DG2: Defense Grid 2

 PC
User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 94 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 94
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 94
  3. Negative: 23 out of 94

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  1. Crimson
    Sep 23, 2014
    4
    Absolutely loved DG1. Beat the entire game + all DLC at the hardest difficulty. Unfortunately DG2 isn't more of the same. The tower changes are silly (boost towers everywhere so now I can't see anything, what fun!). Most of the towers are now ineffective against what they are suppoesd to be used for (temporal's have almost no effect on faster aliens, inferno are useless againstAbsolutely loved DG1. Beat the entire game + all DLC at the hardest difficulty. Unfortunately DG2 isn't more of the same. The tower changes are silly (boost towers everywhere so now I can't see anything, what fun!). Most of the towers are now ineffective against what they are suppoesd to be used for (temporal's have almost no effect on faster aliens, inferno are useless against regenerating alies, ect...). Missile towers are now better version of meteor towers, but both are eclipsed by canon, so there's no reason to build either. Tesla's are now completely useless.

    On top of that the maps are very linear, with much less strategy than in DG1. The optimal path in now clearly obvious and there's very little strategy or tactics involved.

    Its sad, with almost 100 hours spent in DG1, I'm already done with DG2 after just 9.    … Expand
  2. Nican
    Oct 7, 2014
    6
    Decent tower defense game, but dont expect anything near as good as DG1.

    The level design in DG 1 was clever and challenging. The decisions you made had a huge impact on the outcome. DG2 seems pretty bland in comparison. The level designs dont leave much room for choice or error and the path to take is often obvious. The choice of towers and whether to upgrade them or not also dont    Decent tower defense game, but dont expect anything near as good as DG1.

    The level design in DG 1 was clever and challenging. The decisions you made had a huge impact on the outcome.

    DG2 seems pretty bland in comparison. The level designs dont leave much room for choice or error and the path to take is often obvious. The choice of towers and whether to upgrade them or not also dont matter as much.    … Expand
  3. JanteB
    Oct 4, 2014
    6
    DG 1 is a classic due to great tower balance, fair difficulty and overall good design. For some strange reason the developers decided to "fix" the game, so they fixed something that wasn`t broken in the first place - classic own goal by developers isolated in their ivory tower. You no longer gain interest and you cannot "juggle" enemies. Flying enemies are pretty much gone and theDG 1 is a classic due to great tower balance, fair difficulty and overall good design. For some strange reason the developers decided to "fix" the game, so they fixed something that wasn`t broken in the first place - classic own goal by developers isolated in their ivory tower. You no longer gain interest and you cannot "juggle" enemies. Flying enemies are pretty much gone and the difficulty at higher levels will please masochists, but alienate most fans of DG 1. Be warned if you loved the first DG like I did, this is several steps in the wrong direction… Expand
  4. tinkerer
    Dec 27, 2014
    2
    I have enjoyed the first Defense Grid very much and looked forward to this one. However, the game has a lousy user interface copied from the console version and it makes the game unplayable. The mouse cursor is FIXED at the middle of the screen and doesn't move. Instead, ,moving the mouse pans the map, so you are essentially trying to bring the map to your (stationary) cursor, rather thanI have enjoyed the first Defense Grid very much and looked forward to this one. However, the game has a lousy user interface copied from the console version and it makes the game unplayable. The mouse cursor is FIXED at the middle of the screen and doesn't move. Instead, ,moving the mouse pans the map, so you are essentially trying to bring the map to your (stationary) cursor, rather than the usual, other way around. This is so inconvenient it's unusable for me. I found no setting to change that, and nothing on the forums suggest there's a way. I stopped playing minutes after I started. This is pure laziness on part of the developers, to stick a console interface on a PC. Shame.… Expand
  5. Sjalka
    Sep 28, 2014
    6
    the negative:

    the balance of towers is not perfect. - some towers are just useless ( tesla towers for example ) - or well - maybe not completely useless but too spacialized to waste a good spot for them. the maps do not offer the same freedom in many cases.... which limits the players choices and tactics - and so limits the re-playability. the aliens - some of them - do look a bit    the negative:

    the balance of towers is not perfect. - some towers are just useless ( tesla towers for example ) - or well - maybe not completely useless but too spacialized to waste a good spot for them.

    the maps do not offer the same freedom in many cases.... which limits the players choices and tactics - and so limits the re-playability.

