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- In Vitro Games
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- In Vitro Games
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- In Vitro Games
Defenders of Ekron: Definitive Edition
Released On: Aug 7, 2018
59
4.2
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 6 Critic Reviews
59
0% Positive
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
83% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
17% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
Metascore
Mixed or Average
Based on 6 Critic Reviews
59
0% Positive
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
83% Mixed
5 Reviews
5 Reviews
17% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
The mixture of level types helps keep the game varied and entertaining, and the frequency of impressive boss battles means slower moments never last for too long. It’s a respectable addition to the shmup genre.
If you’re looking for a standard Japanese shmup, Defenders of Ekron is going to disappoint, but this Chilean gem offers a nuanced level design that allows it to excel, becoming far better than most of its contemporaries through a revolving door of fun, challenging encounters and enough content to leave you more than content. Sure, it’s full of awful anime tropes that make you resent every story section, and it’s got some game design systems that actively hinder your enjoyment, but those negatives aren’t nearly enough to weigh down the game.
I don’t think I’ve ever played a game like Defenders of Ekron before; loving it one moment, hating it the next and then loving it again. Its ambition and storytelling is great and it does some really interesting things with the gameplay which, at times, really impresses – especially that found in the challenge rooms. But there are many more times where it becomes very familiar, failing to allow the previously impressive stuff to take hold.
I absolutely love shmups, and while Defenders of Ekron: Definitive Edition is completely serviceable as one, it didn’t do much to excite me, even with some new interesting mechanics and a rarely found narrative focus in a schmup. I applaud the risk of trying something new, but the blending of different mechanics doesn’t always work as well as I would have hoped. While not terribly long, $12.99 is a little steep for what you get, but worth checking out on a sale if you’re in desperate need for a new twin stick shooter shmup.
Defenders of Ekron is passable at best. I wont deny that the game shines at its brightest and is at its most exciting when there’s a lot of action on screen, but the moments that lead to that, despite some interesting ideas, often struggle to maintain grip. There’s also a few technical issues and poor design choices to contend with, on top of the game’s play-it-safe story. Fun indeed, but hardly compelling.
Defenders of Ekron – Definitive Edition is not the game its advertised to be, nor the game you’d want it to be. The second half of the game is a tedious, confusing mess with no real support from the storyline; it doesn’t help it stay afloat. The hour or so of shmup style gameplay that is there is solid, but its blurred by the rest of the game’s mechanics and gameplay elements. The puzzles, while occasionally interesting, are completely out of place. The game overall is a failure. It’s playable, but it’s not likely what you’re wanting or expecting.
User Score
Generally Unfavorable
Based on 9 User Ratings
4.2
0% Positive
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
56% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
44% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
User Score
Generally Unfavorable
Based on 9 User Ratings
4.2
0% Positive
0 Ratings
0 Ratings
56% Mixed
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
44% Negative
4 Ratings
4 Ratings
There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.
Summary Defenders of Ekron mixes shoot'em up action and the exploration of an adventure game. Destroy enemies in 360° shooting range, analyze unique scenarios, upgrade your Anakim's skills and defeat The Renegades to stop the bursting civil war threatening Ekron. The revolution starts with you!
Rated T
for Teen
Platforms:
- PC
- PlayStation 4
- Xbox One
- Nintendo Switch
Initial Release Date: Aug 7, 2018
Developer:
- In Vitro Games
Publisher: In Vitro Games
Genres:
