IDUN – Frontline Survival review

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I’ve dabbled occasionally in Tower Defense games, typically finding them attached to other titles rather than as standalone experiences. However, I seldom delve deeply into the core mechanics of this genre. What I usually look for is a storyline or character development, similar to RPGs or Metroidvanias. But IDUN – Frontline Survival caught me off guard with its immediate appeal.

Initially, you take on the role of Ham, a rough yet witty security officer whose duty is to manage the defense of an almost entirely automated mining facility on the planet Idun. Assisted by his daughter Ro-ro and some selectable allies, Ham frequently finds himself in the heat of the action as lethal alien creatures start assaulting the operation from multiple directions.

In simple terms, one character named Ham is the only defender without external help, as he doesn’t have equipment dropped from orbit. You can summon defensive structures like turrets, flamethrowers, towers, and upgrades by gathering materials found during the mission. These structures are quickly deployed and offer immediate benefits. However, the unique aspect isn’t just their quick deployment; it’s that you can move them anywhere at no cost and without any delay. If a swarm of enemies gathers to the east, simply place your turrets there while Ham and his team handle enemies to the west. This flexibility allows for dynamic defense strategies.

During gameplay, you have the option to utilize a potent “sky cannon” to eliminate adversaries instantly in real-time, providing assistance to your ground troops. Occasionally, you’ll receive golden crates that you can interact with to obtain new upgrades, additional weaponry, or enhancements and bonuses. Given that missions are usually quick and intense, it’s crucial to make full use of all resources at your disposal. IDUN is designed to be difficult, so if you take your attention away for even a brief moment, you might find yourself overwhelmed.

Additional figures soon make their appearance, including marksman Rayne and close-combat specialist Q. With them comes a heightened emphasis on storytelling within the game, as it takes place in a richly developed universe. The vibrant, intricately designed characters embody this world, often engaging in disputes but also providing ample exposition to help build and explore the setting.

This game is visually appealing as well. While the mission levels may not be overly complex, they do offer a variety of alien terrains. The character illustrations during dialogues are particularly stunning. Moreover, it features fully voiced dialogue and some impressive sound effects. It’s incredibly rewarding to destroy turrets and unleash a barrage of firepower against swarms of massive bugs with the sky weapon.

IDUN can be quite intense at times, barely giving you a chance to strategize before an attack starts. Managing the defense in this way is exciting, but it can become overwhelming due to its stressful nature. When turrets start getting destroyed, it’s tough to quickly obtain replacements, and sometimes repairs aren’t possible. As I mentioned earlier, it’s intentionally designed to be difficult, and the more challenging you make each mission, the better the rewards you’ll receive.

In this game, the rewards you earn are utilized for several purposes: enhancing your defense systems, discovering new items through research, and advancing your character and their equipment by leveling up. The hub area between missions gives you the flexibility to allocate resources as you prefer, although it’s not a place where you’ll spend much time. It’s worth mentioning that IDUN performs admirably on Steam Deck, despite not having been officially verified at the time of writing. While the small screen may make some dialogue hard to read, the game runs smoothly and is easy to control, even during intense battles.

IDUN: Frontline Survival offers an engaging twist on the tower defense genre, featuring charming characters and an enjoyable narrative. Its distinctive mechanics ensure a refreshing experience. However, don’t expect a walk in the park; a bit of frustration might be encountered as you learn to master its challenges.

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2025-01-24 15:16