Orcs Must Die!

 PC
User Score
8.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 525 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 399 out of 525
  2. Mixed: 105 out of 525
  3. Negative: 21 out of 525

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. genoforprez
    Nov 23, 2011
    10
    A lot of people have tried action/towerdefense or shooter/towerdefense hybrids, but the results are often a little on the shoddy end. I am so often disappointed by these hybrids, since they tend to do one of those two elements well and render the other element useless or boring. Orcs Must Die not only breaks away from that trend, it pretty much puts all past attempts at this kind of hybridA lot of people have tried action/towerdefense or shooter/towerdefense hybrids, but the results are often a little on the shoddy end. I am so often disappointed by these hybrids, since they tend to do one of those two elements well and render the other element useless or boring. Orcs Must Die not only breaks away from that trend, it pretty much puts all past attempts at this kind of hybrid to shame. The controls/gameplay/UI are all simple and intuitive. The tower defense elements are fun for all the reasons tower defense games are fun. The action elements are both fun and extremely useful. Orcs Must Die successfully makes you enjoy using both of these aspects of the gameplay and balancing the level design and difficulty so that it would be difficult to win without making use of both. I could not recommend OMD more. FINALLY, someone has done this hybrid well! Huge props to the devs!… Expand
  2. Kluge
    Oct 16, 2011
    8
    Orcs Must Die! is a fun diversion. They've combined FPS with tower-defense. The traps are fun to place and watch, and being in on the action takes away a lot of the tedium that eventually sets in with most TD games. There are quite a few mechanics at work, but I really wish they would have created alternative currencies or role-playing persistent upgrades (beyond the skull system where youOrcs Must Die! is a fun diversion. They've combined FPS with tower-defense. The traps are fun to place and watch, and being in on the action takes away a lot of the tedium that eventually sets in with most TD games. There are quite a few mechanics at work, but I really wish they would have created alternative currencies or role-playing persistent upgrades (beyond the skull system where you can get just one upgrade per trap). The coin currency is essentially the only currency you use throughout the game, and thus everything depends on it. This tends to make the first couple waves quite difficult to not let an enemy get through, and later waves too easy. In normal difficulty, the game doesn't feel particularly challenging, but once you unlock the nitemare mode (for which you unfortunately must complete every level on the normal difficulty), getting beyond the second level's pretty tough. The nitemare difficulty would have been a welcomed addition to the game, but it unfortunately is the same levels, dialogue, and cutscenes with much more difficult monsters. With many low-budget games, a good chunk of time has gone in to making the game look great without much processing power required, and Orcs Must Die! is a particularly good example of how good aesthetics will beat good graphics any day.

    Modding tools really would have turned this good, fun game into a massive and fantastic time sink. Unfortunately, you're stuck with DLC from the devs, and that's it. It seems a bit odd they'd do that, too, considering the TD genre became popular only by Blizz having their RTS games effectively be a platform, with very powerful modding & map-making tools allowing Starcraft/Warcraft to be a simulator, RPG, RTS, FPS, MMO, and just about anything else you can think of. It's certainly a game which could have been much better (and that's absolutely not to say it's at all a bad or unenjoyable game) with more dev time focused on giving consumers more choices. I suspect there'll be a sequel, and hopefully they'll add it in then. I look forward to it.    … Expand
  3. KazMx
    Oct 21, 2011
    9
    The Defense game along with action-adventure is a formula that i would never imagine it would work this good. A thing to have in mind is that sometimes the camera doesn't do the best thing when moving arround. I hope for Co-op which is the main flaw of this game
  4. LordAlamar
    Oct 21, 2011
    10
    Here's a little game that came out of nowhere and proved to be immensely fun. It has nice graphics, awesome music, a lot of humor and a lot of soul. Excellent game, worth every cent :)
  5. Crusx
    Oct 16, 2011
    8
    Orcs Must Die! is an surprisingly fun and satisfying tower defense/action hybrid based around slaughtering hoards of Orcs in some very creative ways. Open pools of acid? Launch them in with a Spring Trap. Low hanging ceiling? Smash them to bits with a Pounder. Balconies on either side of a great hall? Place Archers to watch your back as you head straight into the fray. The possibilitiesOrcs Must Die! is an surprisingly fun and satisfying tower defense/action hybrid based around slaughtering hoards of Orcs in some very creative ways. Open pools of acid? Launch them in with a Spring Trap. Low hanging ceiling? Smash them to bits with a Pounder. Balconies on either side of a great hall? Place Archers to watch your back as you head straight into the fray. The possibilities may not be endless, but there sure are an awful LOT of them to work with.

