Orcs Must Die 3 (OMD3) returns with a familiar brand of chaotic, orc-slaughtering mayhem. This third installment in the tower defense-action hybrid series retains the core gameplay that fans adore, but it doesn’t stray far from the formula established in its predecessors. While some may crave innovation, OMD3 excels in delivering a relentlessly fun and strategic experience, especially in cooperative play. Let’s delve into the horde, dissecting the strengths, weaknesses, and everything splattery in between.
The Art of Orc Annihilation
OMD3’s core gameplay loop remains addictive. Players take on the role of a skilled defender, wielding an arsenal of traps and weaponry to strategically decimate waves of orcs and other fantastical foes. The satisfaction of setting up a perfect chain reaction of traps, watching orcs get launched, ground into dust, or impaled on spikes, is undeniably potent.
Graphics: 7
Sound: 6
Controls: 8
Story: 7
Engaging: 8
Overall: 7.8
The trap selection, a series staple, offers a good amount of variety. From the classic floor grinders to the ever-satisfying lava pits, there’s a trap for every orc-disposing need. New additions like the Scattershot, which launches enemies into each other, add a delightful layer of chaos. Upgrading these traps becomes a constant pursuit, as their enhanced damage and effects become crucial for tackling later levels.
Weapons provide a more direct approach to orc disposal. From the trusty crossbow to the devastating Skullhammer, each weapon caters to different playstyles. Upgrading weapons unlocks new abilities, further empowering your orc-slaying prowess.
The Horde Grows (Slightly): New Enemies and Defenders
OMD3 introduces a new enemy faction: the fiery Fel Orcs. These purple-skinned adversaries are immune to fire damage but vulnerable to ice. While strategically interesting, the Fel Orcs don’t drastically alter the overall gameplay. They primarily serve as a damage sponge that requires different trap setups, which can be a welcome challenge.
The game also introduces a handful of new playable characters, each with unique abilities. New additions Kelsey and Egan are the new War Mages being trained by Gabriella, the Sorceress. With a few other unlockabale surprises. Each playable character has a different special ability. These abilities add a layer of depth to character choice and can be strategically used to manipulate enemy behavior and maximize trap effectiveness, but ultimately are forgetable compared to the weapons and traps themselves.
Cooperative Carnage: Where OMD3 Shines
Co-op mode is where OMD3 truly shines. Coordinating trap placements and working together to funnel orcs into deathtraps is a blast. Reviving fallen teammates and witnessing the glorious chaos of a well-executed orc massacre create a unique sense of camaraderie. The difficulty scales well in co-op, making it a challenging and rewarding experience for seasoned players, while remaining accessible to newcomers teaming up with veterans.
A Familiar Footing: Innovation vs. Iteration
While OMD3 excels in its core gameplay, some may find the lack of major innovation a bit underwhelming. The level design, while visually appealing, adheres to the established castle aesthetic of previous entries. The enemy variety, beyond the Fel Orcs, feels somewhat limited. Existing fans will likely find comfort in the familiar formula, but those seeking a radical shakeup to the series might be left wanting.
War Scenarios: A Missed Opportunity
One new addition, War Scenarios, introduces large-scale battles with massive enemy hordes. Players control powerful siege weapons to defend against these overwhelming waves. However, War Scenarios lack the strategic depth of the core gameplay. The vast open spaces limit trap placement options, and the focus shifts to managing cooldown timers on siege weapons rather than intricate trap setups. While the spectacle of these battles is initially impressive, the novelty wears thin quickly.
Aesthetics and Audio: A Feast for the Senses
OMD3’s cartoony visuals are bright, colorful, and perfectly suited to the game’s lighthearted tone. The gore is exaggerated and comical, with satisfying sound effects that accentuate every orc’s demise. The soundtrack is energetic and fits the action well, though it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.
Endgame and Replayability: The Grind Never Ends (But is it Fun?)
OMD3 offers a decent amount of content to keep players occupied after completing the campaign. Here’s a breakdown of the endgame options:
- Endless Mode: This mode throws increasingly difficult waves of enemies at you on a single map. It’s a great way to test your skills, experiment with trap combinations, and chase high scores on the leaderboards. However, the lack of map variety can make it feel repetitive after a while.
- Skull Gems and Mastery: Skull Gems are hidden collectibles that offer permanent stat upgrades for your characters and traps. Finding them adds a layer of exploration to the campaign and motivates replaying levels. Mastery levels are awarded for completing specific objectives on each map. Completing these objectives unlocks additional cosmetic rewards and further incentivizes replayability.
- Challenges: These self-imposed limitations add a layer of difficulty and encourage creative problem solving. Examples include completing levels without using certain traps or weapons.
- Content Packs and DLC: Several DLC packs add new maps, playable characters, and trap variations. While these can extend the gameplay experience, purchasing them can feel like a steep ask considering the base game’s already solid content offerings.
Ultimately, OMD3’s replayability hinges on your enjoyment of the core gameplay loop. If the strategic trap placement and gruesome orc annihilation never get old, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied post-campaign. However, those seeking a more diverse endgame experience might find themselves yearning for something more.
Technical Performance and Bugs: A Mostly Smooth Orc-Culling Experience
OMD3 runs smoothly on most modern systems. The visuals are well-optimized, and frame rates remain stable even during the most chaotic orc onslaughts. However, a few minor bugs and glitches can occasionally disrupt the flow of gameplay. These primarily manifest as pathfinding issues with enemies or traps malfunctioning. While not game-breaking, these technical hiccups are worth mentioning.
A Look Back: Where Does OMD3 Stand in the Series?
OMD3 is a worthy successor to its predecessors. It refines the core gameplay formula and offers a solid amount of content. However, compared to the jump between OMD1 and OMD2, the innovation feels less substantial here. Long-time fans might miss the sense of progression in gameplay mechanics seen in previous entries.
That being said, OMD3 is arguably the most polished entry in the series. The visuals are improved, the controls feel responsive, and the co-op experience is seamless. For newcomers to the series, OMD3 serves as a perfect entry point, offering a streamlined and accessible introduction to the addictive world of orc-crushing mayhem.
Who Should Buy Orcs Must Die 3?
- Fans of the Orcs Must Die! series looking for more of the same chaotic, strategic fun.
- Players seeking a cooperative action-tower defense experience with a lighthearted tone.
- Anyone who enjoys watching orcs meet their demise in increasingly creative ways.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Players seeking a radical departure from the established OMD3 formula.
- Those who crave a more diverse endgame experience beyond endless waves and challenges.
- Gamers turned off by cartoony visuals and slapstick humor.
The Final Splat: A Gruesomely Good Time
Orcs Must Die 3 is a satisfying, orc-culling extravaganza. While it doesn’t break new ground for the series, it delivers a polished and addictive experience perfect for co-op play. The strategic trap placement, visceral combat, and over-the-top gore create a uniquely enjoyable gameplay loop. If you’re looking for a game where you can unleash your inner trap-master and revel in the glorious demise of countless orcs, then Ocs Must Die 3 won’t disappoint. Just don’t expect a revolutionary change from the series’ established formula.