Rock of ages is a strategy based adventure game using the tower defence elements, developed by Ace Team (developers of Zeno Clash) and published by Atlus.
Rock of Ages is a unique take on the tower defence genre, with the usual defending your tower set up, with the twist of attacking your enemies tower, at the same time! Rock of ages is set in notable historical times throughout the game, starting with Ancient Greece, Medieval, Renaissance, Rococo and Romanticism. These ages build up the basic levels of the game, with each age having famous historical figures from that age to battle against.
The general way the game works is simple. You are controlling a boulder, which you are using to basically smash and destroy your enemies units, on the path to the gate, where the ultimate goal is to knock down the gate of the castle. The controls of Rock of ages are refreshingly simple, with your left analogue stick being the control for steering your boulder, as well where to place your defence units on your path. The Y button is used to start using your new boulder after the cooldown period between each one (nicely animated as little guys carving your boulder) and X to see the enemy boulder in action. The right trigger is used to select your units for defence.
The gameplay of Rock of Ages is good, very good in fact. The simple controls make this a very easy good to play, and whilst the levels are all in the same format, the different map designs and collectables on the map, make each level unique, and a totally different game play experience from the last. Ace Team whilst creating this game, have achieved the fine balance of the game being differcult and yet not frustrating, so replaying failed (or completed) levels is still an enjoyable experience.
The art style of Rock of Ages is very pleasing to the eye. The cardboard cutout styled graphic to the units and the cinematic’s of the game add a sense of humour to the game, whilst giving it a stylish finish. The in game cinematic’s are very entertaining to watch, another fine balance Ace Team have got correct.
The longative of the game is also to be noted. There are 5 different ages to play through, with all the levels (barring the tutorial) having keys to collect. If that’s not enough, the game provides local and live multiplayer option, extra mini games such as skeeboulder and a time trail mode. There are 12 achievements scoring 200g to gain in game.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Rock of Ages as said before is very good, nice simple controls with a nice simple objective. Original twist to a classic game style, with an informative tutorial to start with. My only issues are I found steering the boulder fairly tricky to get to grips with, and being able to see where you are placing your units. I found the map a tad small, however I can see why this was done.
Presentation
The art of Rock of Ages is beautifully done, and gives the game a humorous style to it. The cutout styles graphics really suits the game, whilst all the 3D elements of the game have been made and styled to fit the theme perfectly.
Longativty
Rock of Ages has plenty of substance to for an XBLA game, allowing players to continue playing well after the story mode is completed, (which can be played several times as no two match is the same) with all the added features with Rock of Ages, such as the mini ages and the time trail modes.
Overall
Rock of Ages is a well-designed and though out game, with all the basics of a fun game having been covered. Its thoroughly enjoyable and has a really good replay value to it. I recommend this game to any players who enjoy a challenge, and want a unique look of tower defence games.
Disclaimer:All scores given within our reviews are based on the artist’s personal opinion; this should in no way impede your decision to purchase the game.
