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With dual screens to articulate the wealth of visual information and a stylus-based interface, the Nintendo DS is a ideal platform for the tower defense genre. Supplementing the cartridge-based entries such as Desktop Tower Defense and Ninjatown, have been an encroaching horde of DSiWare titles- from Fieldrunners, Libera Wing, Steam World: Tower Defense, to Nintendo’s own Starship Defense, each offering their own subtle variation on the familiar formula. Currently, Dairojo! Samurai Defenders is my pick of the litter- not only does the recent downloadable offer an adorable pixel-art interpretation of Edo-era Japan, but the title’s execution is as sharp as a shuriken.
Closely following tower defense convention, Samurai Defenders tasks players with halting a near-endless procession of foes from invading a castle. Instead of attacking these antagonist directly, players assume the role of a battlefield strategist, dictating the construction of defensive forces to quell the incursion. Each of the title’s enemy types compel a different strategy: kite-flying Kunoichi require archers to dispatch, while burrowing ninjas succumb to a combination of spearmen and cannon fire. Although each ninja bequeaths a bit of gold when they are eradicated, gamers must still use manage their resources dutifully, especially in the first stages of each game. Later, a robust defense will offer a stream of wealth, allowing players to upgrade each unit, in an effort to compete with successions of stronger, faster and more numerous attackers.
Dairojo! outshines its competitors with a selection of play modes and maps. From a variety of multi-screen environments with multiple enemy outlets and caste entrances to protect to allowing players to choose what kind of power-up are propagated, there’s a pleasing diversity in the level of challenge. One example- if gamers find one level a bit too challenging, they may opt for door-repairing hammers being the sole assistance item, offsetting the threat of any especially resilient raiders. The title’s one omission is the lack of any kind of tutorial; players should be fluent with basic tower defense mechanics before purchasing the game.
Initially, making sense of Samurai Defenders wealth of information can be daunting. A deluge of statistical data from subsequent attacker type, upgrade prices, troop ranges usually occupies the top screen while the touch display reveals the frenzied conflict. Once gamers know where to look, decisions flow effortlessly, obliging a few scrimmage matches before the player can adequately battle the cascade of Kunoichi. Wisely, Dairojo! allows players to use either the stylus or directional pad and buttons to command their armies- both methods become intuitive after a few minutes. Visually, the title looks like a vibrant SNES interpretation on the genre, with tiles filled with cherry blossom woods, stone walkway as well as delectably cute little ninja and samurai. Even when the dozens of troops are moving around the playfield, the game’s pace remains constant, never succumbing to the woes of slowdown.
Although Dairojo! Samurai Defenders’ 800 point price may initially seem a bit steep, potential purchasers should realize that the game possesses at much depth and playability as a most cartridge-based titles. With a impressive level of polish and a distinct setting, Samurai Defenders is an easy recommendation to DS-owning tower defense enthusiasts.
I’m a bit tired of TD games, myself. There’s just way too many of them.
INT rating? Can you upgrade your troops intelligence? Or have I been playing too much Civ 5???
Can you use smoke bombs, and throwing stars? If so, that would be cool.
If Nintendo’s point cards EVER went on sale, I’d buy it. But they don’t.
What’s up with that.
I love the Warcarft TD game on DS homebrew. And you can’t beat the price…
So this is the best TD game on DSi? How does it look on the DSiXl, if you have one?
So there’s only five types of units in the game? Where’s the wizards to summon fire-breathing demons!?!
Thats a must!
How many blocks does the game take up? Because my DSi is almost full and Nintendo wont let you play games off the SD card still.
My friend bought this and he said it’s pretty much impossible on the upper levels.
I just have a DSLite. Maybe I need to upgrade so I can play sone DSiWare.
Here’s one I never heard of. Ive only played a few tower defense games, and like them enough to maybe pick it up.
I have it, and I don’t know what INT does. Most powerups boost your range a bit and your power more.
Yes- smoke bombs, pits, and even rice balls which power up your troops are some of the items/power-ups.
HA- that sounds cool.
I just bought a Nintendo card and after reading the review I might have to try it.