    On the downside of things, I feel that the depressing lack of multiplayer and co-op in Orcs Must Die! was a missed opportunity on behalf of Robot Entertainment to make this already great game even better. The Apprentice has a variety of magical items in his arsenal to choose from, but sadly only the Bladestaff as an option for melee combat (the crossbow is non-negotiable as a ranged weapon).

    All in all, Orcs Must Die! is a great game worth every penny and more. For anyone that might be interested, there is a demo of the game currently available on Steam.    … Expand
  6. Rewe
    Nov 18, 2011
    10
    More and more shooter-td hybrids are popping up, though I can't say I really mind that. Orcs Must Die! perfectly blends the two genres in a way that requires you to take advantage of both the traps AND your weapons. You can't just shoot the orcs, nor can you can't just sit back and let your traps do the work. The difficulty curve is perfect, it never gets too hard or too easy. The gameMore and more shooter-td hybrids are popping up, though I can't say I really mind that. Orcs Must Die! perfectly blends the two genres in a way that requires you to take advantage of both the traps AND your weapons. You can't just shoot the orcs, nor can you can't just sit back and let your traps do the work. The difficulty curve is perfect, it never gets too hard or too easy. The game also has a lot of replay value, in the sense that you can go back to earlier levels with your new-found arsenal of traps and try and beat them in different ways. Basically every single little thing about this game is perfect. The only issue with this game is that there is no mid-level save, but most levels only last 10 minutes or so, so you won't lose much if you absolutely have to quit. All in all, Orcs Must Die! is a gem I highly recommend you buy. Oh, and both the DLCs are worth it too.… Expand
  7. dan2600
    Oct 21, 2011
    8
    Great, Fun game. A bit on the easy side, but still fun. Would have liked for it to have been a little bit more varied in level design, and I don't understand why you need to be limited to 10 traps at a time. Also the scoring system is unexplained, making replayablity a bit questionable as you don't have an idea on how to improve your score. Overall though, a real value for 14.99, highlyGreat, Fun game. A bit on the easy side, but still fun. Would have liked for it to have been a little bit more varied in level design, and I don't understand why you need to be limited to 10 traps at a time. Also the scoring system is unexplained, making replayablity a bit questionable as you don't have an idea on how to improve your score. Overall though, a real value for 14.99, highly recommended.… Expand
  8. badrain
    Oct 24, 2011
    8
    Orcs must die? Sure they must! ... and they'll die in many ways ;) That's your job to find the most effective way to send them to the orcish afterlife! VERY fun game, colorful, funny, entertaining... But most of all - Orcs Must Die offers polished gameplay combining TPP and elements of tower-defence game. Sounds crazy and sure it is... But this game is like a chocolate cake - it's goodOrcs must die? Sure they must! ... and they'll die in many ways ;) That's your job to find the most effective way to send them to the orcish afterlife! VERY fun game, colorful, funny, entertaining... But most of all - Orcs Must Die offers polished gameplay combining TPP and elements of tower-defence game. Sounds crazy and sure it is... But this game is like a chocolate cake - it's good if we taste it in 'not-so-big' portions. Gameplay can be boring, if we play too long in one sitting. Maybe co-op or multiplayer would change it? ... Ok, but why so serious? Game is fun, lots of orcs to kill, lots of traps, achievements, upgrades. 10 euros is a steal so you should probably buy it!… Expand
  9. OGRichie
    Dec 5, 2012
    9
    What do you get when you combine A Tower Defense game, a FPS, and mix it up with some RPG elements, then set it all in Comical Med-evil era, This game. This is probably one of the best Casual games I have seen in a while. The Story line in this game is actually pretty funny, since you take on the role of the... Umm you should play the game don't want to ruin it.

    The graphics are    What do you get when you combine A Tower Defense game, a FPS, and mix it up with some RPG elements, then set it all in Comical Med-evil era, This game. This is probably one of the best Casual games I have seen in a while. The Story line in this game is actually pretty funny, since you take on the role of the... Umm you should play the game don't want to ruin it.

    The graphics are cartoon-ish Kind of like WoW, but really does work well in this game, the controls are extremely good.

    There are several levels of difficulty, so even the most skilled players can find a challenge here. The fact that you can upgrade your traps is very handy especially as you move through the levels and there are several DLC for this game as well expanding this game even more. This is a need to have solo game, while it may not take long to beat the game on easy mode it will drive you crazy in the nightmare mode of the game.

