From XGen Studios comes an original flash game that officially made its Wii Ware debut. Originally built as a flash game by the same studio, it is about as simple as they come. Defend Your Castle fights its way into the Wii Ware launch in a mixed bag. For about 5 bucks you enjoy some crazy fun with the Wiimote or try your fun for free on the game’s official website. It is quite perplexing to see a game of this nature make it in Wii Ware, than again, the purpose of Wii Ware is to see originally built titles from garage developers.

Just Pick up and Throw? 

The above title pretty much covers what Defend Your Castle is all about. The levels start out slowly and you will find yourself eventually getting bored with the game until you reach the later levels. In the beginning, there are small amounts of the stick figure army running to attack your castle, but later in the game you’ll find that number and speed increasing. You have to make sure that you don’t fall prey to the enemy and lose your castle in the process. The evil stick figure army eventually finds its own additions to their arsenal and adds a large stick as their battering ram. Other times you’ll see them rolling down small bombs as they sacrifice themselves to destroy your castle. 

Levels don’t take very long to complete and can easily be done in around 5 minutes. After every level, you are given the chance to upgrade your defenses by buying certain items to strengthen your castle. There are things like the pit of conversion, which places a big empty tin next to your castle. If you drop one of the stick figure invaders inside, you will convert them to your side of the. You can add things like archers and other kind of fighters to the top of your castle, who will actually help you out while you grab and throw your enemies around the level to keep them away from your castle. 

Day and night, along with weather changes, makes the game more interesting, although it doesn’t add much to the gameplay at all. Although you can make all the additions you need and cap your upgrades early in the game, you will find yourself pretty busy later and be thanking yourself for the upgrades. Things get a little crazy in the later levels, when the stick figure army multiplies and your wrist won’t be too happy when you’re sleeping for the night. You have a pretty decent health bar and every stick figure death equals points for your ability to purchase things in the shop after the level. 

If you have some buddies with you, the game supports 4-player multiplayer and works easily with the title. You’ll be glad you dragged your friends into the mess, especially if you’re hell bent on defeating as many little stick figure people you can. This is one title that doesn’t really need an online component and it’s pretty safe to say thank you to the developers for not implementing one. 

How’s it sound? 

Stick figure enemies do sound a little wacky but in the good way. You’ll hear a little “oof” and something like an “ow” every time you throw around your baddies. Weather effects are clear through the speakers, and weapon effects are all fine. One interesting noise is when you get to the part levels that show the stick figures rolling down the bombs. The explosions sound like someone just recorded his or her voice in the sound of a made up explosion, which adds to the silliness. 

Graphically, Everything Ok? 

Defend Your Castle stands out among the Wii Ware titles as being the one game that uses a drawing board look. Everything about Defend Your Castle has the feel that it was drawn by pencil and colored in by crayon from an artist. The clouds and the smiling sun in the background provide depth to the overall game experience. 

The Plasma Factor 

Defend Your Castle is worth the 5 dollar price tag. Although, you may as well just save your money and play the online flash game on the developers website. However if you want the Wii remote experience, you can always find it on Wii Ware. Defend Your Castle brings with it a simple gameplay experience with no story to speak of. There isn’t really much fault with this title minus the fact that it is certainly long and doesn’t seem like there is any end to it. 

Conclusion 

If you’re looking for something to do and want to pass the time, you can always check out Defend Your Castle. Gamers who are also are looking for the Wii experience, may find Defend Your Castle is worth the purchase price. With the 5 dollar price tag, you can’t beat the cheapest game on the Wii Ware line up. Luckily, Xgen Studios lets gamers play the game on their website before even purchasing. Overall, Defend Your Castle makes good use of the Wiimote and will give you a good time. Just make sure you don’t go in expecting any kind of depth, as you’ll find yourself gravely disappointed.