Defense Grid: The Awakening

 PC
User Score
8.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 289 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 239 out of 289
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 289
  3. Negative: 9 out of 289
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  1. Mikester7
    Feb 9, 2012
    8
    Currently the best standalone tower defence game you can buy. The voice acting and narration are spot on and it provides a substantial amount of levels, towers and basic tower defence game play. A must buy for tower defense fans, but still leaps and bounds behind the quality of TD games available through Warcraft III.
  2. Phillippe
    Sep 20, 2012
    10
    For it's value, this is completely worth it. The game has a lot of replayability then if you add the few dlc, this will give you a lot of hours to play. I have almost 100 hours of play and pay around 15$ for the game and some of the dlc. This is worth it.
  3. chronoT
    Sep 3, 2012
    8
    If you enjoy the whole concept of "turret defense," this game is a must have. It is by far the best single player game of its type, and is addicting. Once you successfully protect your core on one map, you'll want to keep going and going. I also enjoy UMS Turret Defense games that are on Starcraft: Broodwar and Starcraft 2, and Defense Grid uses some of these ideas and builds on them.If you enjoy the whole concept of "turret defense," this game is a must have. It is by far the best single player game of its type, and is addicting. Once you successfully protect your core on one map, you'll want to keep going and going. I also enjoy UMS Turret Defense games that are on Starcraft: Broodwar and Starcraft 2, and Defense Grid uses some of these ideas and builds on them. There are also many ways to play each level, so it remains challenging and refreshing.… Expand
  4. Shtiggy
    Dec 27, 2011
    10
    Excellent tower defense game. This is even more fun than bubble tanks was. Excellent gameplay and graphics. The British computer gets annoying after a while, but so be it. Still a fantastic game with very creative maps.
  5. Pomornik
    Dec 22, 2011
    10
    Easily the best Tower Defence game ever made. I can't even come up with any cons here, because everything about it was excellent. The DLC's are very solid either, especially You Monster.
  6. hassenpheffer
    Jan 5, 2012
    9
    I'm a big fan of Tower Defense games. That being said, Defense Grid: TA is one of the best I've ever played. It's simple yet clever design allows the player infinite possibilities for strategies. The enemies come in several distinct variations and the level designs vary in sizes and terrain. The AI voice over is simply terrific as he adds levels of humanity to the stakes. The controls areI'm a big fan of Tower Defense games. That being said, Defense Grid: TA is one of the best I've ever played. It's simple yet clever design allows the player infinite possibilities for strategies. The enemies come in several distinct variations and the level designs vary in sizes and terrain. The AI voice over is simply terrific as he adds levels of humanity to the stakes. The controls are fluid and simple and the music is great but a tad repetitive. There are several DLC that can be purchased so after The Awakening story is completed you can keep playing. It's a true gem.… Expand
  7. GreyCritic
    Dec 31, 2011
    10
    If you are looking for great relaxing game you got it. If you are looking for challenge you got it, again.
    What i'm mean, is that game can give you a great time of slaughtering legions of aliens with good balanced and designed turrets, although good soundtrack, nice graphics and easy controls. About bad in this game, is that when you learn all kinda tricks in game you can get boring, but    If you are looking for great relaxing game you got it. If you are looking for challenge you got it, again.
    What i'm mean, is that game can give you a great time of slaughtering legions of aliens with good balanced and designed turrets, although good soundtrack, nice graphics and easy controls. About bad in this game, is that when you learn all kinda tricks in game you can get boring, but that can be fixed by download content, if you like the original game.    … Expand
  8. jazzboxer
    Dec 24, 2011
    10
    Very good game for the price you cannot fault it, good graphics and plays nice and smooth with no glitches, I didnt expect much at the price but was pleasantly suprised, this is a great tower defense game.
  9. KouDy
    Mar 14, 2012
    9
    After 3 years out Defense Grid is still probably the best true tower defense game out there. Still receiving love from developers in patches and newly added content even after such a long time. If you love tower defense genre, you will enjoy this game from top down.
  10. Kyalpha
    Aug 26, 2013
    10
    This is THE BEST tower defense game! I've played lost of games of this kind, but none of them can get me so addicted like this one. Gameplay, story, difficulty, music graphic everything is the best of this kind.
  11. Matseb2611
    Oct 23, 2015
    8
    A nice tower defence game. It doesn't differ too much from other TD games, but it's pretty fun once you get a hang of it. Most of the standard mechanics associated with TD genre are here: a good tower variety, a good enemy variety, rock-paper-scissors tactic of using the right tower against the right enemy, scoreboards, and so on.

