An Unusual but Fun Tower Defense Adventure
Crystal Defenders is something a little unexpected. It's a Tower Defense title set in the Final Fantasy Universe, specifically Ivalice, the setting for Final Fantasy XII and the Final Fantasy Tactics series of games.
The title itself is split into three separate "games." These are W1, W2, and W3. W1 is your typical Tower Defense affair, set up towers, which in this case are one of six classes from Tactics A2 on the DS. W2 is slightly more advanced, introducing Power Crystals as well as new classes. both which allow for more in-depth strategies. W3 expands on W2 and adds more difficult enemies to the mix.
The game is simple, but gets more complicated as the levels progress, requiring more strategy in order to finish the level. The addition of the two modes (W2 and W3) add additional challenge to those looking for something more than a regular Tower Defense game.
The game uses the charming sprites, again from the DS title Final Fantasy Tactics A2, which suit to the action. The game has a variety of famous creatures from the series as well, including Chocobos, which act as an enemy in some of the levels. The music, which is borrowed from previous titles is equally as good, epic orchestrations help keep the Final Fantasy theme going.
Though it's a fun game, it's tough to recommend unless you're a Tower Defense fan, a Final Fantasy die-hard or preferably both. The game costs 800 Microsoft Points ($10) which may turn off many gamers. But if it is right up your alley, then I can recommend this charming little diversion and an interesting entry in the Ivalice Alliance.
