Review - CyberTD

Developer: Clockwork Origins

Publisher: Clockwork Origins

Available on: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Tower defense games are nothing new but I’m amazed at their different imaginations and viewpoints. Even in 2024, I return to games like Defense Grid 2 with its intergalactic transhuman story and amazing gameplay. One of my favorite tower defense games was Final Horizon on the PSvita, which had a dark sci-fi experience communicated entirely through the various AIs. Not least of course was the brutal difficulty of the RTS of Savage Moon.

Sometimes it's okay to change the formula and experiment a bit. Such is the case with a special indie RTS called CyberTD. This tower defense game shakes the formula by introducing a roguelite element to the game. CyberTD is captivating and engaging, constantly giving players that sensation of "one more time" as they seek to purge cyberspace of viruses. It isn't without its flaws but the experience more than makes up for it.

Cyber Tower-Defense

Cyberspace is in peril as viruses run amok and constantly crash the system. As a new user, your code is to stop the viruses and bring cyberspace back to life. The catch is it isn't so simple. There is only one tower to defend the core of Cyberspace The tower can be equipped with three weapons and a variety of special abilities, but the enemy changes paths. The key is special processors that act as a deck of cards. Each card has a special ability. The path, enemy variety, and deck are randomized for each stage. The goal is to defeat all the waves and protect the cyberspace core.

With only one tower, players can customize their loadout and annihilate the viral enemies of cyberspace. Lasers, missiles, and other armaments are at the choosing. Each round is a matter of choice. Victory depends on the stats those cards apply and how well they are applied. One round, longer ranger may be the best choice. Another round, more damage may be the better choice. However, cards start to offer tradeoffs, like decreased range for more damage. Choosing one over the other can have consequences.

Control Alternate Delete

At each level up, there are upgrades. The system rallies resources for you, the player, which the game refers to as a user. You may use those resources to upgrade weapons and special abilities for subsequent runs. It takes some time to upgrade the tower with multiple gun turrets and abilities. Over time, players will gain access to new laser cannons, missile pods, and other weapons to keep the viruses at bay.

While there isn't much in terms of a story, a drone assists you. Valkyrie voiced by Vincent Fallows provides an interesting personality to the experience. A glitch gives him a split personality between a more jubilant AI program and a more nihilistic AI program. The banter between the two is quite entertaining and does keep the experience interesting.

Be the One and Not the Zero

The gameplay in CyberTD is as follows: Players select their weapons and then allow the turret to automatically fight the waves of enemies in ever-increasing formations. Between each wave is a card. The cards vary from increasing weapon range to causing a poison effect on a target. With each wave downed, more experience is earned and that puts the tower that much closer to its full potential. The goal is to make it to the end to slay all viruses. However, the first several hours will involve the waves eventually defeating the player and disrupting the cyberspace core.

With the gameplay and the presentation, CyberTD is rather intriguing. The Cyberspace aesthetic is pleasing and the gameplay is a unique concept. Though, a synthwave soundtrack and perhaps a small story, would have greatly enhanced the experience. I'm personally invested in any game or show that has something to do with a virtual world, like Tron and Ready Player One. CyberTD certainly has an interesting foundation to build upon in this regard.

Low Bandwidth

The big drawback to CyberTD is the lack of any real control. Most roguelikes boil down to skill and luck, as well as the player's gaming discipline. CyberTD is more based upon cards and luck, and while that is innovative for a genre that has had a diluted formula for some time, it does relinquish most control, meaning the game is more of an autopilot-type game. This is something I would see on a smart device as opposed to a console. A similar game on PlayStation Vita, Final Horizon, did allow some temporary control of turrets from a first-person perspective. While that was more of a real-time strategy, perhaps that could have been an interesting feature.

Another drawback is the grind. it will take hours just to gain a second turret for the tower. I feel that a sensation of upgrading sooner or faster or perhaps unlocking more assets, would have made for greater interest. This may discourage some players but those who enjoy CyberTD's concept might stick around to see how it is.

Verdict

As it is, CyberTD is a fine game to play between games, especially as it is more automatic. Online play is nonexistent, leaving the single-player play and grind as the biggest draw to the game. Still, the visual style, sense of humor, and unique take on gameplay do make it worthwhile, especially when looking for something different. The concept is unique in what it is able to do and the gameplay is strong. In any video game, that's what matters most. CyberTD is a nice, cool time.

CYBERTD IS RECOMMENDED.