Northend Tower Defense

For $5, decent enough. I "beat" the entire game in an hour and a half, and messed around for another hour or so before getting totally bored with it. Not much depth, here. Still, that's something like $1.50 an hour.

This wartime tower defence has many plus points but also a few weak areas. And although I did like it it left me a little unfulfilled in the end.

There's a huge range of WW2-based units to earn via rogue-lite progression, giving you different if not better options for your next defence. The graphics are good, somehow combining cutesy close-up models with horrifyingly realistic human carnage from your gameplay perspective - clever that - and the sound is great. Levels are nicely designed. No arguments with the difficulty curve, generally. Very cool bonus content in the Zombies endless mode.

It just feels a little, I dunno, too gamey? Like, I normally prefer my TDs to not have fixed placements, yet this feels like its just spam the right units around the right protection zones rather than actual tactics. I don't like that in some scenarios the RNG deciding what perk you get in each wave might leave you with the wrong options at times. I definitely don't like a lack of response to clear bugs noted by several players, so close to a 1.1 release.

So definitely recommended, a good TD with many nice qualities. But the fact that I didnt 100% it before I decided to stop is a pointer that there are probably areas to improve on IMO

After a while I did enjoy this game alot, I enjoy Tower Defence games in general but adding a bit of RTS stuff spices it up a little. I kept dying over and over but I guess that's normal to grind up upgrades, or maybe it's one big skill issue none the less i will be playing more of this. Here is my First Impressions Video for Northend Tower Defense:

Really good RTS game, somewhat sparse on content, though overall for the price, a great buy and a fun time to be had!

Great game, always get this indie titles on sale.
Some part is still a bit to weird for me, kinda hate the units are random.
Would like to see a system where you over time unlock the units.
And from there you can buy them, so e.g. you have 20-30 units to unlock.
and after you can pick the ones to buy while playing.
I don't like the pause for picking ability either.
But do get why is there, it just stops the flow.
Would be better in my view if you just got a notification.
And when you decides to open and pick stuff, instead of being forced.
So yeah, lots of small frustrating and annoying parts.
But does are small, and maybe one day the dev will fix or change it.
But with price in mind, and game gnere is a most if you like this two types.
(turn based, tower, and WW2 theme)
All in all, 8 out of 10.

Northend Tower Defense, developed by Northend Games and co-published with Gamersky Games, is an ambitious attempt to bring a fresh twist to the classic tower defense formula by blending it with elements of real-time strategy. Instead of relying solely on static towers, this game emphasizes mobility, active decision-making, and battlefield control. Players aren’t just placing structures and watching enemies march toward them—they’re managing diverse units, deploying active abilities, and trying to adapt to unpredictable, high-intensity enemy waves. The result is a hybrid experience that demands both strategic foresight and quick reactions.
The gameplay is centered around deploying a range of military-style units across varied battlegrounds, from sandy coasts to ruined cities. These units include riflemen, snipers, anti-air teams, tanks, and more specialized forces, each with their own strengths and intended roles. What makes the game stand out is its emphasis on dynamic placement—this isn't about locking down a lane with turrets and waiting. Players are constantly moving units, reinforcing weakened lines, placing traps, and activating special powers like airstrikes or artillery. The threat isn't just from the front either; many maps force you to consider multiple angles of attack, flanking enemies, and sudden reinforcements, all while keeping your central commander alive.
There are two main modes in the game: campaign and zombie survival. The campaign offers a structured set of missions, each escalating in complexity and difficulty. Players are tasked with protecting key positions against increasingly well-equipped enemies, culminating in large-scale final waves that require precise timing and effective unit synergy. The commander mechanic adds a unique layer—this central unit must be kept alive to call in crucial end-of-wave airstrikes, which makes positioning and cover strategies vital. On the other hand, the zombie mode shifts focus toward endless survival, stripping away some unit availability and randomizing upgrades and defenses. This mode leans more into improvisation and tests how well the player can adapt under pressure with limited resources.
Combat is chaotic in the best sense. Waves come fast, and even small mistakes in unit placement or timing can quickly spiral into overwhelming defeats. The pacing keeps players engaged, forcing them to constantly adjust tactics rather than coast on a single winning setup. This challenge is where the game finds its identity—it rewards creative tactics, sharp prioritization, and timely use of resources. Special abilities are not just gimmicks, but essential tools to manage increasingly complex scenarios. Mortars may clear out dense groups, while well-timed traps can buy enough seconds to reinforce a position on the verge of collapse.
Visually, the game is functional but not flashy. It focuses on clarity over polish, which makes sense given the number of units and effects that can be present on screen at once. Performance is generally stable, even during chaotic battles with multiple simultaneous explosions and enemy waves. However, the UI feels a bit rough in places, and certain interactions—such as unit selection or upgrade application—can be less intuitive than they should be. While these issues aren’t game-breaking, they do add friction, especially during more demanding missions where speed and accuracy matter. Load times are also a bit longer than expected, which can slow the overall gameplay loop.
Where Northend Tower Defense really shines is in its variety and customization. With dozens of unit types and a robust upgrade system, there’s a lot of room for experimentation. Passive abilities, perks, and strategic decisions all influence how each battle unfolds. This depth ensures that players can find playstyles that suit them, whether they prefer overwhelming firepower, surgical long-range attacks, or balanced defensive grids. The zombie survival mode especially benefits from this, since randomized upgrades encourage trying unfamiliar unit combinations and adapting to new challenges on the fly.
That said, the game is not without its weak points. Some levels, especially in the campaign, can start to feel formulaic after a while. Once you discover a few optimal strategies or unit pairings, it’s tempting to stick with them rather than experiment, which can reduce the replay value of certain missions. Difficulty spikes also occur without much warning in some stages, which can be frustrating for players who aren't given enough resources or flexibility to recover from early mistakes. Additionally, terrain and pathing sometimes lack the complexity to truly force players out of their comfort zones—more environmental variety could elevate the strategic layer even further.
Despite these limitations, Northend Tower Defense offers an intense and engaging experience for fans of both tower defense and RTS games. It breaks away from the traditional static model and delivers a more dynamic, action-driven approach to defense. The fast-paced gameplay, wide variety of units, and well-integrated upgrade system give it a satisfying depth that rewards skillful play and adaptability. While it may not be the most polished or refined game in its category, its core mechanics are strong enough to deliver hours of enjoyable, high-stakes strategy. For players seeking a more active and tactical take on the genre, it’s well worth a look.
Rating: 7/10

6/10, decent tower defense game
+ extra zombie wave defense game mode
+- cheap, but relatively short
- janky UI