Analysis | Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance

Hey, bro! I finally got my hands on the long-awaited Kingdom Rush 5: Allianceat least for me. I spent a good part of my gaming life playing the first games in the franchise, because that was what I had to play at the time. (I spent some time without video games and played a lot on my phone, believe it or not).

What can I say right away? Be prepared, because there is a lot of content, a lot to do, a lot of strategy to try out, a lot of new features, towers, heroes, etc. So basically, set aside 100 hours to play with this wonder here. Oh, and the game is available for both mobile and Steam, the version I reviewed.

One of the coolest things about Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance It's how it forces you to think fast. Imagine you're in the middle of a battle, your hero is about to die and all these enemies come out of nowhere. If you don't use the power-ups at the right time, you're done for. It's like trying to beat the game. Sekiro without dying, but here you have to protect your towers while trying to survive.

The Heroes: Who's Who in the Slums

Let's talk about the heroes, bro. Each one has their own unique abilities and you need to choose the right one for each stage. Some heroes are good at defense, others are great at offense, and so on. It's almost like choosing your character in Street Fighter. You're not going to use Dhalsim to face Zangief, are you? You have to use your head, mate! The cool thing is that now we can use two heroes at the same time, which increases the possibilities for strategy.

The heroes in Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance are as varied as they are powerful. We have the Vesperan archer that deals massive damage; Anyaan agile shadow half-vampire with ranged and support abilities; and Towersthe stone giant that can take a beating like no one else, being the ideal tank to hold the front lines. In addition to these, we also have Raelyna strong warrior who uses fire magic to decimate enemies; Grimsona fierce half-demon with combat skills; Theriena void mage who can teleport and cast powerful spells; and Onagera goblin engineer who bombards enemies with missiles and drones. Other heroes include Warhead, Broden, Lumenir, Kosmyr It is Nyrueach with unique abilities that fit different strategies and playstyles. Choosing the right hero for each stage is crucial to success, and mastering their abilities can make all the difference in defending your kingdom.

Easter Eggs and References

And what about Easter eggs? There are a lot of them! There's Link fishing and catching rupees, but there's a lot more. Like, in one stage you can see a reference to Lord of the Ringswith some hobbits running to save their homes. There's Robin Hood falling into the river, and that moment when you see a character that looks like Mario jumping around? Brilliant, man. This just shows how much of a fan of the classics the Ironhide guys are.

Life in Phases

The levels aren't just about defending your towers. There's life happening all around you, with characters doing their thing. Sometimes you even forget you're in the middle of a battle and just stare at what's going on at the edges of the screen. It's like when you play the Sims and you end up spending more time building the house than taking care of your Sims. But be careful, these details can distract you and make you lose the battle. Focus, warrior!

Gameplay that never gets boring

Do you think you'll get tired of playing it once? No way! Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance There are so many things to unlock and so many different challenges that you will want to play again and again. And every time you come back, it is a new experience. It is like playing Devil in Hardcore mode, where every mistake costs you dearly, but the adrenaline is addictive. And you'll want to vary your strategies with different heroes, and try again on higher difficulties to try to get more stars that can transform and improve your skills and also the characters.

For those who like a more hardcore approach, the game offers difficulty modes that are truly nightmarish. You'll need advanced strategies to get through the most difficult levels. It's almost like playing 4D chess, where every move counts and any mistake can be fatal.

Extra Content and DLCs

And there's more! As per Ironhide Game Studio's tradition, they always send out extra content and DLCs that add even more layers to the game. New heroes, new towers, new stages… It's like when they release a new expansion pack for the Sims. There's always something new to keep you engaged. It's a way to keep the game fresh with more content. Calm down, warrior, you can unlock A LOT of stuff through the game, the old-fashioned way, by playing, but from what I've seen there are 2 slots for heroes that should be released in the future. When these contents come out, they're cheap and worth it.

Franchise History: From Flash to Success

Back in the early days, Kingdom Rush started as a Flash game. Yes, back in the days when we played on the browser at school, hiding from the teacher. And look where it has come! Today, the franchise is one of the biggest names in tower defense games. Ironhide has rolled up its sleeves, evolving the game with each new edition. The guys started back in 2010 with 3 people, and they are now showing their competence. If you are interested, see here in the link A little bit of the company's history, it's impressive. And you know what's cool, it's a Uruguayan company, right next door! Our brothers did a great job!

Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance – The Missing Union

Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance from Ironhide Game Studio is a masterpiece in the tower defense genre. Taking the genre and the series to new heights, combining the best of previous titles with innovations and challenges that keep the player engaged from start to finish. The story, despite being simple, is captivating and even cute in the right measure.

Heroes, with their unique abilities and specific strategies, are the highlight. From the archer Vesper to the relentless Torres, each character brings a new dynamic to the battlefield, requiring the player to think quickly and adapt their tactics to the situation.

The gameplay is addictive and challenging, with levels featuring unique obstacles and varied enemies, ensuring that each playthrough is a new experience. The introduction of new elements and power-ups keeps the game fresh and exciting, even for series veterans. And of course, the Easter eggs and references to other games and pop culture are a fun touch that shows the care and dedication of the development team.

Furthermore, the game's longevity is impressive. With multiple difficulty modes, AND LOTS of achievements to unlock, Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance offers endless hours of fun and challenge. It's worth at least 100 hours of your time and a game that's worth every second invested, providing a rewarding experience for players of all levels.

Pros:

• Addictive gameplay: The classic tower defense formula with a new twist.
• Creative challenges: Each stage brings something unique and difficult.
• Strategic Heroes: Choosing the right hero makes all the difference.
• Replayable content: Lots to do even after finishing the campaign.
• Fun Easter eggs: References and jokes hidden in every corner.

Cons:

• High initial difficulty: It can be discouraging for newbies.
• Learning curve: Requires patience and strategy, which may put off more casual players.
• Distractions in the stages: Small details that can take your focus away from the battle, if you have ADHD or something like that.

Final Grade: 9/10

In summary, Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance is a must-play title for any fan of strategy and tower defense games. Ironhide Game Studio has once again managed to outdo themselves, and they've done it before, delivering a game that is as fun as it is challenging. Get ready to form your alliances, choose your heroes and defend your kingdom against all the threats that arise. This game is, without a doubt, one of the best in the series and a milestone in the genre, which, let's be honest, needed a breath of fresh air.