Fighting of Sango: Legend of Heroes Review

Nearly as popular as Match 3 games is the Tower Defense genre. Very rarely does the formula differ, with gameplay comprised of roughly the same combination of lining up defensive units strategically while accruing more funds in order to upgrade and build new units. The visuals may differ with some tower defense titles trying to be grim or futuristic while others try to be wacky or cutesy but ultimately it's the same title with subtle differences. Fighting of Sango sticks strongly to the cutesy line of play, never really bothering to innovate hugely. It's an enjoyable romp but nothing that players haven't seen before.

Using the backdrop of the Three Kingdoms period in Ancient China, Fighting of Sango sounds potentially dramatic but really the storyline is told in a very simplistic manner via the use of comic book panels after each different scene. The scenes cover different backdrops such as a mountain forest, snowfield and fortification area. With 24 levels in all, there's certainly a sufficient amount to do here but it's not overly gripping. With only six different defensive units, strategy feels a little limited. Each level brings with it many waves of attack. Within only a few levels, players can find themselves pitted against 30 or more waves one after another, feeling neverending.

If it was possible to speed up Fighting of Sango, it'd help impatient players a lot. Players can double the speed but no faster than that, still making each level take longer than would have been ideal. Once the player has set up their defensive units, there's not a huge amount of micromanagement needed other than adding a few units here or there or upgrading them. Nothing feels gripping enough.

A Hard mode is available which makes things more challenging but the approach still feels a litte too laissez faire in nature. Aiming to combat this problem is the addition of seven heroes which can be used as a form of super power to wipe out numerous foes at the tap of a button. They make for an excellent final stand attack when things get too hectic.

To extend Fighting of Sango's longevity, a series of mini games are gradually unlocked providing different challenges such as Endless mode and stages that focus on specific enemy types.

Ultimately though, Fighting of Sango lacks personality. It is fun and at the low price of 99c, Tower Defense fans looking for another fix will enjoy it. However once you complete it, you'll forget all about it and feel no overwhelming urge to return.