Under rating threshold (hideshow)
I think that it's a great game, but a little too much like the first. That doesn't make it any bit worse though. In fact, it's better than the first. I especially like how you have more mana earlier, and how when you drop a gem bomb on one of the level slider-thingys, you get more monsters to come out so you can kill them! 5/5
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
I have to say that i expected just some new extra levels with the same game play tha the first gemcraft. It was a nice surprise to see that several modifications were implemented. Different modes giving extra XP, new skills, other things to destroy than the monsters, and a bit more difficult then the original one (but not impossible to beat). 5/5 needs badges to become one of the best strategy games around
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
Sponge -- You wanted the factors that make it uniques modified exactly how? A super Gem that rides a rainbow unicorn across the map decapitating monsters along the way? If it ain't broke, don't fix it. You want a game that doesn't improve on the older version? I'm calling out Sonny 2.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
I personally do not find the game grindy. You do need to find the right combination of skills to beat some maps. As danjost said as soon as you open up new modes go back and play those on the earlier maps. With good strategy and skill selection you should be able to beat the maps.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
Since you only gain exp if you play better than before, I think of it not so much as 'grinding' as 'getting better'. By the way, it does get easier after some time. Every time a new mode opens up, go back and replay the old maps on the new mode for the exp. Don't try to beat the whole game playing only on the normal mode, cause that's insane hard. The same map on different modes may require *completely* differente strategies and skill builds, that's why I don't think of playing the same map as grinding. Cause it changes a lot from mode to mode.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
I have played this game for almost two hours in total, waiting for it to get fun. I ended up playing almost 40 games to rack up some XP from the multiplay achievements, and then decided that it just wasn't worth my time. After nearly 40 games and hours of playtime, I have yet to beat more than four levels. There is a difference between a game that requires a time investment because it's hard and a game that requires a time investment because the designers want you to grind. GemCraft falls into the second category.
Someone said this game was considerably different than the first one, and I still don't agree. Yes, they added a few new features. The factors that make this game unique were not modified: not improved. The original was more fun and less grindy.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
Beating Harder Levels: First of all stop complaining that it's too hard and there's no practice. There is some learning curve and if you think about where monsters will come from and then put towers/traps in the most effective places you can beat every level on your first try. Second go back and play levels over. I've been playing the same 5 levels since it came out playing only 1-2 hours a day, and now I have about half the possible skills at least at quarter way upgraded. With the skills the game becomes much more fun and much less repetitive.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
I probably enjoy TD games more than I should. I'll admit that. Gemcraft, however, is head-and-shoulders above the field of TD games in my opinion. It's unique, and in both graphics and engrossing gameplay no other TD comes close. I would be disappointed if they had changed more than they did. They added traps, special weapon towers, beacons, infected buildings, monster summoning...hardly identical to the first game. My favorite new feature, however, is the new skills system. I haven't played far enough into the game right now to truthfully assess how the different skills affect gameplay, but to be able to subtract points from a skill without resetting your entire skill set? That's a perfect example of a minor improvement that greatly improves the experience, like making the inventory easier to access in a RPG.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
By the way, a question. Every map icon has little rectangles around it, that fill up in blue as you complete the various modes. However they all have another one in the central lower part. Is it something or just decoration? I thought that one would fill up in blue when all the others did, but seems I was wrong.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
Oh yeah, I forgot to make that point too. The games to the right are the recommended games similar to this one. It's not too surprising that, if you're playing a TD, they'll recommend more TD's, is it?
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
4 of the top 5 are NOT TD games. Right now the two "Gemcrafts" are the only TD games in the top 5, along with both "Sonny" games and "Learning to Fly". TD games are 4 of the top 10 and 5 of the top 15. The five you see on the right side of the page right now are NOT the Top five games. And while we're on the topic of exclusive content let's remember that Sonny 2 has a third character class only playable at ArmorGames. That's a much more substantial portion of the game that's missing than with Gemcraft Ch. 0.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
It is definitely not the same as the first one. Some of the new modes require a *lot* of strategy. All maps are easier in a mode, harder on the other. Besides, traps add a new twist to the game. Many people may not like the game per se, but if you want a game completely different from gemcraft 1, go play something else.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
Normally, I despise it when games (specifically those from armor games) exclude content but, all thats missing here are some skills relating to gem bombs. I didn't care much when they were missing from the original and I don't care now. Overall this game has enough changed to keep it interesting while maintaining the same style of gameplay that made me enjoy the first one.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
Super, Awesome game. While it is harder, or perhaps just very different from the first game, it's a great game! You DO have to think! That's what makes it so worth playing!
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
pokerhappy, do you even understand what you're saying... if sponge says the majority of top games are TDs and you point out one that isn't -- how is that even an argument? Oh but its okay because you end your logical fallacy with "the defense rests," you're either very young or very dumb.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
First, exclusive content pisses me off to no end. If you don't want people to play the game here, don't upload it. Next, this is, as far as gameplay is concerned, all but identical to GemCraft. I expect improvement in a sequel; not more of the same thing. This is especially true when more of the same consists of endless round after round of a tower defense game. This game is difficult, and requires more grinding than most RPGs these days. Balance better, and it'll be playable. Until then, I'll continue to question the sanity of the Kongregate community, which seems to have a soft spot for tower defense games of any kind. I mean, come on, four of the top five games are tower defense, and none of them are really all that fun.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
Ugh, I hate it when people limit stuff from one site to another. My xp leeching gembomb strategy doesn't work because they disabled that power-up for htis version.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
If you're getting "stuck," then you obviously need to go back and do the sub-levels so that you can level up and make it easier.
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
Dlcrazygamer : Score is only tripled on the three (for each level) glowing blue frames. Each level has different selected triple score modes. The ones not being tripled are ones that aren't selected for that particular level. =)
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
lvl id 7 & lvl id 8 are very stressful to me, it's hard to find a balance between building towers with gems strong enough to kill monsters and destroying the infested buildings before monsters come out of them
Under rating threshold (hideshow)
Couldn't get past the final boss in the last game, and now this game is here to steal my life away. I really enjoy being able to combine gems from the inventory, and the new game modes are fun too! Guaranteed this game is going to keep me entertained for a long while! Thanks!