Draw Wars Review

What could possibly be better than driving a ten-ton tank through fields of war, soaking the battlefield with the blood of enemies, and lighting up the skies with the cries of a cannon?

How about tracing the path of said tank with the tip of a finger, aiming to protect one base and intercept another?

Draw Wars allows players to do just that. It's not just tanks either. Players will also control infantry units and planes to protect their strongholds. Draw Wars follows a very simple premise, yet its instantly gratifying and consistently engaging. Draw Wars is a rare RTS, tower-defense title that manages to marry both genres well and incorporates them into a genuinely entertaining end-product.

As players move through levels, they'll also be able to create buildings. The buildings have different qualities, and are useful against different types of enemies. A watchtower is quite effective against vehicles and infantry. A SAM is extremely effective against planes. Meanwhile, if a bunker is dug, this creates a very effective defense against vehicles and infantry. By tapping the dollar sign in-game, players can access technology and equipment, upgrading them to higher standards. Players can also purchase a spy which allows them to see how adept the enemies' resources are. Once the spy is purchased, a comparison screen is displayed. This is invaluable for preparing strategies.

Equipment can also be dragged onto the screen and used in the heat of battle. Medikits can be used to heal a damaged/injured unit. A mine can be placed in the middle of enemy paths so they'll walk

on them unsuspectingly. Meanwhile artillery causes a major explosion and fog will impair vision.

Where tanks and units merely go in the direction players point them, once they've been directed, their course can't be altered. There are several different types of crafts, each with all-important properties. Bombers are used to take down buildings, fighters are good against opponents bombers and fighters, and quite effective against land units. Then there's the anticraft vehicles just effective against aircraft.

Draw Wars controls well. The game picks up players' finger-paths expertly, and doesn't veer off in unwanted directions. It doesn't experience slowdown or lag, seems to be coded well, and certainly doesn't feel rushed for release. The top down 3D view works well within the context of the game. It's not the most elegant of its genre, certainly, but Draw Wars creates its own distinct style.

While the premise is simple, the game offers enough depth to keep itself interesting. Draw Wars puts the power of combat in the tips of player's fingers and it works a treat.