    Also i thought it was quite funny that periodically the hero spouts of random things, making a fun game even more interesting. A couple things that was disappointment was there is no multi-player or vs mode, or even a map creation option though I do Know in the sequel they do have multi player, it would been nice to see it in this one as well.    … Expand
  10. caioMGA
    Jul 21, 2012
    8
    Orcs Must Die! is a natural evolution of flash's Tower defense games. The problem in tower defense style is that player assumes, in the most part of time, a role of spectator and anxiousness may occur. OMD brings us the feature that was missing, ACTION! Before the stage begin you have some weapons and traps to arrange trough the stage. New items are unlocked as you progress and your oldOrcs Must Die! is a natural evolution of flash's Tower defense games. The problem in tower defense style is that player assumes, in the most part of time, a role of spectator and anxiousness may occur. OMD brings us the feature that was missing, ACTION! Before the stage begin you have some weapons and traps to arrange trough the stage. New items are unlocked as you progress and your old arsenal can be upgraded. It is not an easy game, it ricquires some strategy skills, once the game is focused on defending. It is not about the action, it is about kill Orcs! In all aspects this game is awesome, BUT your aim is huge, and its drawing is blocking your vision all the time. It affects the gameplay and push you to improve your strategy to win.… Expand
  11. kane148
    Aug 20, 2012
    8
    Got this on sale on Steam for about $6 (with DLC), and for that price I can't say I'm disappointed. This is a very fun and funny game, one which is great for killing a few minutes or a few hours. As others have pointed out, its major flaw is that once you beat the story mode there's little else to do but try it on Nightmare mode or replay old levels with your newer toys. I would definitelyGot this on sale on Steam for about $6 (with DLC), and for that price I can't say I'm disappointed. This is a very fun and funny game, one which is great for killing a few minutes or a few hours. As others have pointed out, its major flaw is that once you beat the story mode there's little else to do but try it on Nightmare mode or replay old levels with your newer toys. I would definitely recommend this if you can find it for $10 or less. Hopefully the second installment will fix some of this game's shortcomings.… Expand
  12. drSpockwa
    Feb 17, 2013
    9
    It took me about 12 hours to get through the 18 map campaign, and I've spent at least another 12 going back and replaying the levels to try to get more achievements and better level scores. Each map probably takes 10 minutes to play. You run around setting up traps (kind of tower defense-like) to kill the orcs, kobolds and ogres as they try to make their way through the map from the gateIt took me about 12 hours to get through the 18 map campaign, and I've spent at least another 12 going back and replaying the levels to try to get more achievements and better level scores. Each map probably takes 10 minutes to play. You run around setting up traps (kind of tower defense-like) to kill the orcs, kobolds and ogres as they try to make their way through the map from the gate to your rift. You have weapons as spells for direct combat. It's fun to see if you can build the best configuration of traps to stop all the monsters. Single player only. Very stable, I only noticed one very minor bug with a monster getting stuck in lava and not dying, but I was able to work around it. The character you play is very humorous in the things he says and does, as are the orcs.… Expand
  13. birdman3
    Nov 13, 2012
    9
    This game makes me laugh and smile- the Apprentice is a fantastic goofball faced with overwhelming odds, but he still manages to throw down some nice catch phrases. The gameplay is fantastic- it has all the benefits of a tower defense game (except that there is only one upgrade for tower, and the upgrade isn't necessarily a damage boost). However, the game mixes in the third-person actionThis game makes me laugh and smile- the Apprentice is a fantastic goofball faced with overwhelming odds, but he still manages to throw down some nice catch phrases. The gameplay is fantastic- it has all the benefits of a tower defense game (except that there is only one upgrade for tower, and the upgrade isn't necessarily a damage boost). However, the game mixes in the third-person action (my favorite part because now you don't just sit back and watch your traps destroy everything) and some RPG elements (the weavers are fantastic because they help you hone your strategy from the start, but yet they're a completely optional choice). The game presents a great challenge- while it is a short game, trying to get 5 skulls on each level will more than repay your investment in this game.… Expand
  14. xX_Renegade_Xx
    Oct 17, 2011
    9
    What a great game!

    It's fun to play, controls are responsive and the graphics are good. I was quite surprised considering it's an indie title and a very good one too. Good variety of levels to play and a nice choice of traps/spells to use against those pesky orcs. I don't usually play these type of games but I've been watching this game since around April so decided to pre-order    What a great game!

    It's fun to play, controls are responsive and the graphics are good. I was quite surprised considering it's an indie title and a very good one too. Good variety of levels to play and a nice choice of traps/spells to use against those pesky orcs.

    I don't usually play these type of games but I've been watching this game since around April so decided to pre-order and hope it didn't disappoint me, thankfully it didn't.

