Sanctum (2011)

 PC
Metascore
70

Mixed or average reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. GameTrailers
    May 3, 2011
    73
    Loads of fun, and it's a decent buy at $14.99. While it could benefit from a wider range of weapons and environments, its engrossing and unusual gameplay makes it a safe bet for any dedicated tower defender.
  2. GamingXP
    Sep 9, 2011
    70
    Really just a quick game for LAN parties as there's no long-term motivation. But wait and see what the future holds: Coffee Saint Studios has announced there'll be numerous improvements to esure the game won't win the title of most beautiful indie game on the market not just for the graphics.
  3. PC PowerPlay
    May 22, 2011
    70
    Despite some niggles, Sanctum is a solid PC debut for this indie dev. Recruit a friend and get ready to lose a few hours! [June 2011, p.66]
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  5. GameSpot
    May 4, 2011
    70
    Sanctum is a fun first-person take on traditional tower defense; it just lacks enough content to round it out.
  6. AtomicGamer
    May 2, 2011
    70
    Sanctum isn't for everyone, but for a dedicated pair of FPS/strategy-loving people in the same room, it's a damn fine choice for for a fun weekend of innovative tower defense.
  7. GamesRadar+
    Apr 25, 2011
    70
    While the combat in the game leaves much to be desired, the new perspective on the tower defense genre is a welcome and refreshing change of pace.
  8. GameZone
    Apr 19, 2011
    70
    While it has its flaws, Sanctum is a unique and commendable twist on the tower defense genre. The first-person shooter elements and incredibly fun multiplayer aspects offer a fun experience, and with the promise of new downloadable content on the horizon, the game is worth forgoing a few McDonald's Happy Meals to pick it up.
  9. Games.cz
    Jul 7, 2011
    60
    Another game in the style of Tower Defence, this time from its own perspective. You must prevent your enemies from passing through by building towers and by fierce shooting, just like in any other FPS. Sanctum may entertain you for a while, and the while lasts quite long, but many types of towers and enemies are insufficient defence against intrusive stereotype. The game is lifeless and dry like Tutankhamun's mummy.
  10. GameStar
    May 28, 2011
    60
    It's fun to play with a friend in co-op mode for an hour or two, but the game lacks the content to be interessting for much longer. Once you are really into it, it already ends. More diversity and a broader range of possible tactics would have been nice.
  11. Absolute Games
    Oct 17, 2011
    57
    I hope that future patches and expansions will fix the game, since right now Sanctum brings only headaches instead of joy.
  12. IGN
    May 25, 2011
    50
    Sanctum nicely upgrades Tower Defense genre but unfortunately doesn't dig much fun out of a good idea. [Issue#204]
    All this publication's reviews

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Most Discussed PC Game of 2011

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 242 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 130 out of 242
  2. Mixed: 60 out of 242
  3. Negative: 52 out of 242
  1. comscier
    Sep 27, 2011
    0
    Lack of content
    if you want to gain full experience of this game...
    prepare to spending more money on up coming DLCs... (lots coming) *I am    Lack of content
    if you want to gain full experience of this game...
    prepare to spending more money on up coming DLCs... (lots coming)

    *I am not purchasing their DLCs.
    I don't support the practice of selling DLCs when the game itself is lacking content.
    *You do not get the complete game when you purchase, that said you have to even pay to unlock towers.    … Full Review »
  2. Jinx
    Apr 22, 2011
    9
    Excellent game. I played the beta for 15 hours, and that wasn't even feature complete. I'm starting in on the full game now, and the otherExcellent game. I played the beta for 15 hours, and that wasn't even feature complete. I'm starting in on the full game now, and the other maps seem more complicated and interesting. The mix of first-person shooter and tower defense works well, and navigating to set up your defenses is thankfully a breeze. The defenses are crucial, but you always feel like your own fighting matters. It's one of the best looking indie games out there, and takes full advantage of the Unreal 3 engine. Overall, this would be a great game for $40... for $15 it's a steal, and fans of tower defense strategy games, or FPS fans looking for something new, will find a lot to like here. It's also worth noting that it has a 2-player online co-op mode (4-player soon), and that the developers are active on the Steam forums and working on tweaks and new content. My only complaint would be the save system (one save at a time, and save points aren't for every wave), but it's a minor complaint and likely to be fixed based on community feedback.… Full Review »
  3. SirLance
    Jan 16, 2013
    4
    Wasn't for me. I love tower games but this was too much of a first person action for me. I also love FPS games like Mass Effect, but hereWasn't for me. I love tower games but this was too much of a first person action for me. I also love FPS games like Mass Effect, but here you have to constantly turn, look up and down... if you get motion sickness, you'll probably play it as long as I did after I purchased it. One run, about 5 minutes, and then deleted it.… Full Review »
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