    the aliens - some of them - do look a bit too much the same. - it is not easy on first glance to determine which alien can do what. - i am also not so sure about the balance of waves.

    the positive:

    all in all - the game is fun! yea - i am having a blast trying to get gold status

    i do like the AI chatter - yea, it is a big cheesy - but it is fun.

    there is lots of room for custom maps and expansions - it certainly is one of the very good TD games, but it does not re-invent the genre. ( which is also good, i like how it is quite classical )    … Expand
  6. shirajzl
    Sep 27, 2014
    5
    Compared to the original DG, this one seems a bit bland. It's by no means a bad tower defense game, but every tower type feels the same in a way they're all bad.
    Even when you upgrade them, it's difficult to notice the difference in damage output, fire rate etc. Consequently, a surefire way to complete every level is to spam various types of tower in no particular order and no strategic    Compared to the original DG, this one seems a bit bland. It's by no means a bad tower defense game, but every tower type feels the same in a way they're all bad.
    Even when you upgrade them, it's difficult to notice the difference in damage output, fire rate etc. Consequently, a surefire way to complete every level is to spam various types of tower in no particular order and no strategic planning.
    You don't have to think much where to position a certain type of tower or which one to upgrade, just spam the basic ones everywhere and you're good to go. The maps contribute to the overall experience; there's always an obvious path you should work on, you're never left thinking "should I route them here or here?", it's always glaringly obvious.    … Expand
  7. Macdealer
    Sep 23, 2014
    3
    I'm a Defense Grid 1 lover. And I was really waiting for DG2, but what a disappointment. I'm glad they took out "Command tower" and the % of more resources, it was the only good thing. But the game feels bad. I didn't like the graphics, couldn't find anti-aliasing. The towers feels lame, so you have to build too much towers, making a visual pollution. The level 3 towers don't feel powerfulI'm a Defense Grid 1 lover. And I was really waiting for DG2, but what a disappointment. I'm glad they took out "Command tower" and the % of more resources, it was the only good thing. But the game feels bad. I didn't like the graphics, couldn't find anti-aliasing. The towers feels lame, so you have to build too much towers, making a visual pollution. The level 3 towers don't feel powerful at all, the inferno tower can't target properly, and even the level 3 inferno tower won't make damage... and won't burn a lot of aliens...
    Tesla don't feel particularly useful. Missile too. All towers seem a bit of the same..., just spam and spam towers all over the map.
    DG1 was so detailed. Every one of tower you built or upgraded felt important and unique, and some very powerful.    … Expand
  8. Walsingham
    Sep 30, 2014
    3
    Considering my passionate love to its predecessor, it breaks my heart to say this:
    DG2 leaves a great deal to be desired ...
    and should not be mentioned in the same breath as the former. For one thing it lacks 'awesomeness', meaning -as already stated here - your tactical decisions feel ultimately irrelevant. Married with an uninspiring atmosphere, an off-the-rack map design and an    Considering my passionate love to its predecessor, it breaks my heart to say this:
    DG2 leaves a great deal to be desired ...
    and should not be mentioned in the same breath as the former.

    For one thing it lacks 'awesomeness',
    meaning -as already stated here - your tactical decisions feel ultimately irrelevant.
    Married with an uninspiring atmosphere, an off-the-rack map design and an indifferent tower-architecture it leaves you as an apathetic watcher rather than an immersing player.

    I consumed the game due to some kind of delusional romantic nostalgia, lost interest and will hopefully forget my profound disappointment very soon.    … Expand
  9. VengefulFurball
    Sep 26, 2014
    10
    If you look at the negative reviews, they all have the same thing in common, the game doesn't feel the same. It's true, the balance has been reworked, but it's actually a good thing. If you played DG, the first thing you'll notice is that Gun Towers are no longer insanely overpowered. The next thing you'll run into is that one kill box isn't going to cut it. The fast moving aliens requireIf you look at the negative reviews, they all have the same thing in common, the game doesn't feel the same. It's true, the balance has been reworked, but it's actually a good thing. If you played DG, the first thing you'll notice is that Gun Towers are no longer insanely overpowered. The next thing you'll run into is that one kill box isn't going to cut it. The fast moving aliens require overlapping level 3 temporal towers to really catch them, and you just can't fit enough damage into that small an area based on the way their hit points are balanced, so the only option is to spread out across the map much faster than the original game. You have to use more long ranged towers and set up paths so that they overlap fire. Speaking of overlapping fire, the boost tower does indeed add deeper tactical possibilities, allowing you to set up towers that can fire over other towers. Great for maximizing damage in a maze.