    A great game for your game collection :D    … Expand
  15. vXxo0oxXv
    Oct 15, 2011
    8
    Incredible! Original, fun, well presented, great gameplay. This is a professional grade title at an indie price, from a small development team. I really didn't expect much, but this game has completely blown me away. Highly recommend
  16. Nautilus
    Dec 4, 2011
    10
    This game is so full of WIN. I spent countless of times enjoying it! Really great work Robot Entertainment. Traps are ingenious. Maps are fun and full of variety.
  17. Billick
    Dec 15, 2011
    8
    Orcs Must Die! is a fun action/tower defense hybrid game. Playing as a wisecracking war mage, you use a combination of traps, weapons, and spells to beat back a horde of orcs, ogres and other bad guys. The game play is fun, and it's really satisfying to watch the enemies get ripped apart by your traps. Most of the replay-ability comes from playing the game on a harder difficulty orOrcs Must Die! is a fun action/tower defense hybrid game. Playing as a wisecracking war mage, you use a combination of traps, weapons, and spells to beat back a horde of orcs, ogres and other bad guys. The game play is fun, and it's really satisfying to watch the enemies get ripped apart by your traps. Most of the replay-ability comes from playing the game on a harder difficulty or trying to get a higher score, so the levels and dialog can get a bit repetitive. Overall though, I think this game a good value for your gaming dollar.… Expand
  18. Galdaran
    Dec 14, 2011
    9
    A nice Tower defense game in which you can spend 6-15 hours i strongly recommend it has something fresh that make your have a really good time (maybe the gore? or the good translation)

