"GeoDefense" sets itself apart with graphics

There is a free demo available on iTunes.

By Chase Koeneke

Published April 17, 2009

Before the iPhone was even a sparkle in Steve Jobs' eye, there have been tower defense games. Since the iPhone's introduction, though, the genre has become so oversaturated that it would make a sponge blush.

"GeoDefense" is yet another one of these games available on the iPhone and iPod Touch, but developer Critical Thought Games has recognized the apparent sogginess and thrown out a life preserver of hope to those drowning in a stagnant lake of stagnicity (seriously, it's so bad out there, I had to make up a new word to describe the lack of innovation that is present in these of games).

"GeoDefense" follows most of the same conventions as other tower defense-style games: using a bevy of towers, each with different powers, eliminate all of the enemies trying to get to their goal. What makes "geoDefense" really stand out is its incredible, neon-filled art style. Anyone who's played "Geometry Wars" will instantly be familiar with the brightly colored vector images, and those not familiar will instantly fall in love.

And it's not just the visuals. Every time your fully upgraded missile tower launches, you'll have no choice but to squeal with glee, as the sound effects are just plain fun. There's no background music to speak of, but that's just as well because you'll be listening to your own tunes anyway.

But "geoDefense" is so much more than a nice looking and sounding game. Unfortunately, its difficulty might just be its downfall. There are 30 levels in all, but if you can get past level 5 without resorting to "novice mode" or a strategy guide, consider yourself a god and go brag to all your friends. If your veins are filled with normal human blood however, there is the possibility the insane difficulty could turn you off to the game.

But the game is not just hard for the sake of being hard: There is a deep strategy to "geoDefense" that forces you to think tactically to survive each level. Using the best towers and knowing when to upgrade them in every situation is key, which makes "geoDefense" more like a puzzle game in that regard.

Another puzzle, though unintentional, is trying to get your towers exactly where you want them. For a game that demands precision to win, it's awful when the only reason you lost is because your finger moved slightly while choosing your build site, causing your tower's alignment to be completely thrown off. Some kind of invisible grid like on your computer's desktop could've made the process much easier.

"GeoDefense" will set you back four dollars, which seems a little high considering that most other tower defense games on the App Store only cost $0.99. But "geoDefense's" stellar Tron-like graphical flair and markedly higher challenge make it one of, if not the best, tower defense game available on iTunes. With its faster pace and more bite-sized levels, as well as it's auto-save anywhere feature, "geoDefense" cleverly has found ways to make it perfect for 10 minutes of play as well as upwards of an hour. In any case, there is a free demo version available on iTunes as well, so make sure to check that out before diving in to make sure this is the game for you.