    Graphically the game is very beautiful. Though at times    A nice tower defence game. It doesn't differ too much from other TD games, but it's pretty fun once you get a hang of it. Most of the standard mechanics associated with TD genre are here: a good tower variety, a good enemy variety, rock-paper-scissors tactic of using the right tower against the right enemy, scoreboards, and so on.

    Graphically the game is very beautiful. Though at times I wished the towers looked a bit more different to one another, otherwise it can get confusing what is what. I do like the whole colour scheme of green towers being basic, yellow advanced, and red the best. The musical side of things could've been a bit better though. Most levels have between 20-30 waves, and can take a while to play through, so it would've been nice to have it spiced up with more memorable tunes. The A.I. narrator most times provides a nice commentary and keeps you entertained with his colourful personality, though at times he can be annoying when he keeps telling you about cores being stolen. *shakes fist*

    Most levels had a very interesting design and forced you to think hard on how to channel enemies down a longer path and where would be the points of highest offense. They provided a nice challenge. A few felt like difficulty spikes and seemed unnecessarily convoluted (looking at you, Waste Disposal), but most were a great fun.

    There were a few aspects that annoyed me slightly, so might be worth mentioning them. First one which I noticed straight away was how much punishment the enemies could sustain before going down. Even the weakest, most basic enemies could absorb a fair amount of damage, which in turn made many towers feel too weak. And this brings me to another one. Majority of towers are very situational and tend to have a lot more shortcomings than strengths. The only tower that I felt was all-round good at just about everything was the Cannon tower, and these usually formed the meat and potatoes of my defence, with all the other towers just acting in supporting roles. It's not necessarily a bad thing, but it means there is a bit too little room for experimentation with various setups.

    Aside from the story mode, each map also has a variety of other modes, most providing some form of a new challenge, like enemies being tougher, or the cores which you must protect not going back to their starting location, and so on. So there's a lot of stuff to try out here and the completionists can easily sink tens or hundreds of hours in this game.

