Anomaly 2

If you enjoyed the first game, you will like this one as well, it's just more Anomaly. Worth playing.

One gripe that I have to mention for this game, and only because this one in particular is a fairly extreme case, are the achievements. I'm an achievement hunter, and I'm pretty much a "single player games" only kind of person. Tons of games have single player, but also have multiplayer, and multiplayer achievements go with that territory, so, there are inevitably games that I will never 100%. That's part of the hunt, I guess. I accept that. With this game, I have done all of the achievements that you can possibly do single player. I'm at 46% completion. If this is something that you are concerned with, there's your warning.

Anomaly 2, developed and published by 11 bit studios, is a confident and ambitious continuation of the studio’s distinctive take on the tower defense genre. Rather than refining an already safe formula, the game deliberately doubles down on what made the original Anomaly: Warzone Earth unusual, pushing its “tower offense” identity further with deeper mechanics, greater tactical flexibility, and a broader scope. The result is a strategy game that feels both demanding and inventive, asking players to constantly adapt rather than rely on static solutions.
Set in a bleak, post-apocalyptic future, Anomaly 2 follows humanity’s desperate attempt to survive in a world dominated by hostile alien machines. The campaign frames its events through the perspective of a military convoy pushing through inhospitable territory, guided by Lieutenant Simon Lynx and the crew of the Yukon. While the narrative is not the main attraction, it provides a coherent sense of progression and urgency, grounding each mission in the idea of a long, dangerous march toward a final confrontation. The tone is grim but restrained, serving as motivation rather than overshadowing the gameplay.
The core gameplay once again flips traditional tower defense expectations. Instead of building defenses and waiting for enemies, players command a moving convoy of units that must navigate enemy-controlled paths filled with deadly towers. Your role is both strategic and reactive: plotting routes, selecting unit compositions, and deploying abilities in real time as the convoy advances. This constant forward motion creates a unique pressure, as mistakes cannot always be undone and hesitation often leads to catastrophic losses.
The most significant evolution in Anomaly 2 comes through its unit morphing system. Many vehicles can instantly switch between two distinct forms, each optimized for different combat situations. This mechanic adds a layer of real-time decision-making that dramatically deepens the experience. Choosing when to morph—whether to prioritize armor, firepower, support, or mobility—becomes central to survival. Combined with varied enemy tower types and environmental hazards, this system encourages experimentation and rewards players who can read the battlefield quickly.
Combat is a blend of careful planning and frantic micromanagement. Players must deploy abilities such as shields, repairs, decoys, and offensive strikes at precisely the right moments while also adjusting convoy positioning and focus fire. Later missions can become intense exercises in multitasking, demanding sharp situational awareness and rapid decision-making. While this creates some of the game’s most thrilling moments, it can also feel overwhelming, particularly for players unaccustomed to juggling so many systems simultaneously.
Mission design is varied and thoughtfully paced. While the basic objective remains reaching the end of each route, the game introduces escort targets, environmental constraints, and shifting enemy behaviors that keep encounters fresh. Different maps emphasize different tactical challenges, forcing players to rethink convoy composition rather than relying on a single dominant strategy. Difficulty scales aggressively, ensuring that success feels earned and that mastery comes from understanding mechanics rather than brute force.
Visually, Anomaly 2 represents a clear step forward for the series. Environments are detailed and atmospheric, ranging from frozen wastelands to overgrown ruins and industrial alien complexes. The art direction emphasizes contrast between the battered remnants of humanity and the cold, mechanical precision of the alien forces. Explosions, weapon effects, and camera work lend combat a cinematic quality that reinforces the sense of constant danger without obscuring critical information.
One of the game’s most intriguing additions is its asymmetrical multiplayer mode. In this setup, one player controls the attacking convoy while the other takes on the traditional tower defense role, placing and upgrading defenses to stop the advance. This mode highlights the strength of Anomaly 2’s core systems by letting players experience both sides of the conflict. While niche and dependent on an active player base, it offers a compelling test of tactical understanding and adds meaningful replay value.
Despite its strengths, Anomaly 2 is not without drawbacks. The complexity that gives the game its depth can also make it intimidating, and the learning curve is steep. Tutorials provide the basics, but true competence often comes through repeated failure and experimentation. Some players may also find the micromanagement-heavy late game exhausting rather than exhilarating, especially during longer sessions.
Ultimately, Anomaly 2 stands as one of the most distinctive strategy games of its generation. It refines and expands a genuinely original concept, offering a challenging blend of real-time tactics, strategic planning, and constant adaptation. While it may not appeal to players seeking relaxed or traditional tower defense experiences, those willing to engage with its systems will find a deeply rewarding game that consistently pushes them to think differently. For fans of unconventional strategy design, Anomaly 2 remains a standout example of how innovation can thrive within a familiar genre framework.
Rating: 7/10

If the idea of a reverse tower defense game where you play the "creeps" sounds interesting to you, this game is worth a shot. Anomaly 2 builds upon the first game and adds an extra layer of strategy and fun with the transformation mechanic.

Sequel to Anomaly Warzone Earth. Apparently, things went REALLY bad after the first game. The aliens returned and humanity is on the verge of defeat/extinction. Decent. Might want to get on discount.

Some parts are too difficult and require too much microcontrol.

Awesome anti-tower defence game! If you want something simple yet fun to pass the time, this is it!

Nice game, nice story.