Dillon's Dead-Heat Breakers

Dillion’s Dead-Heat Breakers is a combination of a tower defence and an action game. Apart from Dillon’s Rolling Western from 2012 and Dillon’s Rolling Western: The Last Ranger from 2013, this is another, third instalment in the series developed by the Japanese studio Vanpool.

Plot

It has been some time since the armadillo Dillon, also known as “Red Flash,” and his partner – the squirrel Russ – saved the frontier villages from Grocks – terribly dangerous, rock monsters. Unbothered, the post-apocalyptic land inspired by the Wild West and dwelled by anthropomorphic animals flourished, transformed, and developed a new technology. However, peace did not reign for long. Frontier is once again in danger, and Dillon and Russ are the only hope.

Mechanics

Gameplay of Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers does not revolutionise the series. The mechanics are divided into two parts. In the first one, the players can freely explore the world, gather resources, chat with NPCs, recruit allies and place them in particular villages, build up defences, buy and sell items, etc. Once the preparation phase is over, there comes the second part of the game – the invasion. During this part, Dillon has to fend off waves of opponents with the use of items, claws, watchtowers, traps, and special skills, such as transformation into a ball or a powerful strike against the ground, which hurts the enemies.

As we progress, the attacks of the invaders from space become more and more vicious. Further into gameplay, we are attacked by their different variations which can fly, swim, electrocute, dig holes, or withstand many hits. However, Dillon is not helpless. With the resources he finds, he can upgrade the constructions so that they can receive and deal more damage.

From time to time, Dillon has to take part in special races during which he turns into a speeding ball. The objective is to eliminate a particular number of enemies or just to finish the race – all of this within time constraints. Moreover, there is a variety of minigames available between battles. The money earned by playing them can be spent on e.g. hiring more allies.

Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers gives the players a chance to implement their own, minimised Mii avatars who fight side by side with Dillon. Importantly, we can take control of our virtual selves. The game also lets your Mii friends help you, as they can shoot from your watchtowers.

Technical aspects

The 3D visuals of Dillon’s Dead-Heat Breakers recreate the spirit of the Wild West. Therefore, we are presented with vast deserts, villages, and ruins in calm colours. All of this makes the game resemble a cartoon.

Last updated on April 16, 2018