Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
So, let me start by saying the tower defense genre are games where I die a lot. I seem to have trouble with the keybinds and have yet to figure out what works for me. Then my mind orders me to do this and my fingers just go ahead and do something else. Eh, you know what I mean.
Either way, my first time playing a tower defense game was in Starcraft II. Actually it was one of the maps in the game with tower defense as the type. Not the campaign. Yep, died there a lot too, but I was also in a team with my son and daughter where I learned a lot—but still, those fingers of mine! Certainly keeps one on their toes.
The next tower defense is the current Riftbreaker which like Starcraft II has multiplayer in it. My son and I are having a great time in this game. Yes, I still die, but not as much as way back in Starcraft II.
Now, Artificial Extinction 2 is another hybrid game combining the tower defense, FPS, and RTS with turrets, drones, and mechs. Single player only which is great, that way I can focus on my way of playing and not copying someone else. I found out during the tutorial that I would do my commands from above, and of course my 'eye in the sky' is a drone. I'm to protect my base from waves of enemies while my computer decrypts an important data card. Definitely was cool where you're directed to go check out an ancient artifact on the field not far from your base and you get a countdown after removing the item inside it. Boom, lovely explosion and a precursor to how quick and on your toes you have to be in this game. Ya, another factor in my spectacular dying sequences! *laughs*
You are greeted by the AI module 101-U22 who tells you that there have been many upgrades since the last time you were there. The voice actor chosen for this AI is spot on and perfect for his role in this game. I can almost hear the maniacal laughter as he tests and torments you during your tutorial.
On the menu screen you also have access to Intel on the mechs in this game. There's also the test range where you can try out different builds to use in the campaign as well as the dos and don'ts of what goes with what. When the game opens you are in a chamber and the sound of it opening to let you out overpowered the AI talking on about your next objective. I guess I was a little impatient to get out to search for that ancient artifact.
After retrieving and setting the card in the computer that is flashing blue-green you prepare for those incoming enemies. You learn to use the overhead view where you can plainly see all the commands at your disposal. To access the overhead view from above you hit the 'V' key. You have tabs for the Build screen, the Turrets, Equipment, and Build Queue. This screen combined by switching with the tech tree screen you unlock all your equipment and defenses. You start by setting up mining for resources, putting down the power grid you'll need to keep everything running, and even placing one repair drone to start! Oh, and please note that it takes two clicks to place them instead of one. I kept thinking on where and how many until that one click didn't even place the turret I was lining up to defend the base.
When you place your generator there is a red dome surrounding it to indicate that should the generator get attacked and destroyed, other surrounding defenses and buildings will be taken with it if they are in that zone.
The Tech tree is activated by the keybind of 'T'. During the tutorial while learning about those I found it a bit hard to keep focused on where the enemy was coming in from on the minimap so much so that my first placing of defense turrets were too far out and in the wrong spot. I did better the second time around in the tutorial. I would like to say that this tutorial was the most comprehensive I've experienced recently.
You also have the use of binoculars in this game, which made my field of view a lot wider than through the scope of my weapon. The overhead view gives me an extensive view of the terrain all around my base. Real time strategy is a definitive part of Artificial Extinction 2 with the added bonus of first person shooting. I am loving that those two types are together in this game so I can actually participate in the destruction of the enemy waves, especially if they manage to get past my turret defense line and attack drones.
There are shields and even an EMP module in Artificial Extinction 2 that are an added protection (the shields) and a way to level the incoming enemy waves (the EMP). I am learning to balance the variety of turrets as they are unlocked as well so, yes, I'm still on Easy difficulty.
Artificial Extinction 2 has a lot of replayability, especially for those of us wishing to improve upon planning and precise aim. Sure, I've got the quick thinking down pat, but I definitely need more in the way of calculating how many turrets and where to put them to defend my base. On top of that in the FPS portion where I get to fire away at the enemy ground units, I still need to remember reload times, ducking out of the way, or even my pitiful dodging out of the way of enemy fire. Gets hairy sometimes when I lose health and not familiar with the healing portion of this game. However, the AI's comment during the tutorial, "I can reboot you into a new body" tells me that nope, no healing.
So my third and fourth time through the tutorial of Artificial Extinction 2 gave me the practice I needed for zooming in and out from above. I'm definitely going to spend my tech points in the campaign to build more than one repair drone! I'm going to need that to survive for sure!
I commend Chris, the game developer and owner of 100Hr Games Inc., for a complete package game! The graphics are superb, the music intoxicating, and the gameplay that makes me come back for more. When you replay a level, it is never the same twice. Always different!
Score: 9 / 10
Final Thoughts:
I would like to apologize to 100Hr Games Inc. for the long delay in getting this review out. Real life and health had prevented me from staying at my computer long enough to play the game. You know you're addicted to a game when you argue with your doctor about needing to get home to play that very game! Anyways, for anyone else who's addicted to mechs and RTS and even tower defense games, give this one a roll. It'll keep you on your toes!
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