant, fresh, enthralling and addictive. And when you’ve reached the end, you’ll be heading back to the start for more.

Aegis Defenders fuses two genres seamlessly, providing one of the best tower defense experiences in years.

Barring some unfortunate bugs and one design decision that hampered my experience, Aegis Defenders is a smooth, well-thought-out ride. The original art, charm, and in-game universe only add to it, and I’d love to see more.

Blending genres to create interesting gaming experiences usually has mixed results. However, Aegis Defenders' combination of 2D platforming and real-time strategy is an absolute blast that you can enjoy with a chum so let's start hunting for relics!

Aegis Defenders is an action platformer blended with tower defense elements that results in a sum greater than its parts. With 16-bit visuals inspired by classic titles, and a self-proclaimed Metroidvania styled game with tower defense elements, the game sounded almost too ambitious. However, with various elements that reminded me of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, I was instantly intrigued. I...

One part co-op adventure (that you can play by yourself), one part puzzle-solving journey, and many parts Tower Defense game, Aegis Defenders balances a lot of things, and it gets most of it right.

Aegis Defenders is probably one of the tougher games I've played in recent memory, and that's all thanks to the tower defense sections.  Fans of that genre probably won't have too many issues, but newcomers playing alone might find those sections pretty daunting until they master switching characters, learning the arena layouts, and know what traps to use when.  If you have a friend to play co-op,...

This combination of platforming and tower defense is best played in combination with a friend.

Aegis Defenders is out now on just about everything, but it plays really well on the Switch which is where I tested it. For $20, I’d say it’s recommended if you’re into Tower Defense or action platforming games even mildly.  If they can frustrate you or turn you away, don’t bother. This isn’t up your alley.

Does the action-based puzzle platformer with tower defense gameplay stand up, or does it crumble under the weight of its many components?

Aegis Defenders tries to package platforming, tower defense and cute little story into one bundle of beautiful pixel art. And it does so surprisingly well. While not perfect, Aegis Defenders offers a refreshing amount of variety in such an unassuming parcel.