Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Twitch

MONSTER

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap
Item: Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresIndie, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Strategy, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableJan 28, 2025

PlatformXbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5

DeveloperRobot Entertainment

Overview

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is an action-packed third-person shooter and trap defense game. Evolve as an orc-slaying War Mage through rogue-lite choices and obliterate, eviscerate, and incinerate massive hordes with up to four players.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap nails franchise lore and humor, but critics slam its shallow narrative. While the game keeps the familiar premise and lighthearted moments, it lacks a cohesive story and true campaign, focusing instead on multiplayer action. The result? A grind-heavy experience that prioritizes mechanics over meaningful storytelling, leaving fans wanting more depth and originality.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

39%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The reviews for Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap highlight a few positive aspects, particularly its consistency with the established lore of the franchise. Critics such as Vandal and GamingBolt note that the game maintains the core narrative elements of defending portals from orc hordes, which is a familiar and beloved premise for fans of the series. Additionally, Eurogamer points out the humorous narrative moments, where orcs comically discuss their impending doom, adding a lighthearted touch to the gameplay experience. The return of familiar characters and the connection to previous installments, as mentioned by GAMES.CH, also provide a sense of continuity that may appeal to long-time players. However, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is one of disappointment regarding the story's depth and engagement. Many reviewers, including Gamer.no and ZTGD, emphasize the lack of a coherent narrative, with the game focusing heavily on multiplayer cooperation against waves of enemies rather than delivering a substantial story. Critics like WellPlayed and XboxEra describe the story as simplistic and lacking progression, while CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming refer to it as "story light," indicating that the narrative serves merely as a backdrop for gameplay rather than a central element. The absence of a true campaign and the minimal storytelling approach have left many feeling that the game does not live up to the potential of its predecessors. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap successfully retains some elements of its franchise's lore and humor, it ultimately falls short in delivering a compelling narrative experience. Reviewers such as Game8 and IGN emphasize that the focus on gameplay overshadows the story, leading to a grind-heavy experience that lacks originality and depth. The general agreement is that the game prioritizes mechanics over narrative, which may satisfy players looking for action but disappoint those seeking a rich storytelling experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap delivers an engaging mix of tower defense and action, praised for its cooperative gameplay and strategic depth. However, the new roguelite elements can lead to grinding and a steep learning curve for newcomers, while some find the experience repetitive and unbalanced. While it excels in multiplayer chaos, solo play may frustrate those seeking a more traditional campaign. Ultimately, the game shines in cooperative mode but suffers from polish issues that may deter some players.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

46%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, highlighting its engaging blend of tower defense and action mechanics. Reviewers like Gamer.no and GAMES.CH appreciate the cooperative multiplayer aspect, which allows players to team up with friends and utilize unique hero abilities for a richer experience. The game features a variety of traps and character classes, encouraging strategic planning and experimentation, as noted by Gameliner and God is a Geek. The roguelite elements introduced in the gameplay, while a departure from traditional formats, have been praised for adding depth and variety, with CGMagazine and Eurogamer noting that they enhance the overall experience by allowing players to choose upgrades after waves of orc attacks. However, several critics have pointed out significant drawbacks that detract from the gameplay experience. Many reviews, including those from Vandal and Game8, mention the frustrating nature of the new roguelite structure, which can lead to excessive grinding and a lack of player expression. The absence of a hands-on tutorial, as highlighted by WellPlayed, can overwhelm new players, making it difficult to navigate the various traps and strategies available. Additionally, the gameplay can become repetitive over time, as noted by Gamesurf and Malditos Nerds, with some reviewers expressing concerns about the balance issues in difficulty scaling and the reliance on traps for damage, as mentioned by Shacknews and GamingBolt. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap successfully retains the fun and engaging core mechanics of the series, the introduction of roguelite elements and the multiplayer focus may not appeal to all players. Critics like XboxEra and Ragequit.gr emphasize that the game shines in cooperative play, but the solo experience can feel frustrating and unbalanced. The game offers a mix of strategic depth and chaotic action, but the lack of polish in certain areas, such as tutorial guidance and balancing, may hinder its appeal, particularly for those who prefer a more traditional campaign format.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap impresses with vibrant visuals and improvements from Unreal Engine 5, earning praise for its colorful design and character charm. However, critics flag performance issues on Xbox Series X, inconsistent frame rates, and a lack of innovation compared to past games, resulting in a mixed reception. While the graphics enhance enjoyment, technical flaws cloud the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

