Defense Grid: The Awakening

 Xbox 360
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Digital Chumps
    92
    One heck of a buy for $10. For anyone who has yet to venture into the Tower Defense genre of gaming, it provides a uniquely appealing style of RTS/puzzle gameplay that is sure to addict most everyone who gives it a go.
  2. TeamXbox
    90
    The pinnacle of design for tower-defense games, and not just because of its fancy Gamebryo-powered 3D graphics. It’s challenging and complex without breaking the same simple rules that all tower-defense games follow, even the most unsophisticated ones. Taking a simple yet classic game design, then adding depth and polish to it, is probably the purest way to make a great game.
  3. Gaming Target
    90
    It’s a great buy but be warned: once you place your first tower, you’ll be hooked for many, many hours of alien blasting fun.
  5. GamePro
    90
    Overall, this game is for you. Intimidated by a tower defense? Don't be. It requires some heavy thinking and brain power, which is good for everyone. Since no one reads books anymore, you mind as well play a game that requires you to think on your feet. Defense Grid: The Awakening will love you if you love it.
  6. GameFocus
    90
    I never would have expected such as basic game as “Tower Defense” to be given such a great make over with some gameplay tweaks and be such a worthwhile and addictive game. While you can play a very basic version of this type of game on thousands of websites, if you enjoy playing them this is one of the few commercial ones that is worth your gaming dollar.
  7. Gamer.nl
    90
    Defense Grid is one of the best Tower Defense-games and offers a great introduction to the genre on the Xbox 360. The game is well build, very addictive and even a pleasure to watch.
  8. IGN
    89
    A great value on Xbox Live Arcade. It's a fantastic tower defense game, costs half what it does on PC, and throws in bonus levels for us. Strategy games aren't everyone's cup of tea, but if you count yourself a devotee of the genre you won't want to miss this one.
  9. My Gamer
    88
    If you are a tower defense fan, you need to download the full version of this game. And if you are a not a fan of the genre, Defense Grid just might have enough in its bag of tricks to convert you.
  10. Planet Xbox 360
    85
    Defense Grid: The Awakening is not overly original within the tower defense genre, but does everything so exceedingly well in an anemic XBLA genre that it is impossible to resist.
  11. Gamervision
    85
    It's half the price of the PC version and comes with a few extra maps after the original campaign is over, adding even more value where, in all honesty, none was needed.
  12. Official Xbox Magazine
    85
    One of the finest examples of the burgeoning tower-defense genre on Xbox 360. [Nov 2009, p.70]
    All this publication's reviews
  13. Console Monster
    85
    Defense Grid provides all that is great about Tower Defense games and suffers from none of the pitfalls.
  14. Game Over Online
    85
    Defense Grid takes about five minutes to learn, then slowly gives you more tools over the course of campaign mode.
  15. Gamers' Temple
    84
    If you don't like tower defense games, then Defense Grid won't change your mind about the genre. However, if you do enjoy the occasional tower game or enjoy strategy games in general, Defense Grid is definitely worth your time.
  16. Gamer 2.0
    81
    Defense Grid: The Awakening offers what is easily the best tower defense game on the Xbox 360 and is a game that anyone interested in that genre should check out.
  17. GameSpot
    80
    This exceptionally balanced tower defense game will keep you coming back to fight off the alien invasion for just one more wave.
  18. X-ONE Magazine UK
    80
    Satisfying, to say the least. [Issue#51, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  19. Official Xbox Magazine UK
    80
    Completely towers over the rest. [Dec 2009, p.107]
    All this publication's reviews
  20. Xbox World 360 Magazine UK
    80
    The best tower game ever. [Dec 2009, p.104]
    All this publication's reviews
  21. Gamer Limit
    75
    Defense Grid breaks the mold enough to awaken dreary tower defense fans, but a few key issues keep it from achieving greatness.
  22. Gaming Age
    75
    A nicely put together game in an increasingly crowded genre.
  23. Gaming Nexus
    67
    With enough content to make it worth the price, but not enough unique content to make it stand out from other free titles you can find online, Defense Grid: The Awakening is a slightly above average tower defense video game.
  24. Metro GameCentral
    60
    It's still just another Tower Defence game, but at least this one requires some genuine strategy.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best Xbox 360 Game of 2009
73
#73 Most Discussed Xbox 360 Game of 2009
75
#75 Most Shared Xbox 360 Game of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 53 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 53
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 53
  3. Negative: 3 out of 53
  1. idbell
    Jun 17, 2012
    10
    Truly one of the best strategy games on the 360, and one of the few that have stood the test of time. Though I have finished all the levelsTruly one of the best strategy games on the 360, and one of the few that have stood the test of time. Though I have finished all the levels many times, I still come back to try new things and test new strategies. It'll never have the following of COD, but as a tower defense game, there is none better.… Full Review »
  2. Tower
    Jan 23, 2016
    10
    It is hard to explain why this game is so good. The game-play is just so finely balanced to make each level a memorable experience. The wavesIt is hard to explain why this game is so good. The game-play is just so finely balanced to make each level a memorable experience. The waves of aliens have been paced so that you constantly have to make strategic choices, and there's rarely a moment to sit back and take it all in. The graphics may not be the best ever, but they grow on you. The soundtrack and voice acting are excellent. I can honestly say that I have never played such an addictive game as Defense Grid.… Full Review »
  3. NickBrooks
    Sep 15, 2009
    9
    Pretty much perfect implementation of a tower defence game, lots of small tweaks and features that show attention to detail. Graphics andPretty much perfect implementation of a tower defence game, lots of small tweaks and features that show attention to detail. Graphics and voiceover are also very polished.
    Such a shame the metacritic score is dragged down by the idiotic 60 from Teletext (that great bastion of gaming journalism), who admits that it's a great game, but gives it a low score because he doesn't like tower defence games (hint - get someone to review it who at least likes the genre/concept).    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »