SENTRY: A Leap into the Future of Tower Defense
Alright, folks, grab your favorite space helmet and strap in, 'cause we're about to dive deep into "SENTRY," a game that had me staying up way past my bedtime and considering calling in "sick" to work just to play "one more round." Trust me, it's been a while since a game had me this hooked, and I'm here to spill all the cosmic tea.
The Premise: Space, the Final Frontier... for Tower Defense?
"SENTRY" is what you get if "Orcs Must Die" decided to take a vacation in space and had a love child with "FTL." It's a beautiful mishmash of genres—part tower defense, part FPS, and all adrenaline. You're basically the last line of defense against hordes of aliens that think your spaceship looks like a great place to crash (literally).
Gameplay: More Addictive Than Alien Goo
Launching into "SENTRY," I wasn't sure what to expect. I've played my fair share of tower defense and FPS games, but mixing the two? That's like chocolate and chili—surprisingly fantastic. The game tosses you into the deep end from the get-go, pitting you against waves of aliens while you strategically place traps and blast the heck out of anything that slithers or stomps your way.
The shooting? Satisfying as popping bubble wrap. There's something incredibly gratifying about mowing down aliens with precision, all while your carefully laid traps go off like fireworks on the Fourth of July. And let me tell you, when you start getting creative with your defense strategies, "SENTRY" shines like a supernova.
The Tower Defense Twist: A Strategy Buffet
Here's where "SENTRY" really starts to flex its cosmic muscles. Each encounter is like a puzzle—figuring out where to place your traps and how to funnel those alien suckers into your line of fire is more addictive than it has any right to be. And just when you think you've got it all figured out, the game throws a curveball in the form of new alien types that make you rethink your entire approach.
The Progression: Loot, Unlock, Repeat
The loot and unlock system in "SENTRY" is the carrot on a stick that keeps you coming back for more. There's a plethora of fun stuff to discover and integrate into your arsenal, making each playthrough feel fresh. And with the promise of co-op on the horizon, I'm already planning which of my friends I'm going to drag into this space rodeo.
The Difficulty Curve: Just Right or Space Madness?
One of the things I appreciated most about "SENTRY" was its difficulty curve. It's like the devs took Goldilocks' approach—not too easy, not too hard, but just right. That being said, don't get too comfortable; the game knows exactly when to dial up the intensity, keeping you on your toes (or floating boots, in this case).
The Visuals and Sound: Immersive as Heck
The sound design in "SENTRY" deserves a shoutout. Each blast, alien shriek, and trap activation sounds like music to my ears. And visually? It's like if "Half-Life" decided to take a psychedelic trip through the cosmos. The game's aesthetic nails that sci-fi vibe, making you feel like you're really there, defending your ship against an alien rave.
Final Verdict: To Infinity and Beyond or Lost in Space?
So, where does all this leave us with "SENTRY"? If you couldn't tell already, I'm all aboard this spaceship. The game is an absolute blast (pun intended), combining genres in a way that feels both innovative and incredibly fun. Sure, it's still in early access, and there's room for more content and polish, but what's here is a solid foundation that I can't wait to see expanded upon.
With co-op on the way and the potential for even more alien-blasting, trap-laying madness, "SENTRY" is one early access title that's well worth strapping in for. I'm giving it a solid 8.9/10. It's not just a game; it's an intergalactic adventure that had me at "Deploying SENTRY."
So, what are you waiting for? Suit up, load up, and let's defend the heck out of this spaceship. "SENTRY" is calling, and it's time to answer the call to arms. Or, you know, tentacles. Whatever floats your spaceship.
We at NLM received a key for this game for free, this however didn’t impact our review in any way.