44%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

44%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions regarding the graphics and visual design of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap showcase several positive aspects that many critics appreciated. Reviewers like Vandal and CGMagazine highlighted the significant graphical improvements made possible by Unreal Engine 5, praising the colorful cartoon style and enhanced lighting effects that contribute to an engaging visual experience. Critics from Checkpoint Gaming and IGN also noted the charm and personality infused into the game through its character designs and animated presentation. The vibrant aesthetic was frequently mentioned as a key factor that enhances the overall enjoyment of the game, with many reviewers, including GamingBolt and GameSpew, affirming that the visuals positively impact the gameplay experience. However, the reviews also pointed out several notable negatives that detracted from the overall visual experience. Critics like Gamer.no and Areajugones expressed disappointment with certain aspects of the visual design, citing a lack of inspiration and life in key areas such as the Fortress of the Order. Performance issues were a significant concern, particularly on Xbox Series X, as noted by XboxEra and Shacknews, who reported problems like fuzzy visuals and inconsistent frame rates during chaotic gameplay moments. Furthermore, GameCritics highlighted visual errors and poorly designed maps that further marred the experience, indicating that technical glitches were a recurring issue across multiple platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a mixed reception toward the graphics and visual design of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap. While many reviewers praised the colorful and engaging aesthetic, as well as the improvements brought by Unreal Engine 5, there was a clear acknowledgment of performance issues and a lack of innovation compared to previous entries in the series. Critics like Game8 and Ragequit.gr noted that while the visuals captured the franchise's identity, they did not significantly advance beyond what has been offered in earlier games. As a result, the game appears to be visually appealing yet hampered by technical shortcomings, leading to a divided opinion among reviewers.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

"Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap" boasts lively sound design and engaging music, with critics praising its medieval melodies and heavy metal blend. However, distractions from the rock soundtrack during gameplay and inconsistent voice acting detract from the experience. While the sound enhances the game’s charm, improvements are needed for a more seamless integration.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The sound design and music of "Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap" have received a generally positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's lively and engaging auditory elements. Vandal appreciates the medieval melodies and satisfactory sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience, while CGMagazine notes the effective blend of medieval themes with heavy metal guitars, contributing to the game's intensity. Eurogamer echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the humorous voice acting and fitting sound effects that complement the gameplay. Critics like GamingBolt also laud the epic metal riffs that elevate the excitement during combat, suggesting that the musical choices effectively support the game's action-oriented nature. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music that detract from the overall experience. WellPlayed points out that the rock and roll-themed soundtrack can be distracting during gameplay, particularly when it becomes too quiet while placing traps. GameCritics mentions a decline in the quality of sound design and voice acting compared to previous iterations, while Game8 suggests that while the music quality is high, the voice acting lacks the charm and energy expected from the franchise. This inconsistency in voice acting and the potential for distraction during gameplay indicate areas where the sound design may not fully meet player expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that while "Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap" features engaging and dynamic sound design and music, there are areas for improvement, particularly in voice acting and the soundtrack's integration into gameplay. The positive aspects, such as the humorous voice lines and the energetic music, are tempered by criticisms regarding their execution and impact on the gaming experience. As noted by critics like XboxEra and IGN Spain, the sound design adds to the game's charm, but there is a clear recognition that it could benefit from further refinement to fully resonate with players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap features a mix of praised humor and distinct character voice acting from some critics, enhancing the game’s charm. However, others slam it for poor comedic timing and technical issues, leading to a lackluster experience that disappoints fans expecting more depth and quality.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap has received some praise from various critics, particularly for its humorous lines and distinct character performances. Critics such as Eurogamer and XboxEra commend the comedic elements of the voice lines, noting that they contribute positively to the overall enjoyment of the game. CGMagazine highlights the distinct flavor dialogue delivered by each character, which adds personality and charm to the gameplay experience. Furthermore, WellPlayed acknowledges that the voice lines can be humorous, enhancing the game's atmosphere, despite some minor drawbacks during gameplay. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Gamer.no points out that the voice acting is poor, lacking the comedic timing and depth found in earlier entries of the series. Game8 echoes this sentiment, stating that while the voice acting is competent, it fails to deliver the expected personality and energy, which detracts from the comedic tone. Additionally, GameCritics raises concerns about technical issues, such as incorrect audio being played during gameplay, which negatively impacts immersion. The overall impression from these critiques suggests that while there are some humorous moments, the voice acting often falls short of expectations. In summary, the overall consensus among critics reflects a mixed sentiment regarding the voice acting in Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap. While some reviewers, like Eurogamer and XboxEra, appreciate the humor and distinct character voices, others, including Gamer.no and Game8, highlight significant shortcomings in depth and execution. This dichotomy suggests that while the voice acting has its moments of charm and humor, it ultimately lacks the consistency and quality that fans of the series may hope for, leading to a somewhat disappointing experience overall.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap shines on PC with smooth performance and minimal bugs, earning praise from critics. In stark contrast, the Xbox Series X suffers from major issues like clunky menu navigation, programming errors, and inconsistent frame rates, leading to a frustrating gameplay experience. The disparity highlights a clear prioritization of the PC platform, leaving console players in the lurch.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

The technical performance of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap varies significantly between platforms, with PC generally receiving more favorable reviews compared to the Xbox Series X. On PC, critics like Eurogamer and Gameliner highlight the game's solid performance and stability, with Gameliner noting that the multiplayer experience is smooth and free of noticeable lag. IGN Spain also emphasizes the absence of technical issues, suggesting a well-optimized experience for PC players. Even critics who mention minor bugs, such as IGN Portugal, still find the game enjoyable overall, indicating that the technical performance on PC is largely positive. Conversely, the Xbox Series X experiences notable challenges, as highlighted by critics such as GAMES.CH and Vandal. Both reviewers point out issues with controller navigation in menus, which complicates the experience for console players. Vandal specifically mentions programming errors that detract from gameplay, while XboxEra notes significant performance issues, including inconsistent frame rates and a lack of polish. Shacknews corroborates these sentiments, emphasizing the poorly designed menus and overall technical shortcomings on consoles. This stark contrast between the two platforms illustrates a clear disparity in performance quality. Overall, the consensus among critics reveals a divided sentiment regarding technical performance across platforms. While PC players enjoy a relatively stable and smooth experience, Xbox Series X users encounter a myriad of performance issues that impact gameplay. The positive feedback from PC-focused reviews suggests that the developers may have prioritized this platform, leading to a more polished experience. In contrast, the negative feedback from Xbox critics indicates a need for further optimization and bug fixes to enhance the console experience. The disparity in reviews suggests that while the game has potential, it currently falls short on consoles compared to its PC counterpart.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap garners mixed reviews: critics praise its extensive upgrade systems, diverse characters, and engaging roguelike elements that keep gameplay fresh. The cooperative multiplayer mode is a highlight, enhancing replayability. However, many reviewers lament the repetitive gameplay and excessive grind for upgrades, which can deter solo players and diminish long-term appeal. While it excels in multiplayer and dynamic mechanics, its shortcomings in solo play and repetitiveness may alienate a wider audience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

27%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

58%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

15%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions regarding the replay value of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap reveal several positive aspects that many critics appreciate. A significant number of reviewers, such as GAMES.CH and God is a Geek, highlight the extensive upgrade systems and the variety of characters and traps available, which contribute to a sense of progression and engagement. The roguelike elements, as noted by Eurogamer and IGN, add a layer of unpredictability and excitement to each run, making the gameplay feel fresh and dynamic. Additionally, the cooperative multiplayer mode is frequently praised, with critics like Malditos Nerds and GameSpew emphasizing that playing with friends enhances the overall experience and encourages replayability. However, despite these strengths, several critics point out notable drawbacks that hinder the game's long-term appeal. Many reviewers, including Vandal and Shacknews, express concerns about the repetitive nature of gameplay, which can lead to a monotonous experience after a while. The grind for upgrades, mentioned by GamingBolt and IGN Portugal, is also criticized for being excessive and potentially discouraging players from continuing to engage with the game, particularly in solo play. Critics like Ragequit.gr and Checkpoint Gaming further highlight that once players unlock most of the content, the incentives to keep playing diminish significantly. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a clear divide between those who find replay value in the game's mechanics and those who feel that the repetitiveness and grind detract from the experience. While many, such as TheSixthAxis and CGMagazine, appreciate the potential for varied gameplay through character upgrades and randomized elements, others, like Gamer.no and XboxEra, caution that solo players may find the game frustrating and less rewarding. The game seems to cater more to those who enjoy multiplayer experiences and the thrill of roguelike mechanics, but its shortcomings in solo play and repetitive elements may limit its appeal to a broader audience.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

73%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment regarding Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is notably mixed, with several positive aspects highlighted by critics. Many reviewers appreciate the engaging gameplay, particularly in multiplayer settings, where the game shines as a fun cooperative experience. For instance, WellPlayed and Malditos Nerds emphasize the enjoyment found in multiplayer, while IGN and Eurogamer commend the game's blend of strategy and action. The upgrade system is also mentioned positively, with GAMES.CH noting its solid structure, and GamingBolt highlighting how the game retains the core mechanics of the series while introducing new elements. Critics like Gamer.no and Areajugones point out that the game can be enjoyable with friends, underscoring the social aspect that enhances the experience. Conversely, several critics express dissatisfaction with various elements of the game. A common grievance is the weak narrative and lack of depth in storytelling, as pointed out by GAMES.CH and IGN, which detracts from the overall experience. Performance issues, particularly on Xbox, are mentioned by XboxEra, indicating technical shortcomings that affect gameplay. Additionally, the grindiness of the game is frequently criticized, with Game8 and SECTOR.sk noting that excessive grinding can hinder enjoyment, especially in single-player modes. Furthermore, Shacknews outright states that the game fails to deliver a fun experience due to frustrating mechanics and poor performance, reflecting a significant concern among reviewers. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap offers a fun and engaging experience, particularly in multiplayer, but it is marred by notable flaws. While many reviewers appreciate the game's strategic elements and the retention of core mechanics from previous titles, they also highlight issues such as a weak story, grindiness, and performance problems. Critics like GameCritics and ZTGD suggest that the game may be seen as a step back in the series, failing to meet the expectations set by its predecessors. Ultimately, while the game has its enjoyable moments, especially in cooperative play, it struggles to fully capitalize on its potential, leading to a mixed reception overall.

TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap garners mixed reviews, praised for engaging multiplayer gameplay and strategic elements but criticized for a weak narrative, performance issues on Xbox, and excessive grindiness. While it shines in cooperative play, many feel it falls short of its predecessors, offering fun moments yet failing to fully realize its potential.

MONSTER

Reviews

42 reviews found

CGMagazine

Jan 27, 2025