Review: Sanctum 2

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Sanctum 2 (3)Sanctum 2 is the sequel to the world’s first Tower Defense/FPS hybrid game. Pick from four unique character classes and embark on a mission to protect the oxygen-producing Cores from hordes of deadly aliens who are threatened by their existence.

Sanctum 2 (2)

Pros:

  • Graphics have been improved, from the colour to the detail of the levels. On the PC you have access to a lot of graphic options including a FOV slider which is a god send. Levels are bright and colourful.
  • Story is told through a graphic novel style, usually used on the loading screens.
  • Campaign is all co-op enabled and a new lobby system makes it easier than ever to play with friends. To play with randoms you just need to open up the room to the public.
  • Story is broken into areas and then into levels.
  • Game is a wave based tower defense game with a FPS twist.
  • You can add modifiers to the levels which are called “Feats of strength” where you can earn extra cash,exp by putting these on. They are things like harder enemies,less ammo etc.
  • 4 characters to pick from, all with a different starting gun. From a sniper to assault rifleman fire weapon and a shot gunner.
  • Level up to earn new weapons,abilities (perks), towers and more inventory slots.
  • Mini map in the corner shows the level in 2D and shows the flow of enemies and where your turrets are.
  • Planning phase is used to set up towers, looking at the doors will show you what enemies and number of them are coming in the next wave,
  • Towers can be upgraded to improve range,rate of fire etc.
  • At the end of the wave you get a resource dump to use for building and upgrading.
  • If you find the game too tough then easy mode is available with no major drawbacks except you level up a bit slower.
  • Perks can be unlocked and add more to the tactical approach to the game. Perks like critical hits chances or extra damage or enemies hitting the core get additional damage.
  • The game splits tactical and straight up FPS action within the levels.
  • Each area ends with a boss battle and they are capable of destroying your defenses.
  • The mix between the two genres can in some levels be very well balanced.
  • Co-op is the best way to play the game but playing solo is still satisfactory.

Sanctum 2 (1)

Cons:

  • Weapons are slow, especially at reloading and to be honest are not that great .
  • New players will feel a bit confused at first as there is so much going on in the level that you will feel a bit over come.
  • Cannot upgrade weapons themselves.
  • Upgrading towers doesn’t have a indicator of how many resources is needed.
  • Falling out of the level or falling through the wall is quite common.
  • Got a few instances of the game locking up or freezing during play.
  • Later levels lose the balancing between FPS and tactical tower placement and turns more into a huge shooting gallery.

In summary, The game is good and I did enjoy playing it. I like the way you make the game as hard or as easy as you want. Tower placement is key and using shooting as a last resort is brilliant. Nothing is more satisfying than setting the action phase and just standing there and watching you turrets taking out everyone. A lot of the time I never really knew what was going on but it never stopped my enjoyment. The game is a huge huge improvement over the original. With a bit more polish and the devs listening to fan feedback, this game can easily beat the original in ever way. If you can I suggest you play in co-op and have a blast with it.

Jim Smale

Gaming since the Atari 2600, I enjoy the weirdness in games counting Densha De Go and RC De Go as my favourite titles of all time. I prefer gaming of old where buying games from a shop was a thing, Being social in person was a thing. Join me as I attempt to adapt to this new digital age!