    I played it in spanish i will gave it a 9.4 but because i can't i gave it a 9.
  19. Marlfox
    Dec 13, 2011
    9
    A pretty impressive game that doesn't disappoint you when you need to pass the time. There still is some work that can be done, but I can only see great potential for the future of this game.
  20. Kriv
    Dec 25, 2011
    10
    Addictive game play! Recommend to anyone that like plant vs zombies game type!! Nice set of weapons and artifacts. Have a lot selection of traps and a huge levels to use your creativity.
  21. Captain_Chaos
    Jun 22, 2016
    8
    2/13/2012: I have played relatively few Tower Defense games, it being a genre that does not generally appeal to me. Orcs Must Die essentially said to me, "Okay, so you don't like sitting around watching towers kill things. How about if YOU get to kill things too?" And I was like "Okay OMD, I'm listening." And what fun I had. Orcs Must Die strikes an amazing blend of frantic third-person2/13/2012: I have played relatively few Tower Defense games, it being a genre that does not generally appeal to me. Orcs Must Die essentially said to me, "Okay, so you don't like sitting around watching towers kill things. How about if YOU get to kill things too?" And I was like "Okay OMD, I'm listening." And what fun I had. Orcs Must Die strikes an amazing blend of frantic third-person combat with the strategy of Tower Defense, creating a game that forces you to think and react with equal speed. It is challenging, occasionally frustrating but ultimately very rewarding, not every game leaves me feeling so satisfied when the credits finally roll. It's damn funny too, with its idiotic but endearingly determined protagonist and an Ork horde that's quite disenchanted with the whole marauding business and would rather not die horrible deaths in the service of their whiny sorceress.… Expand
  22. chris999
    Aug 24, 2012
    10
    My first try at "Tower Defence" kind of games and I absolutely love this game - the graphics, the gameplay ... everything - it's been a while since I've had this much fun and obsessesd like this over a game. A must play !
  23. crage
    Jan 3, 2012
    9
    Extremely amusing and engaging game. I don't normally care for tower defense games, but the combination here of FPS and tower defense really works. (Note: I bought this on sale for about $10, at this price point it's phenomenal value for money.)
  24. nighter-3d
    Nov 4, 2011
    9
    it is rare to find a game that I really enjoy nowadays and this definitely one of them!!
    for some reason its very satisfying to see dozens of orcs being slaughtered by traps while you pick off the ones that managed to survive it. its fun, there are enough levels and it has a very reasonable price.
    the main complaint about the game is that its not hard to win a level, but that actually    it is rare to find a game that I really enjoy nowadays and this definitely one of them!!
    for some reason its very satisfying to see dozens of orcs being slaughtered by traps while you pick off the ones that managed to survive it. its fun, there are enough levels and it has a very reasonable price.
    the main complaint about the game is that its not hard to win a level, but that actually helps the game as it allows you try different way to finish a level(a game doesn't have to be hard to be fun right?). there is no "only one way to win" to limit it and many will find that quite enjoyable. the large amount of different traps allows many combinations(like a spring trap flinging orcs into the slicing axes of the blade trap) and i still enjoy revisiting levels and try different combos with the traps ive earned and have upgraded. another nice thing is that the game isn't really demanding of your system. it should even run well on a budget notebook/high-end netbook and still look good. if you enjoy killing hordes of enemies and want to be able to experiment with the tools you get to aid you then you will really like this game and find it worth its price. However if you want a real challenge then you may want to pass on this game. my advise is to just try the demo first. if you end up replaying it multiple times (like i did)then you will probably enjoy this game a lot.    … Expand
  25. Egoecro
    Oct 16, 2011
    9
    In its modest simplicity the game show for what it really is: a little gem in a sea of â
  26. Brumbek
    Dec 19, 2011
    9
    A very fun game that has the best sense of humor since Portal! I first thought OMD! was a low-quality indie game, but it is actually a fantastically made, very well-presented title! The graphics and art style are gorgeous, the animations are flowing, the controls are super smooth, and the traps and sound effects are very impactful (pun intended). Basically, the art, sound, and controlsA very fun game that has the best sense of humor since Portal! I first thought OMD! was a low-quality indie game, but it is actually a fantastically made, very well-presented title! The graphics and art style are gorgeous, the animations are flowing, the controls are super smooth, and the traps and sound effects are very impactful (pun intended). Basically, the art, sound, and controls outdo many AAA titles! Plus the humor, wow, this game is truly hilarious. I laughed so many times at the quirky humor. Although the defense aspect isn't super strategic and does rely on trial and error, it is very fun nevertheless. Plus, I love that I can employ my quick reflexes and twitch gaming skills to headshot Orcs left and right. Unlike other defense games where you often indirectly fight, there's always something to set up, shoot, or blow up. Overall, OMD! is nonstop carnage, mayhem, and hilarity! A true gem for fans of defense games, third-person action, and quality humor! A score of 8.5, between Great and Awesome.… Expand
  27. BritishKid
    Feb 6, 2012
    10
    Orcs Must Die! is one of the most unique games i have ever played. You don't see many games, if any out there that are "Trap Defense" games and that you take a direct part in defending your objective whether you are shooting, burning, freezing, or electrocuting them to death. The only game that is remotely like this is probably sanctum (also a good game). The game has a nice learningOrcs Must Die! is one of the most unique games i have ever played. You don't see many games, if any out there that are "Trap Defense" games and that you take a direct part in defending your objective whether you are shooting, burning, freezing, or electrocuting them to death. The only game that is remotely like this is probably sanctum (also a good game). The game has a nice learning curve to it and if you get through the whole game thinking, "that could of been harder", think again when you try out nightmare mode. Incredibly enjoyable gameplay combine with dozens of traps and levels with a small price tag makes it an especially good buy. I can forgive the game for not having multiplayer because of how fun it is and its low price tag, so it does not need it really. Highly recommended.… Expand
  28. spinspock
    Dec 20, 2011
    8
    Picked this up on a Steam sale a few months back and greatly enjoyed playing it. My only complaint is that after a while it all feels a bit samey and I lost interest after about 5 hours. Still a great game though and I hope to get back to it sometime.
  29. whitespider999
    Feb 27, 2012
    8
    This game is one of my favorite tower defense games, period. The core mechanics are addictive, well balanced, and fun. This is no easy game, and the game balance starts to become less razor tight as you head into the unlockable harder modes. However the time I spent with this game was irreplaceable.
  30. cidian
    Nov 16, 2011
    9
    Great little game! Cool humor, smooth cartoony graphics and fun gameplay. Just when you think it's about to get boring the game throws more stuff your way to help you customize it further. There are different ways to pass each level, depending on your playing style so there is some replay value once you've finished it.
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

30
#30 Best PC Game of 2011
48
#48 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. JeuxActu
    May 4, 2012
    80
    Setting traps to kill thousands and thousands of Orcs has always been a dream for you. Then here is what you were looking for ! Renewing the Tower Defense gameplay, Orcs Must Die is full of good and fun ideas. Despite its lack of ambition regarding the absence of a multiplayer mode and a story not so interesting to follow, players will surely spend some good times thinking about the different and effcient ways they can use to kill Orcs with style!
    Read full review
  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Jan 20, 2012
    80
    Action packed tower defense game surprises with humor and irony. Variability of traps and action combined with strategy guarantee long term fun. [Dec 2011]
  3. Absolute Games
    Dec 16, 2011
    84
    A rare tower defense game is addictive enough to suck you into playing it for days on end. Orcs Must Die is one of them.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »