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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.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap retains fun gameplay and humor, but its story is a letdown—critics slam it for being shallow and disjointed, with many feeling it lacks a coherent narrative or engaging progression. While fans may enjoy familiar mechanics, the weak plot leaves much to be desired.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

60%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

40%

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

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap reveals a few positive notes amidst the prevailing criticisms. Several reviewers, including Gamer.no and GameSpew, acknowledge that the game maintains the franchise's core premise of defending portals from orc hordes, which is a familiar and beloved aspect of the series. Critics such as Eurogamer highlight the humorous narrative elements, where orcs engage in comedic discussions about their impending doom, which aligns well with the franchise's light-hearted tone. Additionally, CGMagazine points out that the story, while minimal, does provide a baseline narrative that connects to the events of previous installments, offering a sense of continuity for fans of the series. However, the negatives surrounding the story are significantly more pronounced. A majority of critics, including GAMES.CH and WellPlayed, express disappointment in the lack of depth and progression in the narrative. Many reviewers, such as XboxEra and ZTGD, emphasize that the game lacks a coherent story, with some even stating that it feels more like a series of gameplay objectives than a cohesive narrative experience. The absence of a true campaign or significant plot development is a recurring theme, as noted by GameCritics and IGN, who point out that the focus is predominantly on gameplay rather than storytelling. In summary, while Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap retains some charm through its humor and familiar gameplay mechanics, the consensus among critics is that the story is notably weak and underdeveloped. Most reviewers agree that the narrative serves merely as a backdrop for the gameplay, lacking the depth and engagement that could elevate the overall experience. Critics such as Ragequit.gr and Player 2 highlight the disappointment in narrative closure and the bare-bones nature of the plot, reinforcing the notion that while the game may be enjoyable for its mechanics, it falls short in delivering a compelling story.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap delivers an engaging blend of tower defense and action, winning praise for its cooperative gameplay and unique heroes that boost strategy. Critics celebrate its dynamic traps and roguelite challenges, making for a thrilling experience—especially in multiplayer. However, solo players may struggle due to poor design, lack of tutorials, and grind-heavy progression. Repetitive missions and balancing issues also detract from enjoyment. Overall, it excels in multiplayer but falters in solo play, leaving a mixed impression.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

43%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

54%

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, particularly for its engaging mix of tower defense mechanics and action-oriented gameplay. Reviewers like Gamer.no and GAMES.CH highlight the cooperative aspect, allowing players to team up with friends or engage solo, which adds depth to the experience. The introduction of unique heroes with distinct abilities, as noted by GAMES.CH, enhances player strategy and encourages experimentation. Critics such as God is a Geek and Gameliner appreciate the variety of traps and character options, which contribute to a dynamic gameplay experience. Additionally, the roguelite elements, mentioned by both CGMagazine and Eurogamer, introduce fresh challenges and strategic choices, keeping the gameplay engaging over time. However, several critics have pointed out notable drawbacks that can hinder the overall experience. A common concern is the game's design, which can be less accommodating for solo players, as highlighted by both Gamer.no and Generación Xbox. The lack of a comprehensive tutorial, as mentioned by WellPlayed, can leave new players feeling overwhelmed by the mechanics. Critics like Game8 and Shacknews also express frustrations with the grind associated with upgrades and balancing issues, which can detract from the enjoyment. Furthermore, the repetitive nature of missions and the overwhelming number of waves, noted by Malditos Nerds and Checkpoint Gaming, can lead to a sense of monotony over time, particularly for those playing solo. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap offers an exciting and strategic gameplay experience, particularly in multiplayer settings, it is marred by issues that can frustrate players. The combination of tower defense and action elements provides a solid foundation, but the game's reliance on roguelite mechanics and the grind for progression may deter some players. Critics like IGN and PC Gamer acknowledge the fun aspects while also noting the potential for repetitiveness and imbalance, suggesting that the game shines brightest when enjoyed cooperatively rather than in isolation.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap impresses with its vibrant, cartoonish graphics thanks to Unreal Engine 5, earning praise for its character designs and lively environments. However, critics point to significant drawbacks, including performance issues and uninspired visuals in some areas. While it retains the franchise's charm, it fails to innovate and suffers from technical glitches, ultimately impacting overall enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

42%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

47%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The graphics and visual design of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap have garnered a mix of positive feedback from critics, particularly regarding the game's vibrant and cartoonish aesthetic. Many reviewers, such as CGMagazine and Checkpoint Gaming, praised the distinct character designs and lively environments, highlighting how these elements contribute to an engaging and fun gameplay experience. The use of Unreal Engine 5 has been noted by several critics, including IGN and IGN Spain, as a significant factor in enhancing visual effects and lighting, which adds depth to the overall presentation. The colorful graphics, as mentioned by Vandal and GamingBolt, are seen as a continuation of the franchise's identity, providing a sense of familiarity while still being visually appealing. However, the game is not without its criticisms, as many reviewers pointed out notable shortcomings in the visual design. Gamer.no expressed disappointment with the uninspired visuals, feeling that they lack the charm expected from the series. Critics like Areajugones and Shacknews highlighted technical issues, including performance problems, frame rate inconsistencies, and visual errors that detract from the experience. XboxEra echoed these concerns, noting that while the game looks pleasant, it runs poorly on Xbox Series consoles. Furthermore, some critics, such as TheSixthAxis, pointed out that specific areas, like the hub, lack character and vibrancy, which diminishes the overall visual appeal. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap features a colorful and engaging visual style that aligns with the franchise's identity, it struggles with performance issues and a lack of innovation. Reviewers like Game8 and Ragequit.gr noted that the visuals, while solid, do not significantly advance beyond previous entries in the series. This mixed reception indicates that while the game has its strengths in visual design, the technical execution and some design choices leave room for improvement, ultimately affecting the overall enjoyment of the experience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap features a well-received hard rock/metal soundtrack that enhances gameplay with its medieval themes and engaging sound effects, praised by critics for its intensity and humor. However, the voice acting quality has declined compared to previous installments, and some find the music distracting during gameplay. While the sound design provides an immersive experience, it falls short of the franchise's legacy, indicating room for improvement.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

55%

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 effective integration of music and sound effects into the gameplay experience. Generación Xbox praises the hard rock/metal soundtrack for enhancing the overall feel of the game, while CGMagazine notes the combination of medieval themes with heavy metal guitars, which adds intensity to encounters. Critics like Eurogamer and XboxEra appreciate the humorous voice acting and fitting sound effects, which contribute to the game's engaging atmosphere. Additionally, GamingBolt emphasizes the epic metal riffs that amplify the excitement of slaying orcs, suggesting that the soundtrack effectively complements the action. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and voice acting. Generación Xbox mentions that the quality of voice acting is perceived as lower than in previous installments, while GameCritics echoes this sentiment, noting that the sound design and voice acting, previously praised, now seem lacking in this iteration. WellPlayed points out that the rock and roll soundtrack can be distracting during gameplay, particularly when it becomes too quiet while placing traps. Furthermore, Game8 acknowledges that while the music quality is high, the voice acting lacks the charm and energy expected from the franchise, indicating a disconnect between the audio elements and the series' legacy. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while the soundtrack and sound design of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap provide an engaging and entertaining experience, they are not without their flaws. The combination of lively medieval melodies and heavy metal elements has been well-received, enhancing the gameplay for many, as noted by critics like CGMagazine and GamingBolt. However, the decline in voice acting quality and the potential distractions caused by the music, as highlighted by Generación Xbox and WellPlayed, suggest that there are areas for improvement. Ultimately, the game succeeds in creating an immersive atmosphere, but it may not fully meet the high expectations set by its predecessors.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap's voice acting receives mixed reviews. Critics praise the humor and character uniqueness, adding charm to gameplay, while others slam its overall quality, poor comedic timing, and technical issues that hurt immersion. The game struggles to balance humor with effective gameplay, resulting in divided opinions among reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

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

The voice acting in Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap has garnered a mix of positive feedback from various critics, particularly regarding its humor and character distinctiveness. For instance, Eurogamer highlights the humorous performances, especially from the orc characters, which add a certain charm to the game. Similarly, CGMagazine notes that each character delivers unique lines of flavor dialogue, contributing personality and charm to the overall gameplay experience. Critics like WellPlayed and XboxEra also appreciate the comedic elements of the voice lines, suggesting that they enhance the enjoyment of the game, even if they sometimes lack utility during gameplay. However, a significant number of reviewers have pointed out notable shortcomings in the voice acting. Gamer.no criticizes the overall quality as poor, stating that characters lack comedic timing and depth compared to previous entries in the series. Generación Xbox echoes this sentiment, suggesting that the voice acting's lower quality may stem from the script rather than the actors themselves. Game8 also points out that while the voice acting is competent, it fails to deliver the expected personality and energy, which detracts from the comedic tone of the story. Additionally, GameCritics highlights technical issues, noting incorrect audio being played during gameplay, which negatively impacts immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates a divided opinion on the voice acting in Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap. While some, like Eurogamer and CGMagazine, appreciate the humor and distinct character voices, others, such as Gamer.no and Generación Xbox, find the quality lacking compared to earlier titles. The mixed reviews suggest that while the comedic elements can be enjoyable, they are not universally effective, and technical issues further complicate the experience. This dichotomy reflects a broader challenge in balancing humor with gameplay immersion, leaving critics with varied experiences of the voice acting quality.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

"Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap" showcases varying technical performance across platforms. The Xbox Series X suffers from frame rate issues and clunky menu navigation, while the PC version is generally stable but not immune to bugs and glitches. Critics highlight a solid PC experience but call for better optimization overall. Both platforms have strengths and weaknesses, indicating the game needs more polish to fully meet player expectations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

25%

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

The technical performance of "Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap" varies significantly across different gaming platforms, with each platform showcasing both strengths and weaknesses. On the Xbox Series X, critics like Generación Xbox noted that the game performs well technically, with no significant frame drops during gameplay, indicating good optimization for the console. However, the PC version is praised for its stability, with Eurogamer highlighting that it is "very playable" with no major technical issues. Gameliner also commended the PC experience, stating that performance is solid with minor hitches and a smooth multiplayer experience. This indicates that, overall, both platforms have their merits, particularly the PC version, which seems to offer a more polished experience. Despite these positives, several criticisms emerged regarding technical performance on both platforms. On Xbox Series X, GAMES.CH and XboxEra pointed out significant performance issues, including cumbersome controller navigation in menus and inconsistent frame rates. Vandal echoed concerns about programming errors that hinder gameplay, suggesting a lack of polish. On the PC side, while some reviews were positive, critics like GameCritics and IGN Portugal reported numerous bugs and glitches, including issues like getting stuck under the map. Ragequit.gr also noted occasional frame drops during intense moments, indicating that not all is well even on the more stable platform. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests a divided experience based on the platform used. While the Xbox Series X struggles with performance issues and control navigation, the PC version offers a generally better experience, albeit not without its own set of bugs and glitches. Critics like Shacknews highlighted the significant performance issues on consoles, while others like GamingBolt maintained that the PC experience is solid despite minor visual issues. This mixed feedback indicates that while the game has potential, it requires further optimization and polish to meet the expectations of players across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap boasts solid replay value with its roguelite mechanics, diverse traps, and cooperative play, praised by critics for offering unique runs and strategic depth. However, concerns about repetitiveness, monotonous gameplay, and a lack of varied stages undermine long-term engagement, particularly for solo players. While multiplayer enhances its appeal, solo experiences may feel frustrating and less rewarding over time.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

The opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap reveal several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal. Many reviewers highlight the game's roguelite mechanics, which introduce randomization and variability in gameplay, making each run feel unique. For instance, Generación Xbox praises the randomization of campaigns, while God is a Geek emphasizes the variety of traps and characters that enhance replayability. Additionally, the extensive upgrade systems and character builds noted by GAMES.CH and XboxEra suggest that players can experiment with different strategies, further enriching the gameplay experience. The cooperative play aspect is also frequently mentioned as a significant factor in boosting replay value, with Malditos Nerds and GameSpew noting that multiplayer modes can lead to infinite playability. However, despite these positives, many critics express concerns regarding the game's long-term replayability. A recurring theme is the repetitiveness of gameplay, with several reviewers, including Vandal and WellPlayed, stating that runs can become monotonous over time. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Shacknews point out that the lack of varied stages and a frustrating upgrade system can discourage players from experimenting with different strategies. Furthermore, Ragequit.gr mentions that replayability diminishes significantly after a certain number of hours, as players unlock all content and find few incentives to continue playing beyond trying different heroes or traps. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap offers a solid foundation for replay value through its roguelite elements and cooperative gameplay, there are significant drawbacks that may affect long-term engagement. Many reviewers acknowledge the game's potential for replayability, especially in multiplayer settings, but caution that solo players may find the experience frustrating and repetitive. Critics like Gamer.no and GameCritics highlight the challenges faced by solo players, suggesting that the game's design may cater more effectively to cooperative play. Thus, while the game has notable replay value, especially in multiplayer, its appeal may wane for those who prefer solo experiences.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

22%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The reviews for Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap highlight several positive aspects that resonate with players, particularly in multiplayer settings. Critics like Gamer.no and Areajugones emphasize the game's enjoyable cooperative play, suggesting that the experience is significantly enhanced when shared with friends. Additionally, GAMES.CH and WellPlayed commend the engaging gameplay and solid upgrade system, which build upon the franchise's established mechanics. The game is described as fun and entertaining, with CGMagazine noting that it offers depth and style, making it accessible even to those who may not typically enjoy tower defense games. Furthermore, several reviewers, including IGN and Malditos Nerds, recognize the game's ability to blend strategy and action, contributing to a satisfying gameplay experience. However, the reviews also reveal a range of criticisms that detract from the overall experience of Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap. Many critics, such as Generación Xbox and ZTGD, point out that the game does not significantly improve upon its predecessors, particularly for solo players, which can lead to a frustrating experience. Issues like weak storytelling, controller problems, and performance issues on Xbox, as noted by XboxEra, further diminish the game's appeal. The grindiness and slow progression are recurring themes in the critiques, with Game8 and SECTOR.sk highlighting that these elements can hinder enjoyment and make the game feel repetitive. Critics like Shacknews even go so far as to say that the game fails to deliver a fun experience due to its frustrating mechanics and lack of engaging content. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap retains the core fun of the series and introduces some engaging multiplayer elements, it ultimately falls short of the expectations set by its predecessors. The mixed reception is evident, with many reviewers acknowledging that the game is best enjoyed in multiplayer, as noted by GameSpew and TheSixthAxis. However, the lack of meaningful innovation, along with issues related to grind and narrative depth, leaves a significant portion of the player base feeling underwhelmed. As highlighted by GameCritics and Ragequit.gr, the game may appeal to fans of the genre, but it struggles to capture the same magic that made earlier entries in the series memorable.

TL;DR

Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap shines in multiplayer, offering fun co-op gameplay and solid upgrades, but falls short with a weak narrative and frustrating mechanics. Critics note it's repetitive and doesn't innovate enough from its predecessors, leaving solo players feeling underwhelmed. While it retains some fun aspects, many agree it's best enjoyed with friends, but overall, it lacks the charm of earlier entries in the series.

MONSTER

Reviews

52 reviews found

God is a Geek

Jan 27, 2025