Aegis Defenders

An interesting mix of 2D platforming and tower defense. The pixel art is very nicely done, it has a neat story mode, and using multiple characters to get around reminded me a bit of Lost Vikings.

This is a beautiful game, but I hate the last part that needs to be defended and I recommend this game to everyone. It's great in every way and you can use 2 characters in the game.

A 2d platformer with tower defence mechanics? yes please!
The only concern I have is that if you jump and even just hint at holding 'up', it will interrupt the jump and you will fall straight down, like a rock. I have died many times because I tried jumping to a ledge I could grab on to, and in preparation to climb up, I pressed diagonally. only to stop mid-jump, some feet from the ledge and fall to my death.
Other than that, controls work really well, and are fully rebindable.
game mechanics wise, It's great! the gameplay loop of caravan for upgrades, explore new ruins, defend the objective from a horde of monsters, feels good and none of the parts really overstays their welcome.
My only concern is that while you can go back to earlier missions, they do not give you the resources needed to upgrade your abilities. only your equipment (which is mainly just your weapon).
I love the art-style, the music, the story, and the gameplay!
Watch full review:

Aegis Defenders is a platformer 2D game, but the main thing that makes this game special is how developers connect this genre with tower-defense game. This game may look easy to play, but on hardest “insane” level of difficulty it can be challenging. It can be even harder because you can try to get all achievements and end the whole game without a single death (on the second play I did it). The worst thing about this game is the monotony of levels, it’s not a problem though if you want to complete this game just once. There is also a split-screen co-op mode in this game, which isn’t perfect but can give you and your friend a lot of fun, which I think is most important in playing games. The whole in-game story is very easy, with just two plot twists, so it’s good to play in short periods of time. In my opinion, the game is very entertaining, especially when you're bored. It's a good choice to play with your friend with a pack of snacks in the middle. The only con I found is that the retail price is very high, I think it’s a bit too much, but I would buy it, to have this again game and dive into this wonderful, adventurous, pixelated world.

I have just started this game, got it for free from the humble store. Honestly it is super fun, and the music is so calming. With a lot of games they try and build aesthetic and forget about the gameplay but this was really fun and the aesthetic is wonderful. Thoroughly recommend picking this up during a sale, it is a lot of fun with a controller and there seems to be a lot of content, haven't finished it yet!

Game Review from 30 Minutes of Play
Reminding myself if I should revisit and if you should purchase.
ELEVATOR PITCH: 2D Platformer Crossed with Tower Defense
LIKED: Interesting story I'd probably run through just for the cutscenes. I can see myself getting cozy with the game given more time.
DISLIKED: Control learning curve between platforming and tower defense maybe difficult for some. Personal preference, the JPN dialogue and vibe is not for me anymore. When I hear the music, I think Final Fantasy IV rather than this game. When I get to the tower defense section, I think of Orcs Must Die, Dungeon Defenders, or Dungeon of the Endless.
===== Mood After 30mins =====
☐ Addicted
☑ Afternoon delight
☐ Grindfest
☐ Frustrated
===== Will I Revisit =====
☐ Yes, I aim to 100% complete
☐ Yes, but only beat the game
☑ Eventually. Until then, back to the pile
☐ No, on to other games
===== Price =====
☐ Full price worthy
☑ Discount
☐ Deep discount
☐ Pass
Disclaimer: I'm aware 30 minutes is not enough time to properly review any game. Historically, I'm a big completionist when it comes to gaming, but my backlog will just not die and adulting obligations continue to mount. I needed to find some sense of accomplishment with my backlog other than buying them at great discount. Dedicating at least 30 minutes of play per game will be my arbitrary sense of achievement. It may not justify my gaming spending habits, but I'll suffer less buyer's remorse. Who knows, in 30 minutes I might discover a great game I want to revisit and something you want to purchase. GGs!

Lab et, but no people to play wid, i sad