    Overall, it's a fun TD game. Don't expect anything new and extraordinary, but if you like the genre, then you should definitely grab this game.    … Expand
  12. Mogul
    Mar 19, 2012
    8
    Ah, raspberries....how I love them. :P For a tower defense game, the voice acting here is amazing, and helps create an enjoyable game world. The gameplay itself is highly addictive and rewarding, with lots of towers that are actually worth building, and several fun challenge modes that help provide variety. I actually think that this is the best tower defense game that I have played soAh, raspberries....how I love them. :P For a tower defense game, the voice acting here is amazing, and helps create an enjoyable game world. The gameplay itself is highly addictive and rewarding, with lots of towers that are actually worth building, and several fun challenge modes that help provide variety. I actually think that this is the best tower defense game that I have played so far, but it still left me wanting a little bit more from it (and not just more levels or "modes" or anything like that).… Expand
  13. scharman
    Aug 24, 2021
    9
    Fun and enjoyable light game. A perfect buy on discount, and a great buy at full price if you enjoy this sort of game. I got it free with Epic, and then ended up buying the entire games plus expansions on steam. Have had 60+ hours of fun - if at times frustration!
  14. kyleb
    Mar 2, 2009
    9
    Great voice acting in a tower defense game? Well...yes. There is a surprisingly involving narrative that plays out in the course of this game. A disembodied British actor who sounds like he stepped straight out of "The Bridge on the River Kwai" narrates the initial tutorials and gives pointers throughout the game. But gradually you learn whatever this being is, he has suffered great loss Great voice acting in a tower defense game? Well...yes. There is a surprisingly involving narrative that plays out in the course of this game. A disembodied British actor who sounds like he stepped straight out of "The Bridge on the River Kwai" narrates the initial tutorials and gives pointers throughout the game. But gradually you learn whatever this being is, he has suffered great loss at the hands of the little buggers you're mowing down. I found myself playing the game more out of curiosity about the narrator as anything else. Huge props to Hidden Path for adding surprising depth to the game through a deftly written script and excellent voice acting.… Expand
  15. Brumbek
    Jul 2, 2011
    10
    I'm a minor fan of Defense games, but Defense Grid is absolutely tremendous! It's so well-devised, has great graphics, and the best voice actor ever! For the price, this game is a great value. It's got lots of fun extra modes for each level which is nice as well. Overall, this is the blueprint for how to create a defense game. Truly worthy of universal acclaim.
  16. screenjab
    Oct 27, 2011
    9
    A classic that has yet to be outdone. The attention to detail, engaging game-play, sound and voice acting, all nicely combine to easily lift Defense Grid to reigning king of the TD genre. Now if they can just port this over to the iPad, I'll be all set.
  17. Viruz32
    Dec 7, 2011
    10
    Fantastic game! By the looks of it, I never thought I'd find myself playing this kind of game, but it sort of has the "plants vs zombies" feel to it. The point is to stop the enemy form getting to the end, and as you progress you get a variety of better weapons and upgrades to do it with. In the meantime, the aliens (or zombies if you prefer) are also starting to range in types, fromFantastic game! By the looks of it, I never thought I'd find myself playing this kind of game, but it sort of has the "plants vs zombies" feel to it. The point is to stop the enemy form getting to the end, and as you progress you get a variety of better weapons and upgrades to do it with. In the meantime, the aliens (or zombies if you prefer) are also starting to range in types, from stronger to faster; from slow to ones that fly. All around, this game is fantastic and I can't believe it got a measly 81/100, I'd give it a solid 9.5 just because it's plain fun!… Expand
  18. Kenmei
    Dec 23, 2011
    6
    Good game but it does nothing to distinguish itself from the numerous other tower defense games out there. It can keep you busy and it's not a horrible game by any means. But there are better tower defense games out there. However the graphics and voice acting are very well done, which bumps the score up from average to just barely above-average for me. It's not a bad game by any means andGood game but it does nothing to distinguish itself from the numerous other tower defense games out there. It can keep you busy and it's not a horrible game by any means. But there are better tower defense games out there. However the graphics and voice acting are very well done, which bumps the score up from average to just barely above-average for me. It's not a bad game by any means and buying it won't set you back too much but you can easily find a better tower defense game out there for the same amount of money.… Expand
  19. GaryR
    Jan 4, 2010
    9
    Very fun, strong, challenging game. Learning each level can take some time, and determining the proper tower usage takes some forethought. Overall a very high quality game.
  20. DavidD
    Aug 5, 2009
    9
    Deeply strategic game with surprisingly gorgeous graphics. Insanely addictive, and refreshingly good voice acting. Control is a little wonky, but isn't a problem once you become accustomed to it.
  21. JAnselment
    Jan 15, 2010
    8
    If you like tower defense you will like this one. For the price you can get it on steam ,it's a steal.
  22. JaniGG
    Jan 19, 2010
    9
    Simple, Fantastic game. Way too short anyway.... needs desperately more content...
  23. JonathanC
    Jan 20, 2009
    7
    Defense Grid is a worthy retail version of classic Tower defense that belongs in anyone's Digital Locker. However, its only a tower defense game, and aside from visuals and 'power spheres' and a talking computer to keep your attention, it still fails to bring anything revolutionary to the genre. A map/game editing tool would have made the purchase seem a bit more worthwhile.
  24. FergusL
