Showing posts with label PC Gaming. Show all posts

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap: A New Chapter in the Action-Packed Tower Defense Franchise! + OMD History!

The "Orcs Must Die!" series has been a beloved franchise in the tower defense genre since its debut in 2011. Developed by Robot Entertainment, the series combines action-packed gameplay with strategic trap placement, creating a unique and engaging experience for players. The latest installment, "Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap," continues this tradition while introducing new features and improvements that enhance the gameplay.

A little OMD History

The original "Orcs Must Die!" game was released in 2011 and quickly gained popularity for its innovative blend of third-person action and tower defense mechanics. Players took on the role of a War Mage, tasked with defending rifts from waves of orcs and other creatures using a variety of traps and weapons. I logged plenty of hours in the game via the Xbox 360. The game's success led to the release of "Orcs Must Die! 2" in 2012, which introduced cooperative multiplayer and expanded the arsenal of traps and weapons.

In 2020, "Orcs Must Die! 3" was released, bringing the series to a new generation of consoles and adding large-scale "War Scenarios" that allowed players to defend against massive armies of orcs using oversized traps. The game also introduced new characters, traps, and enemies, further enriching the gameplay experience.

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap: What's New?

"Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap" builds on the foundation laid by its predecessors while introducing several new features that enhance the gameplay and provide fresh challenges for players. Here are some of the key additions:

Roguelite Elements: Unlike previous installments, "Deathtrap" incorporates roguelite mechanics, offering a gauntlet of randomly selected stages with various modifiers. This adds a layer of unpredictability and replayability to the game.
New War Mage: The game introduces a new War Mage, Master Gabriella, who brings Arcane magic back into the series. Her unique abilities and tricks add new strategic options for players.
New Enemies and Maps: Players can expect to face new enemy types, such as the Unstable Orc, which requires more effort to defeat. Additionally, new maps like the Resort Canal offer unique challenges, such as defending two rifts simultaneously.
Enhanced Progression Systems: "Deathtrap" features deeper progression systems, allowing players to unlock and upgrade traps, weapons, and abilities in more meaningful ways. The introduction of "Threads" offers players choices that can significantly impact their gameplay strategy.
Co-op Gameplay: The game supports up to four-player co-op, allowing friends to team up and tackle the orc hordes together. This cooperative element adds a social dimension to the game and makes it even more enjoyable. The co-op action has spring break written all over it!
New Game Modes: In addition to the traditional tower defense gameplay, "Deathtrap" includes new game modes that challenge players in different ways. These modes provide variety and keep the gameplay fresh.

"Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap" is a worthy addition to the "Orcs Must Die!" series, offering new features and improvements that enhance the gameplay experience. I haven't played an OMD game in a long time, but I was able to jump right back in. Not crazy about the reload mechanic, but... it adds to the challenge. With its roguelite elements, new characters, enemies, and maps, as well as deeper progression systems and co-op gameplay, "Deathtrap" promises to keep players engaged and entertained for hours with ease. My first gameplay session run over an hour before I even noticed the time. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, "Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap" is definitely worth checking out if you're a tower defense fan. If you're not sure, check out the first 30 minutes of gameplay below and... game on!

Get... Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap for $29.99! | Available Now!

+ Sophi

a
Support us below!

Stellar Anime Figurines!

Blu39 - Let's Go! (Clarissa Vibes)

FTS: 'Iconic Anime’ Samurai Pizza Cats Are Coming BACK! (ALL Platforms - 2026)

Classic Anime Samurai Pizza Cats Returns with a New Video Game Featuring Original Voice Cast!

Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past is currently in early development for all major platforms!

To celebrate the 35th anniversary of the beloved 1990s anime Samurai Pizza Cats, a brand-new video game is officially in development. Alongside this announcement, a special trailer featuring the original voice cast has been released!

The show first aired in Japan on February 1, 1990. Kyatto Ninden Teyandee is a sci-fi, action-comedy animated show set in Edoropolis, a city inhabited by anthropomorphic robotic animals. The series gained international recognition in the early 1990s when it was localized as Samurai Pizza Cats and broadcast worldwide and has maintained a dedicated fanbase to this day.

The new game, Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past, is being developed by Dutch studio BLAST ZERO (creative team behind Jitsu Squad) and will be globally distributed by Red Dunes Games from the United Arab Emirates. Designed as a 2D Action RPG, the game allows players to seamlessly switch between members of the Pizza Cats, utilizing their unique abilities to solve puzzles and engage in thrilling battles within the world of Little Tokyo. The newly released trailer shows a stunningly faithful recreation of the anime’s cel animation style, along with a sneak peek at in-game footage.

Notably, the Japanese trailer’s script is being supervised by Satoru Akahori, the original screenplay writer.

English cast from left to right:

Sonja Ball (Polly Esther) Dean Hagopian ( Seymour “The Big Cheese”) Rick Jones (Speedy Cerviche) and Terrence Scammell returning as (Guido Anchovy, Narrator)

The trailer also features an impressive voice cast reunion from both the English and Japanese show.

The English cast includes Rick Jones (Speedy Cerviche), Sonja Ball (Polly Esther), Terrence Scammell (Guido Anchovy, Narrator) and Dean Hagopian returning as Seymour “The Big” Cheese.

