Anomaly: Warzone Earth Review – Reinventing the Battlefield

Game Information

• Game Name: Anomaly: Warzone Earth
• Developer: 11 bit studios
• Initial Release Date: April 8, 2011
• Genre: Real-time Strategy, Tower Defense
• Platforms: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, iOS, Android, Xbox 360, PlayStation Network, Blackberry 10

What is Anomaly: Warzone Earth

Anomaly: Warzone Earth, developed by 11 bit studios, presents an intriguing twist on the popular tower defense genre. Released in 2011, this real-time strategy game flips the traditional gameplay on its head, inviting players into a world where they must attack towers instead of defending them. Set in a near-future scenario, the game unfolds across major cities hit by pieces of an alien spacecraft. The player takes command of the 14th Platoon, tasked with investigating these anomalies and neutralizing threats they pose.

Gameplay Overview

Dubbed as “reverse tower defense,” “tower attack,” or “tower offense,” Anomaly: Warzone Earth offers a unique gameplay experience. Players lead a convoy of military vehicles through city streets, plotting routes and deploying strategic power-ups like decoys and smoke-screens to combat alien towers. The game demands tactical finesse, allowing players to customize their convoy with various offensive and defensive units. In PC, Mac, Linux, and Xbox versions, players also control an on-foot soldier, the Commander, to manage power-ups directly, a feature modified in the mobile versions for touch-based interfaces.

Strategic Depth

The game’s strategic depth lies in its route planning and unit customization. Players must constantly adapt to evolving battlefield conditions, making quick decisions on path adjustments and power-up deployments. This dynamic approach keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging.

Visuals and Sound

Visually, Anomaly: Warzone Earth is a feast for the eyes, with detailed urban landscapes and sleek, futuristic vehicle designs. The sound design, including the immersive soundtrack by Piotr Musial, complements the game’s intense atmosphere, enhancing the player’s experience.

Critical Acclaim

Anomaly: Warzone Earth received acclaim from both critics and players. Metacritic scores reflect its success across platforms: 80/100 for PC, an impressive 94/100 for iOS, and solid ratings for Xbox 360 and PS3. The game’s innovative concept and solid gameplay mechanics were highlighted by various reviewers, earning it numerous awards and nominations, including being named the Game Of The Year Runner-Up in several lists and winning the Apple Design Award in 2011.

Legacy and Sequels

The game’s success paved the way for sequels like Anomaly: Korea and Anomaly 2, expanding on the original’s mechanics with new units and powers. These sequels have upheld the innovative spirit of the original, further enriching the Anomaly series.

Verdict

Rating: 8/10

Anomaly: Warzone Earth is a groundbreaking entry in the strategy genre, offering a unique twist with its ‘tower offense’ mechanics. The combination of strategic depth, compelling narrative, and polished presentation warrants a solid 8/10 rating. While the game may present a learning curve due to its novel approach, it remains an engaging and rewarding experience for strategy enthusiasts.