Artisan TD

Artisan TD is a puzzle-oriented Tower Defense game where you must survive by building mazes.

Current Players: 43
Developers: 4rtisans
Publishers: Unexpected
Release Date: Jul 22, 2024
Price (USD): $16.99
Artisan TD garners a mixed reception, being praised for its strategic depth, challenging gameplay, and high-quality graphics that nostalgically recall the days of Warcraft 3 TD maps. However, criticisms focus on its steep difficulty curve, limited player freedom in solving levels, and technical issues. While it excels in challenging TD enthusiasts seeking a puzzle-like twist, those looking for a more traditional TD experience with upgrade paths and broader strategic options may find it restrictive. The game stands as a solid entry for those appreciating its challenging approach and attention to detail, yet it polarizes players with its distinct take on the genre.

Positive Points

  • Challenging gameplay that rewards strategic planning.
  • Well-designed and beautifully detailed maps with a variety of enemies that require different strategies.
  • Intuitive and strategic maze-building mechanisms that amplify the classic tower defense experience.
  • High replay value with multiple difficulty levels and the challenge of achieving perfect scores.
  • Smooth performance and pleasant art style, reminiscent of Warcraft 3.
  • Quality of life features like wave restarts without losing game progress.
  • The game is praised for being a true-to-genre tower defense with a solid balance and innovative ideas.
  • Negative Points

  • Some players find the game too difficult, even on lower settings, making progression frustrating.
  • Lack of freedom in gameplay, with many feeling the game is more of a puzzle with specific solutions rather than an open tower defense experience.
  • Controls and keybindings are criticized for being non-intuitive and lacking customization options.
  • Occasional technical issues, including crashes and performance problems, detract from the experience.
  • Players miss upgrade mechanisms, both during and between levels, limiting strategic depth.
  • The game is described as having a steep difficulty curve and being unforgiving to mistakes.
  • Some levels perceived as having only one solution, leading to repetitive trial and error.
  • Mixed Points

  • Graphics and visual style are generally well-received, but some desire more clarity on enemy distinctions and tower functionality.
  • The ability to restart from a specific wave is praised for reducing frustration, but also highlights the game's trial and error nature.
  • Common Themes

  • Challenging and strategic gameplay with a focus on precise tower placement and pathing.
  • High-quality graphics and a well-realized fantasy theme that draws players in.
  • A mix of enjoyment and frustration due to the game's perceived steep learning curve and difficulty.
  • Comparisons to classic Warcraft 3 custom tower defense games, with a modern graphical update.
  • Lack of progression mechanics outside of individual level completion adds to the challenge but also limits player growth.
  • Updated 9/20/2024, 4:34:56 PM UTC