    I'm about half way through the game, playing on normal mode, getting gold, then moving on to the next map, and it's a fun challenge. Don't expect to be able to approach it in exactly the same way as the original, and you won't be disappointed.    … Expand
  10. TukDude
    Sep 24, 2014
    8
    Hidden Path really nailed it! DG2 is as good as DG1 in almost every way. Some interesting changes with the boost platforms and the upgrades makes it interesting. Very balanced gameplay and has me hooked like the original. Must play for any tower defense fans and/or fans of the original. Fantastic!
  11. verun
    Nov 4, 2014
    0
    This game suffers, like most PC games today from severe Consolitis.

    I only played 5 minutes until I deleted the game: your mouse cursor does not move. Instead your mouse moves the camera (intended for game pad play). Your mouse cursor gets LOCKED to only be able to move vertically when you open the build menu.
    There is no borderless windowed mode.

    0/10 because of Consolitis.
  12. kadoc
    Sep 24, 2014
    3
    They added a lot of things: useless story, ugly graphics that makes the game hard to understand (seriously what happened? Must have spent a lot of time, for a result like that...), they totally changed towers (does not always make sense but I guess it's about getting used to it). The fun is gone, really disappointed.
  13. boyband6666
    Sep 23, 2014
    10
    Take everything great, and makes it better.

    The music is inspiring, the story fun and compelling, and the replayability massive. Thankyou Hidden Path for an experience worth having!

    If you haven't played the original, grab that, play through, and then play this - you won't regret it.
  14. Tasty
    Oct 20, 2014
    3
    I love DG1 (>1000 hours, yep, that addictive) and I have just completed DG2 campaign (took me >190hours). Now it can be set as easy, normal, elite, and open OR competitive. Crazily fun.

    Firstly I had reservations with DG2, but now with the patches, it's smooth gameplay. Lots of new elements in DG2, and it is a big improvement on DG1... Boost bases, difficulty, map rotation, different    I love DG1 (>1000 hours, yep, that addictive) and I have just completed DG2 campaign (took me >190hours). Now it can be set as easy, normal, elite, and open OR competitive. Crazily fun.

    Firstly I had reservations with DG2, but now with the patches, it's smooth gameplay. Lots of new elements in DG2, and it is a big improvement on DG1... Boost bases, difficulty, map rotation, different orbital lasers, new aliens, dynamic maps, etc... Yes, I grew to love the changes, and I am still playing DG2 now!! Well done sequel!    … Expand
  15. Tridus
    Oct 29, 2014
    9
    Great tower defense, with a fun variety of towers, interesitng maps, lots of aliens, and all kinds of challenges. If you like the genre, this is for you.
  16. Tower
    Dec 21, 2014
    9
    Defense Grid 2 adds various elements to the mix, such as multiple space weapons, and boost towers, which can function as just inert blocks, or provide the potential to add tower upgrades. In play, you are also awarded enhancements to the basic tower ammunition, which show up at the end of a round, and which you can use from then on. There's also the command shuttle, which gives youDefense Grid 2 adds various elements to the mix, such as multiple space weapons, and boost towers, which can function as just inert blocks, or provide the potential to add tower upgrades. In play, you are also awarded enhancements to the basic tower ammunition, which show up at the end of a round, and which you can use from then on. There's also the command shuttle, which gives you additional controls, such as heat maps of where damage is most intense, and the ability to raise hidden terrain. The gameplay is more varied than in Defense Grid 1, and there are more paths to victory.

    The story gets more characters and some of the unexplained plot lines in DG1 are pursued to their conclusion. The voice acting is good, but the story itself is a bit predictable. There's still some ambiguity about what the aliens are up to, but there's less of that sense of devastating bleakness that pervaded the first game. The music is lovely, but again slightly misses the spot in comparison to the dramatic score of the first game.

