Orcs Must Die! 2: What Critics & Players Say
A summary of critic and player reviews — not a hands-on review.
▶ Orcs Must Die! 2 is widely praised for its goofy humor and engaging blend of action and strategy, though it is marred by significant stability issues in co-op.
What is Orcs Must Die! 2?
Orcs Must Die! 2 is an action-tower defense game developed by Robot Entertainment. Moving away from the traditional top-down perspective of the genre, it uses a third-person viewpoint where players control a caster to stop waves of orcs from reaching a goal. The game blends strategic planning with real-time combat in a lighthearted, humorous setting.
How It Plays
The core gameplay loop involves placing a variety of traps to funnel and damage enemies while simultaneously fighting them using the player character's own abilities. Players set up defenses to slice, burn, and toss orcs in large numbers. A typical session involves managing these traps and actively engaging in combat to ensure the horde does not breach the defenses.
The Consensus
Both critics and players agree that the game successfully evolves the original formula by maintaining the core mechanics while adding a highly desired co-operative mode.
What Critics Say
Critic coverage is limited, but available sentiment is positive. Reviewers from sites like Co-Optimus note that the sequel does not change the elements that made the first game successful, specifically praising the addition of co-op play.
What Players Say
Players generally describe the game as a 'solid' and 'goofy' experience, with many appreciating the humor and the active role of the player character. However, a significant number of users report severe technical issues, specifically frequent crashing during co-op sessions and near the end of levels, which can result in the loss of kill statistics.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Engaging third-person action perspective
- ✓ Strong sense of humor and lighthearted tone
- ✓ Effective co-operative gameplay
- ✓ Satisfying blend of trap placement and direct combat
Cons
- ✗ Frequent crashing, especially in co-op mode
- ✗ Loss of progress and stats due to technical instability
- ✗ Difficulties with 100% achievement completion
Who It's For
👍 Who it's for: Fans of tower defense who want more direct action and those looking for a humorous co-op experience with a friend.
👎 Who should skip it: Players who have a low tolerance for technical bugs and crashing, particularly in multiplayer.
💲 Worth it? At $14.99, it is considered a decent value for those who enjoy the genre, provided they can navigate the reported stability issues.
How It Compares
| Compared to | How Orcs Must Die! 2 differs |
|---|---|
| Traditional Tower Defense games | Replaces the top-down view with a third-person action perspective and a playable character |
| Orcs Must Die! | Adds co-operative play and expands upon the original's trap and combat mechanics |
Screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play this game solo?
Yes, players report that the game is 'pretty decent' and a 'solid' experience even when playing solo.
Does the game have co-op?
Yes, the sequel introduces co-op play, which critics and players highlight as a key feature.
Are there technical issues I should know about?
Yes, multiple player reviews mention 'horrible crashing issues,' particularly during co-op and at the end of levels.
What is the gameplay perspective?
Unlike many tower defense games, it uses a third-person action-oriented viewpoint.
Is the game serious in tone?
No, players describe it as a 'fun and goofy game' with a 'great sense of humor.'