Following its early access launch this year, Chromatic Games releasedDungeon Defenders Awakenedthis week alongside its1.0 update.
As a long-timeDungeon Defendersplayer, I’ve been eagerly awaiting this update, as previouslyAwakenedwas pretty bare-bones, and I often found myself going back to previousDungeon Defenderstitles to scratch my tower-defense itch. After all,Dungeon Defenders,Dungeon Defenders 2, andDungeon Defenders Awakenedhave all been running simultaneously as they each have their advantages. The original has the most content at the cheapest price, the second game is free-to-play, andAwakenedhas a promising future with consistent updates coming.
WithAwakenedChromatic is creating a complete remaster of their classic 2011 game.Awakenedfeatures the same levels and challenges from the original game, but adds some of the best features fromDungeon Defenders II.Personally, I love the addition of the hero deck, which allows players to level up to four characters simultaneously, and switch characters between waves creating more potent defenses.
The title has been playable in early access since February, and the 1.0 update gives players even more reason to jump in, introducing new UI, levels, game modes, difficulties, and achievements. Surprisingly, the game’s release also came with a price drop from $39.99 to $29.99. Currently, the classicDungeon Defendersquartet of the apprentice, monk, squire, and huntress are playable, but Chromatic will undoubtedly release more characters in the future.
However, the 1.0 update has also come with some frustration. Early access players who’ve spent hundreds of hours in the game have been forced to restart, with their previous heroes now only playable in the game’s new legacy mode.
AlthoughAwakenedjust launched, there is clearly a lot of work to be done, and a ton of content coming in the future. Keep reading DualShockers to hear about any important updates toDungeon Defenders Awakened,and check out our upcoming review of the game.