    I have no problem recommending DG2. It's one of my favourite games of all time. I hope there is DLC and even DG3 in the pipeline, because my biggest complaint is that I want more official maps.    … Expand
  17. mustard_tiger
    Oct 10, 2014
    8
    A good game but not as good as the original. Maybe I've just gotten better but the whole game feels too easy. I beat the whole game on hard difficult without any trouble, I didn't lose one core throughout the whole game...

    One complaint, the multilayer is so stupid, if you really want to play it get ready for a 20 minute wait just to play the game totally different from the way you    A good game but not as good as the original. Maybe I've just gotten better but the whole game feels too easy. I beat the whole game on hard difficult without any trouble, I didn't lose one core throughout the whole game...

    One complaint, the multilayer is so stupid, if you really want to play it get ready for a 20 minute wait just to play the game totally different from the way you like it. Yet another MP mode crammed into a game.    … Expand
  18. garrun
    Dec 12, 2014
    10
    I gave it a ten for what it is - the best overhead tower defense game you can buy right now. I'm really confused by folks that liked DG1, but not 2. It looks to me like they gave everything people wanted from 1, including multi-player and user created content. I didn't care for the MP, but the user content is going to be huge. I also liked the new tower perks mechanic and engine.
  19. cjculbert
    Dec 12, 2014
    8
    I'm not sure this one is as good as DG1, but it's still a very solid game. Unlike some of the reviewers, I like most of the new tower additions and the boost tower has value from a strategic perspective. I quickly moved to playing all the levels on the hard setting; the normal setting was too easy. I do somewhat agree that the levels are somewhat more linear than the first game, but thereI'm not sure this one is as good as DG1, but it's still a very solid game. Unlike some of the reviewers, I like most of the new tower additions and the boost tower has value from a strategic perspective. I quickly moved to playing all the levels on the hard setting; the normal setting was too easy. I do somewhat agree that the levels are somewhat more linear than the first game, but there are still many levels with interesting challenges. The addition of the multi-player modes is a HUGE addition and I expect to get significant value from them long term.… Expand
  20. ave
    Aug 14, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Where to start with Defense Grid 2 except "OMG"?

    This game is so intense and filled with so much new mechanics I had to replay entirely the first Defense Grid just to measure the improvement (true story).

    ~ Spoiler alert : a few tips and tricks are listed at the end of the evaluation

    The first Defense Grid featured specialized towers and one deadly strike from the heavens. The second opus features almost the same towers, with a twist: you now can build them on top of Boost towers, and activate a special effect on them: Disrupt shields, Overcharge towers or Boost score - your choice.

    On top of that, you'll meet new AI on each mission, and pick one of them to support your efforts. Each AI provides you with an advantage that can be triggered and requires some time to be ready again: the classical strike from above, more resources to spend, overcharging a group of towers... - your choice again.

    And if you think that would be enough, think again. Not only the towers can be upgraded from level 1 (green) to level 3 (red); but you now can tweak each of them with nice improvements like: revealing hidden enemies, damaging over time, focusing on the biggest enemy ... - your choice !

    To keep the pressure on, the clock of each mission starts without waiting for you to analyse the layout. So you'll have to think fast and fail a lot before you nail the level and reach higher scores. Luckily, you can go back to the previous checkpoint and readjust your strategy (there are more checkpoints so you don't feel like being forced to restart entirely a level).

    ~ And now some tips and tricks (don't read them until you hit a wall of difficulty)

    First, the levels can have the same entry / exit point; or a different entry and exit points. Some maps have multiple entries and exit points and can be tricky!

    Second, the levels can be roads surrounded by tower locations, or made of large chunks for concrete where you'll have to build a path to channel the aliens.

    Even if it is possible to fill a level with level 1 towers and still win, ultimately, you'll want to concentrate devastation on carefully selected spots where the aliens will walk multiple times.

    So, what are the best / worst towers in the game ? On my own, I mostly play using Concussion, Temporal, Laser, Machinegun and Cannon. Sometimes Missile. The Concussion is so powerful you'll eventually forget the Inferno, the Tesla and the Meteor. It's a shame but you're not here to concede anything.

    Next questions are: where should you place the towers, how should you combine them, and what are the best boost to give them. Here are my suggestions.

    First, in each level, locate the entry & exit points. Then assess if you can change the path of not. If you cannot change the path, locate where you have bottlenecks and paths that can be targeted twice (or more) with a single tower. Usually, the Core Center is one of them.

