Aegis Defenders (2018)

Aegis Defenders does a lot of things right - the game looks good, it features interesting gameplay mechanics and has a decent plot...but that's not all that makes a memorable game and unfortunately, Aegis Defenders does not manage to organize its positive elements well enough, and its repetitive puzzles and challenges of exaggerated difficulty make this a more difficult game to enjoy which could be much better if it was better structured.

It’s in these moments that charm of Aegis Defenders rises to the top. The visuals are sumptuous and eye-popping with colour. The design of the worlds and characters could have played into the tropes we’ve seen a thousand times before, but each feels wonderfully original. This accompanies a gentle and subtle soundtrack that perfectly fits the overall style and package. This is definitely a game worth exploring, more so if you have a second person to grab a Joy-Con and join in, but it’s worth keeping in mind that the two styles of gameplay differ wildly and while they’re both steeped in quality, should one of them not appeal, it might lose some of its shine.

There are some genuinely tense moments to be had here with its numerous smart ideas and a rather decent execution. Cooperating with your partner during the hectic tower defense segments make for an experience unlike any other. Aegis Defenders is available on PlayStation 4, Switch and both Windows and Mac OS X on Steam.

Aegis Defenders is a metrodivania/tower defense crossover that can be both fun and smart when played in co-op, but that could drive you mad if you try to play on your own.

Aegis Defenders is an indie that has a chance to be a standout of 2018. Most of the key ingredients to a winning formula are here; engaging and addictive gameplay on both the solo and multiplayer fronts, a nice presentation, and just the right amount of innovation.