The Japanese cast includes Kappei Yamaguchi (Yattarou), Ai Orikasa (Pururun), Ikuya Sawaki (Kitsunezuka Ko’on-no-Kami), Naoki Tatsuta (Karasu Gennarisai) and Kenyu Horiuchi (Narrator). Seiichirō Yamashita joins the cast as Sukashii, taking over the role from Jurota Kosugi, his senior at the same talent agency.

To commemorate this special occasion Kappei Yamaguchi, Ai Orikasa, and Seiichirō Yamashita have shared their thoughts:

Kappei Yamaguchi (Yattarou) — How did it feel to record Yattarou’s voice again after so long?

"Yattarou, alongside Ranma, is one of my foundational roles as a voice actor. When I first heard about the game, I was absolutely thrilled, and now that it has become a reality, I couldn’t be happier. I was especially surprised to learn that the game is being developed in the Netherlands! It felt amazing to say 'Tenkamuteki no Daishōri!!' ('Unrivaled, ultimate victory!!') again. I love Yattarou so much!"

— What was it like reuniting with the original cast? And what are your thoughts on Seiichirō Yamashita joining as the new voice of Sukashii?

On reuniting with the original cast: "Hearing Kon-chan (Ko’on-no-Kami) and Gen-chan (Gennarisai) banter, Kenyū-san’s witty narration, and the Nyankī squad’s signature introductions—it was like stepping back into the recording studio from all those years ago. I was also blown away by how faithfully the trailer recreated the original animation style. The love and dedication from the Dutch development team truly shine through. And of course, a big thank you to Seiichirō Yamashita for bringing Sukashii to life!"

— What are your thoughts on the 35th anniversary of Kyatto Ninden Teyandee, which continues to be loved both in Japan and overseas as Samurai Pizza Cats?

"Congratulations on 35 years of Kyatto Ninden Teyandee! Over time, I’ve been hearing more and more people say, ‘I loved Teyandee!’ and it makes me so happy. The fact that this series continues to be loved not only in Japan but also overseas is truly special. This is a work that I will cherish forever, and Yattarou will always be an irreplaceable part of my career."

Ai Orikasa (Pururun)
— How did it feel to record Pururun’s voice again after so long?

"I was deeply moved by the quality of the visuals. The passion of the game development team for this series was so evident, and it made me incredibly happy. Seeing Ko-on-no-Kami and Gennarisai’s interactions was exciting, and I was delighted to say Pururun’s signature catchphrase once again."

— What was it like reuniting with the original cast? And what are your thoughts on Seiichirō Yamashita joining as the new voice of Sukashii?

On reuniting with the cast: "Even after 35 years, this series remains as vibrant as ever in my heart. The moment I stepped into the studio with Kappei-san and the rest of the team, Pururun’s lines just came naturally. Seiichirō Yamashita did a fantastic job as Sukashii—he really captured the character’s essence."

— What are your thoughts on the 35th anniversary of Kyatto Ninden Teyandee, which continues to be loved both in Japan and overseas as Samurai Pizza Cats?

"Even our post-recording gatherings (laughs) were a blast! I truly believe the camaraderie among the cast and crew translated into what audiences loved about the show. It is such an honor to be part of a series that continues to be cherished after all these years. Please continue to support Kyatto Ninden Teyandee!"

Seiichirō Yamashita (Sukashii) — Were you familiar with Kyatto Ninden Teyandee before? What was your experience recording for the trailer?

"To be honest, I wasn’t familiar with Kyatto Ninden Teyandee before this project. It’s incredible to be involved with a series that predates my birth. The recording session was truly special—I had the privilege of performing alongside legends like Kappei Yamaguchi, watching them work up close in such a dynamic setting."

— How did you feel about taking over the role of Sukashii from your senior colleague Jūrōta Kosugi?

"Even now, I feel like it’s too great an honor to say I’ve ‘inherited’ the role. This is my first time stepping into a character previously portrayed by another actor, and I was deeply conscious of preserving the image of Sukashii that fans hold dear. The encouragement from the production team was invaluable, and this has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me."

— What are your thoughts on the 35th anniversary of Kyatto Ninden Teyandee, which continues to be loved both in Japan and overseas as Samurai Pizza Cats?

"Stories have a way of leaving lasting impressions on people, and the love for Kyatto Ninden Teyandee has endured over decades. To see that love manifest in a brand-new game is truly extraordinary. This opportunity is a treasured milestone in my acting career, and I hope fans continue to support the series for years to come!"

What excites me about the announcement of this game is that Tatsunoko doesn't typically release games like that... and you can search around. I'm still holding out hope for a sequel to the crossover fighting game, Tatsunoko vs Capcom. I don't recall any games being released with Tatsunoko character's since TvC's 2010 release. So who knows what might come next?

This could open the door for G-Force to have an amazing game and numerous others... including Casshern. Tatsunoko has a wealth of characters and the potential for fresh storylines, thanks to collaborations with top-notch game developers.

Additionally, the art style in Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past! looks like it was lifted straight from the anime, which is incredibly nostalgic. I remember watching this show as a kid, although I didn't get to watch it often. This game not only promises to be a great addition to Tatsunoko's portfolio but also brings back childhood memories for me. Game on! - Blu