Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is a tower defense game with a roguelike twist that has polarized fans of the series. While it retains the core gameplay of setting traps and battling waves of orcs, many longtime players feel it falls short compared to previous entries like OMD3. The game introduces a "Threads" system for upgrades and modifiers, aiming to add replayability, but these are often criticized for lacking synergy and meaningful impact.

Map design and trap variety have been points of contention. Large, open maps reduce the effectiveness of traditional "killbox" strategies, and the limited number of traps and barricades restrict player creativity. Character progression is seen as shallow due to small talent trees and repetitive abilities. However, the game is praised for its smooth gameplay, cooperative multiplayer, and a fresh roguelike approach that some new players find addictive.

Performance and optimization issues, as well as a lack of narrative and endless mode, have also been noted. Overall, the game has potential but currently feels incomplete and less polished than its predecessors.

Highlights

Players appreciate the cooperative multiplayer experience and the game's smooth, satisfying combat. The addition of roguelike elements with the "Threads" system adds replayability and variety to runs. The game's art style and graphics receive positive remarks for being visually appealing and well-polished. Fans enjoy the strategic depth when combining traps and character abilities, especially in co-op mode. The introduction of new organic traps offers fresh tactical options. Additionally, the game's pacing without strict wave time limits is welcomed by many.

Criticisms

Common criticisms focus on the lack of character uniqueness and shallow progression systems, with talent trees feeling too limited. The large, open map design hampers traditional trap strategies, making the gameplay feel repetitive. Many players find the "Threads" upgrade system random and unsatisfying, lacking meaningful synergy. The game suffers from performance and optimization issues, causing lag even on high-end PCs. The absence of an endless mode and minimal story content reduce long-term engagement. Some players also highlight limited trap variety and underwhelming enemy balancing as areas needing improvement.