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The tower defense genre has a rich history, evolving from custom maps in games like Starcraft and Warcraft III to standalone franchises like Dungeon Defenders, Winged Sakura, Anomaly, and Kingdom Rush. While the genre experienced a boom in the early 2000s, it has since seen a decline in recent years, with fewer high-quality titles being released. Orcs Must Die! was a standout during the genre’s peak, with Orcs Must Die! 2 receiving critical acclaim. However, after a nine-year wait and the less successful spin-off Orcs Must Die! Unchained, Orcs Must Die 3 has finally arrived. Does it live up to the legacy of its predecessors?

Orcs Must Die 3 – Gameplay Screenshot

The Enduring Humor of Orc Slaying

Tower defense games, often requiring less development time and resources, experienced a surge in popularity, particularly among smaller, independent studios. However, many struggled to find success due to a lack of unique identity. Orcs Must Die! distinguished itself with its signature humor, evident in both the narrative and gameplay, while capitalizing on the addictive elements of the genre. Robot Entertainment’s experience shines through in Orcs Must Die 3, delivering an impressive and entertaining experience.

Orcs Must Die 3 – Character Screenshot

The story takes place 20 years after the second game, with the familiar hero retired and a new generation of orc-slaying graduates taking the reins. Unlike the previous reluctant hero, these newcomers are eager and confident, albeit a bit naive, as they defend the rift between worlds. The game features improved cutscenes and humorous voice acting, creating a cohesive narrative within the typically simplistic storytelling of the genre. It also provides glimpses into the fates of the previous heroes and the backstory of the new recruits.

Orcs Must Die 3 – Trap Screenshot

Orcs Must Die 3 retains the core elements that made the series successful: the thrill of facing hordes of orcs, strategically placing traps, and skillfully executing headshots. The trap system remains a highlight, allowing for upgrades and combinations to create devastating chain reactions. New traps add to the humorous charm, such as the Butterfly Trap, which distracts orcs with colorful butterflies, and the Jar of Ghosts, which scares them away. This humor provides a welcome respite from the constant onslaught of enemies.

Orcs Must Die 3 – Gameplay Screenshot

With an expanded arsenal of traps and weapons, Orcs Must Die 3 offers a variety of tactical options. Despite the larger selection, the game maintains balance by carefully controlling map design, enemy numbers, and overall pacing. Each level presents a challenging experience, demanding logical thinking, quick reflexes, and strategic planning.

Orcs Must Die 3 – Gameplay Screenshot

The game includes 18 campaign levels, weekly challenges with unique scenarios, and an Endless Mode for a truly enduring challenge. These challenges push players to their limits, requiring mastery of the game’s mechanics and strategic thinking. This focus on challenging gameplay is reminiscent of classic games and a refreshing change in the modern gaming landscape.

Orcs Must Die 3 – Gameplay Screenshot

Co-op mode returns, allowing two players to team up against the orcish hordes. While this can ease the difficulty in terms of firepower, it still demands coordination and communication to maximize the effectiveness of traps.

Orcs Must Die 3 – Co-op Screenshot

A Lack of Innovation

While Orcs Must Die 3 is a fun and engaging tower defense game, it falls short of expectations for long-time fans. The additions to the gameplay feel more like incremental improvements rather than groundbreaking innovations. Players relying on familiar strategies and weapons can complete the game without much difficulty. This lack of significant change can be disappointing for those who waited years for a new installment.

Orcs Must Die 3 – Gameplay Screenshot

Furthermore, some technical issues from previous games persist, despite the switch to Unreal Engine 4. For instance, the camera can still be obstructed when the player moves close to walls. These issues detract from the overall experience.

Orcs Must Die 3 – Gameplay Screenshot

In conclusion, Orcs Must Die 3 is a worthwhile experience for tower defense enthusiasts. It delivers on the core elements of the series, with its signature humor and challenging gameplay. However, the lack of significant innovation may leave some long-time fans wanting more.