Overview
Embarking on an exciting voyage through the realm of tower defense games, my adventure kicked off with the classic challenge of Plants vs Zombies on my good ol' iPod during the school days. This intriguing beginning marked the start of a quest for games infused with similar addictive elements, which led me down the path towards Kingdom Raids, bloating my fascination for the tower defense genre with its increased complexity and depth. The journey didn't stop there, for Bloons Tower Defense soon captured countless hours of my attention, especially on the celebrated platform of Cool Math Games, back in its prime. Moving forward into the domain of Web 3, I stumbled upon a gem named Everseed. This tower defense game, with its intricate design and enchanting characters, held my gaze for long stretches on stream and demanded even more of my time off-stream, as I endeavored to tackle levels that had previously bested me.
Gameplay
Stepping into this browser-based realm, you're greeted with a sign-in page that's not just a gateway, but a warm welcome into a world where you truly own parts of the game. Following this, an art-filled welcome screen beckons, igniting a spark of curiosity and an eagerness to dive deeper into the game's offerings. Here, the shop and inventory are readily accessible, though my attempts to secure items were met with restraint. Nonetheless, the display of my NFT plant, which served as my ticket to participate, hinted at a game that's more than just its assets, yet without any added frills to distract from the core experience.
With a tap on the start button, you're presented with a myriad of levels, ranging from beginner to hard, each promising a unique challenge, and not excluding a daunting final boss fight. The beginner level serves effectively as an instructive introduction; a step I learned not to skip after an initial round filled with chaos. After altering my strategy, the game became smoother, yet remained a delightful challenge. Unlike other games in its genre, Everseed guides you on a structured path, allowing for strategic planning and preparation for the battles that lie ahead.
The arsenal at your disposal is both varied and fascinating. From the loyal canine companion to a bear and a kangaroo-esque rodent, each ally brings a distinctive set of abilities to the battlefield. The choice doesn't end there; a diverse array of plants awaits, ranging from the classic thorn-spitters to icy thistles that slow enemies down, not to mention those endowed with electric and fiery capabilities, adding another layer of strategy to your defensive tactics. But it's not just about picking your favorites; strategic selection is key to forming an effective defense synergy.
Despite the game's design focusing on gameplay rather than vibrant visuals, this doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment. What stands out is the variety of enemies, each introducing a new level of difficulty as you progress. From slow-moving foes that are easily dispatched to fast, tanky adversaries that test your defenses, the game constantly challenges your strategy, especially with enemy spawns that are as unpredictable as they are diverse. As the difficulty escalates with every level, each victory feels like a momentous achievement.
Review
Everseed is an exceptional take on the cherished tower defense genre. While honoring the core elements that have made these games a staple, it introduces innovative gameplay mechanics and a plethora of enemy origins, favoring a captivating gameplay loop over graphic intensity. The game, despite its initial graphical simplicity—an aspect attributed to its early alpha stage—promises improvements in aesthetics in future updates. Yet, even at this nascent stage, it succeeds in engaging the player for hours on end.
The blend of various plant types and enemy patterns, coupled with the strategic selection of allies, provides a fresh and captivating experience every time you play. It's a game that not only challenges but rewards perseverance and strategic planning, making every level conquered a cause for celebration. The joy of overcoming a seemingly insurmountable level is unmatched, a sensation I encountered frequently in Everseed, even at the beginner stages, offering immense satisfaction every time.
Enhancing the traditional features observed in other tower defense games, Everseed stands out as a distinct and remarkable experience for any enthusiast of the genre. The challenge it presents is well-balanced, ensuring that players remain engaged and motivated. As anticipation builds for the upcoming beta release, which promises new levels, allies, and plant types, the future of Everseeed looks bright, potentially offering an even more enriched and immersive gameplay experience for its burgeoning community of players.
