The Orcs Must Die! series has been a staple in the gaming community since its launch in 2011, providing gamers with a straightforward, satisfying experience of killing thousands of orcs using traps, swords, and bows. The latest installment, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, shakes up the familiar formula by introducing roguelike elements that add a new layer of complexity to the gameplay.
In Deathtrap, players once again take on the role of a warrior tasked with defending against waves of orcs in maze-like maps. However, instead of progressing through levels in a set order, players now face randomly generated modifiers that challenge them to adapt their strategies on the fly. These modifiers can range from facing larger enemies to being unable to revive co-op team members, adding a fresh twist to the gameplay.
Despite the innovative changes, some players may find the repetitive nature of playing on the same maps multiple times during a co-op session to be somewhat monotonous. Additionally, the limited number of barriers players can place may lead to a feeling of “solving” a map and then repeating the same strategy each time, detracting from the overall experience.
Nevertheless, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap still offers a fun and engaging co-op experience, particularly when players team up to create elaborate kill-boxes filled with traps to decimate hordes of orcs. The game’s release on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC on January 28, with availability on Game Pass from day one, ensures that fans of the series can dive into the action without delay.
As players explore the new features and mechanics of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap, they may find themselves yearning for a return to the traditional level-based format of previous games while incorporating some of the roguelike elements introduced in this installment. Much like a good, cheap burger that’s enhanced with bacon or better cheese, a future sequel that strikes this balance could satisfy both loyal fans of the series and newcomers alike.