    Once you've located or created these bottlenecks, decide where are the best spots to concentrate damage. Sometimes it's at the very beginning of the level, sometimes close to the Core Center, sometimes somewhere else.

    Then:
    - Build a Concussion (on a boost if you can channel the aliens, or benefit from back-and-forth; and on land if you cannot change the path) then at least a second one close to the first so you can combine the effects). A good boost is Overcharge or Score Boost if you aim for the top of the Ladder :)
    - Right after the Concussion, build a Laser that will continue to burn the aliens. A good boost is Overcharge - unless these are far from the Temporal so Disrupt is a better choice (laser don't go through shields)
    - Build a Temporal close to the Concussion towers to slow down the fastest aliens and nicely melt the other ones. A good boost is Disrupt, to remove those nasty shields. (And when I say " melt" I literally mean "melt").
    - Build Machinegun(s) near the "entry" of your Concussion / Temporal / Laser combination. A good boost is Overcharge unless there aren't close to a Temporal with Disrupt ; then Disrupt is a better choice.
    - Build Cannon(s) to cover either or both the entry and exit of your Concussion / Temporal / Laser combination. A good boost is Overcharge.
    - Make sure Cannon(s) or Machinegun(s) are protecting the Core Center. A temporal can help too.
    - Build Missile(s) to cover the Core Center, Kill zones and especially exits - you don't want one remaining alien on the brink of death getting away with your precious cores :) No sir, you don't!

    About the "tweaks" in the towers, here you enter the realm of preferences. Usually I use "Focus on biggest target" on Machinegun, Cannon, Laser and Missile since the Concussion will usually get rid of the tiny swarms. On Temporal I try to boost the slowing down effect. On the Concussion I try to raise the damage.

    Feel free to experiment ! You may choose to tweak you towers to slows down the aliens as much as possible, or to damage them overtime, or pierce their shields.

    Have fun!    … Expand
  21. Zimbardo
    Oct 13, 2014
    5
    It's just like the first but seems to crash more. Same visuals, towers, monsters, etc. Feels more like a buggy expansion than a sequel. I suggest buying Defender's Quest instead of this.
  22. Wracky
    Jul 5, 2016
    9
    I've only recently bought DG2. I don't know if the game has been changed since its initial release, but I really like the way it plays now. I've just finished the Containment DLC for DG1 (which I though was hard, but really fun too) and rolled right into DG2 after that. DG2 is more dynamic. The boost towers allow you to quickly block off a path without spending too much, while you canI've only recently bought DG2. I don't know if the game has been changed since its initial release, but I really like the way it plays now. I've just finished the Containment DLC for DG1 (which I though was hard, but really fun too) and rolled right into DG2 after that. DG2 is more dynamic. The boost towers allow you to quickly block off a path without spending too much, while you can still build towers on top of them. When you do, you can then upgrade the towers, for instance to disrupt shields/cloaks, do more damage, or later on, boost your score. As some people mentioned, temporal towers are now less powerful, however they stack! so the key is to place more than one, and have them overlap. This in turn, slows down aliens a LOT. I find it a challenge to try and make the towers as effective as possible, and finish the levels with a minimal amount of towers, and the game rewards this in your score. You get points for each alien you kill, based on how much cores you still have and how many resources you still have, and this is adjusted based on your tower value. Later in the game, you can select upgrades and modifications for the towers, to make them fit your play-style. The more effective your towers are, the higher your score will be. The story is fun, and the little fly-by cut scenes in between are a nice touch. Take a little time to get familiar with the changes they made. To me, it does feel like DG1, and I like the new changes. It's quite addictive to me ;)… Expand
  23. apokalipto
    Aug 19, 2023
    9
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.

Awards & Rankings

56
#56 Best PC Game of 2014

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. CD-Action
    Mar 17, 2015
    90
    Has everything required to claim the first place in my private ranking of tower defense games. [03/2014, p.73]
  2. Riot Pixels
    Nov 27, 2014
    70
    Defense Grid 2 feels like a very conservative remake featuring new maps. No bold design ideas here – everything is almost verbatim like in Defense Grid: The Awakening which was released 6 years ago, only the gameplay is a bit simplified.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer
    Oct 22, 2014
    80
    Defense Grid 2 is, quite obviously about defence, but it's also about being passive, about observing morally grey conflicts play out in front of you - without your input.
    Read full review
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