OTAKU REVIEWS: "Castle Raid 2"

   I don't know about you, but I really enjoy a good strategy game. Nothing makes me feel better than besting someone with both my mind and my gaming skills in video games. The only problem I've encountered is that the market is flooded with terrible strategy games. Most of them seem like cheap knockoffs of already popular games that really don't keep your attention for very long. But Castle Raid 2 really broke the endless cycle of awful games. It's a mobile phone medieval style strategy game (That was a mouth full!). It has epic battles, knights, elves, orcs, magic, and even DRAGONS! So let me tell you about it!

STORY

   The story takes place just after the previous game when your character, the Blue Commander, defeats the Crimson Leader and his army. After banishing him out of your land, a red orc leader emerges and pushes your weakened forces into the ice mountains to the West. Desperate and backed into a corner, your character allies with the Crimson leader to take back your home.
   Something really fun about the story is that the characters appear to be self aware that they are in a game. They throw out every cliché in the book, and even make references to the story. It's pretty funny and made me giggle a few times during the cut-scenes. The whole story is pretty simple and plain, but it was a nice touch to a game that really didn't need one. The art was the main focus for me. I enjoyed the design of the characters and style of the world. It had and almost Saturday morning cartoon feel to it that really took me back.

GAMEPLAY

   The majority of the game focuses on a single battlefield with two castles on either side. Your job is to amass enough forces to push to the enemy's castle and destroy it. Sounds easy right? Well, they added something in addition to your standard units. Each castle has a tower on both sides, one for offense and one for defense. These things can turn the tide of a battle in a split second. One can fire long range missiles that can kill multiple units at once. The other can send lightning at attacking warriors when they enter its field. These add an exciting element to the combat and keep you on your toes.

   Aside from the cool features, you will still see your standard infantry. You have swordsman, archers, and cavalry to start. Later you can unlock wizards, King's guard, rogues, and more.
   Before you go into battle you have to select up to five units to deploy throughout the match. One that you'll always have is your peasant. This unit doesn't fight at all. Its only job is to search the battlefield for trees to cut down for supplies. You need supplies to make more soldiers to attack with. Protecting your peasants is the most important part of the entire fight. If you can't secure your supplies while cutting off the enemy's then you will lose quickly.
   To deploy someone you just tap their icon then tap the spot of the field that you want to place them. My only complaint with this is that once they are release you have zero control over them. They will act on their own and auto-target. This can be great while you're crafting soldiers, but can also seriously mess up your plans.

   As you progress through the story and the different maps you'll earn points that you can use to buy different infantry types and upgrade your existing ones. The upgrades are noticeable in combat and give you a distinct advantage, but they will not carry you. You will still have to play well to make it through battles and not use the upgrades as a crutch. This was nice to see and definitely made the game more exciting.

MULTIPLAYER

   The developers were kind enough to implement a working multiplayer system that you can play against someone with you on the same screen. It works just as well as the regular game, and you can play the same maps from the campaign! It's a lot of fun to play with your friends. Just make sure you have at least a five inch screen or it can get a little cramped at times.

IN GAME PURCHASES

   A lot of people are worried about micro transactions with any mobile game. A few great games I've played have been ruined by the locks their transactions have on  the game to the point where you'll just stop playing and move on. This game doesn't have that issue. It initially cost $1.02, and you get the entire game. You can buy more points to upgrade your units if you need it, but you don't need to buy them at all. Because of the natural progression of the game you will just upgrade regularly. It gets more difficult with time, but never to the point where you are forced to buy currency to overcome it.

OVERVIEW

   I am very pleased with this game. It had my attention, it was entertaining, and made me laugh at times. For only a dollar, it's an incredibly well made and fun game. There are no existing bugs, and the gameplay is well designed an incredibly addicting. I would highly recommend this game to anyone who enjoys medieval style games or strategy games. You won't regret your purchase.

Score: "8 out of 10" A Must Try!!!

-Otaku Anonymous