Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD - The Cost of Alliance is Too High
While the latest entry in the acclaimed tower defense series introduces new mechanics, it stumbles in content depth and replayability.
last updated Jul 29, 2024
This is a delightful, if brief, foray back into tower defense territory—one that feels more like a stepping stone than a solid entry.
Gameplay - The New Alliance
Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD presents a welcome twist to the beloved franchise by allowing players to control both the valiant warriors of Linirea and the brooding dark army. The double-hero system is a fresh mechanic that adds a layer of strategic depth, enabling players to tackle the myriad of challenges that the game offers. While the campaign consists of 16 levels that encourage the use of unique tower combinations and hero skills, many find the overall difficulty to be rather forgiving. It's a fun romp, but the game lacks the bite of its predecessors, making it feel like a walk in the park rather than a climb. With fewer tower options and restricted skill trees, veterans of the series may find themselves not just breezing through, but wishing for a little more complexity and challenge.
Audio - The Soundtrack of War
The audio in Kingdom Rush 5 is quintessentially Ironhide—energetic tunes that perfectly accompany your tactical defenses, although some tracks may sound all too familiar for seasoned players. The upbeat compositions provide a suitable backdrop that enhances the game's whimsical yet epic atmosphere. Sound effects for towers and heroes are crisp and return to the solid standards set by the previous titles. One must note, however, that while the music enthralls, an element of innovation in the audio department is sorely missed. A few catchy tunes can't entirely mask the absence of variety in the sound design, leading to repetitive notes echoing across the battlefields.
Graphics - A Majestic but Familiar Canvas
True to form, Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD dazzles with its stunning visuals and quintessential art style that fans have come to adore. The character designs are vibrant, and the animated effects feel polished and engaging as you demolish waves of enemies. Though the game runs smoothly, players might notice that much of the aesthetic feels recycled from earlier titles, creating a sense of déjà vu amid the beauty. Additionally, map designs lack the memorable contours that previous entries possessed, often leading to scenic but less impactful engagements. It's a visual treat, but one that beckons a little more innovation rather than a mere reskin of its predecessor.
Content - Quality Over Quantity?
One glaring issue with Kingdom Rush 5 is its brevity—players can expect to complete the campaign in about 6 to 8 hours. With no side missions or additional content to keep adventurers engaged post-campaign, the experience leaves much to be desired, especially for a title retailing at $19.99. The limited tower variety and the absence of an encyclopedia to guide players through enemy details contribute to a sense of disappointment. Tower upgrades have narrowed down to fewer branching choices, stripping away the rich, strategic planning players enjoyed in previous games. As much as fans of the franchise want to revel in nostalgia, many are left yearning for the robust content that once filled the Kingdom Rush universe. Instead of a grand finale, it seems more like a hesitant encore.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Ironhide Game Studio
Release Date
July 25, 2024
Verdict: A Valued Addition, Yet Incomplete
Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD captures the essence of what made its predecessors great, but ultimately falters by skimming the depth that fans have come to expect. The introduction of new mechanics is commendable, yet it remains devoid of substantial content and variety. While the audio and graphics maintain the high standards set by Ironhide, the gameplay experience sinks beneath the weight of its own ambitions. Longtime fans might find enjoyment in the game's polished mechanics and art, yet newcomers may feel overwhelmed by nostalgia while lacking the thrills of a fully realized tower defense experience. In short, Alliance is a delightful, if brief, foray back into tower defense territory—one that feels more like a stepping stone than a solid entry.