    May 9, 2009
    10
    This game is not just tower defense. It comes with an enthralling narrative that most games would struggle to match, never mind one that is based upon an old classic without any sort of story! The game play is highly addictive and leaves you constantly coming back for more. Get it for £3.50 on Steam while you can.
  25. ShnoogleDoogle
    Jul 31, 2009
    9
    Considering the price and what you get, this game is a worthy collection to your hard drive. Some will finish every level and leave. Others will get the most out of it, trying to get high on the Leaderboard (online score board to your friends and rest of the world). This is where the game shines and you soon realize, to be a master of a map takes some thought. Every map looks great and Considering the price and what you get, this game is a worthy collection to your hard drive. Some will finish every level and leave. Others will get the most out of it, trying to get high on the Leaderboard (online score board to your friends and rest of the world). This is where the game shines and you soon realize, to be a master of a map takes some thought. Every map looks great and the game play works really well. The "speed up time" button is a worthy addition too. There are some things that still need work. Some of the mod's for the game such as "Grind" (99 levels of continuous spawns) is far too easy and needs to have a major update. Challenge mode (levels on hard) has to be the most fun and getting a high score here or beating friends is what keeps me occupied.… Expand
  26. SamEvans
    Dec 18, 2008
    9
    I am a fan of the genre, but have stuck to the free TD games in past. This is the first one I've actually paid money for, and it was worth every cent. First, it's beautiful; second, it's well balanced -- fun for the novice TD player as well as an expert one like me. I loved the challenge modes too - great fun. Nice work, Hidden Path!!
  27. lildanny
    Nov 13, 2011
    8
    One of the best tower defense games I've ever played. There are many levels and campaigns to choose from, and a lot of towers/upgrades purchasable to defeat the enemy. A lot of fun when you're looking for something to do.
  28. cambria
    Dec 6, 2011
    9
    From the beginning, beautiful graphics and a fluid camera with depth-changability sets this game up as a step above the rest. Then throw in a diverse array of maps with space for tons of different strategic design ideas, about 10 turrets with upgrades reflected in design and projectile type, and you've got a great single player campaign. The voice acting is a 6 or 7, about as good as anyFrom the beginning, beautiful graphics and a fluid camera with depth-changability sets this game up as a step above the rest. Then throw in a diverse array of maps with space for tons of different strategic design ideas, about 10 turrets with upgrades reflected in design and projectile type, and you've got a great single player campaign. The voice acting is a 6 or 7, about as good as any modern AAA title gets, but the coherence of the story is about an 8.5, and the voice isn't at all what ends up carrying it. About a dozen maps, then DLC that is cheap and offers infinitely unique new options and maps, ie, the open square designed level with two entrances and one exit. This game is still receiving updates and it's been pretty bug free from the start, no crashes or freezes for me, over 80 hours on two pcs. The campaign and DLC now also have CHALLENGE modes which are true to their title, and I'm having all kinds of fun finding out how un-pro all the tactics I barely scraped by with before ended up being. The better to think new solutions! It is the essence of strategy gaming, and this game is implemented very well with lots of content and plenty of replay value, some of the best I've seen from a single player indie/strategy title, and definitely the best tower defense game I've ever played this long.… Expand
  29. mpr
    May 29, 2011
    8
    Neat little game that got me addicted for a few weeks, sometimes spending hours on a single level searching for the optimal solution. Happy to have it in my Steam collection.
  30. JonesR
    Mar 7, 2012
    7
    I was never really a big fan of the tower defense genre until I played Defense Grid. The developers have really done everything right to make it addictively enjoyable. It provides a wealth of different game modes on top of its great story mode. But what really sets it apart from the competition is the extremely intuitive user interface--it is literally just one click control for everythingI was never really a big fan of the tower defense genre until I played Defense Grid. The developers have really done everything right to make it addictively enjoyable. It provides a wealth of different game modes on top of its great story mode. But what really sets it apart from the competition is the extremely intuitive user interface--it is literally just one click control for everything and has a great tutorial approach. I definitely recommend picking this one up.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best PC Game of 2008
24
#24 Most Discussed PC Game of 2008
41
#41 Most Shared PC Game of 2008

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. GamePro
    90
    It's amazing what a little touch up in graphics and sound can do for a tower defense gameplay-based title. And Hidden Path Entertainment's Defense Grid: The Awakening is a prime example of that sudden transformation of taking a unoriginal. well-known style of video game and turning it into a masterpiece for your PC.
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  2. Destructoid
    70
    If you like tower defense games and have $20 to spend, Defense Grid: The Awakening is absolutely worth checking out and will provide you with some solid entertainment - just don't expect to get 40 hours of playtime out of it.
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  3. Gamervision
    80
    The later of the 20 unique levels can grow frustratingly difficult, but the amount of replayability due to different challenges and scoreboards are more than enough to justify picking it up, or at least buying it when it eventually makes its way to Xbox Live.
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