IDUN
IDUN: Frontline Survival, IDUN: Frontline Control Game
Release Date: January 20, 2025
Strategy, science fiction, RTS, tower defense, indie games, singleplayer
Steam
IDUN is a bloody combination of a chaotic RTS and a tower defense game with an option to move the turrets. Our main task is to defend against hordes of enemies. We must also drill for resources and develop the technology to expand our influence on the titular planet.
The game IDUN was created by the Swede Gustav Hagerling. It combines real-time strategy with tower defense gameplay. By making strategic decisions, we defend ourselves against the rampant offensive of the beings living on the titular planet in order to extract an important resource.
Plot
IDUN is the name of the planet on which the drilling colony that extracts Epli, a resource of vital importance, is located. Our work is hampered by endless waves of hostile beings, forcing our crew to defend themselves and extract enough resources from the planet before our team is overwhelmed by enemy forces.
Gameplay
In IDUN we make strategic decisions and directly move defensive units. Each mission involves new obstacles, from environmental anomalies to hordes of enemies, of which tens of thousands can appear on the screen at the same time. Apart from building walls or towers with rotating blades and using turrets or combat vehicles, we delegate crew members to the battlefield. Bloody skirmishes also take place in the skies.
Battles do not leave the environment unaffected. The grassy surface of the planet IDUN quickly turns into a smoky, ruined battlefield as a result of clashes. Explosions create craters, which later fill with puddles of blood, forcing enemies to change their path. In turn, higher temperature makes them move faster. Wind and pressure are also present in the game.
After completing the mission, we collect resources, which we then use to upgrade our station and the crew's arsenal, turrets, and tools.
Game modes
In addition to the campaign and procedurally generated missions, IDUN offers various types of challenges, such as survival which is about the endless defense of the refinery.
Graphics
IDUN runs on the Unity engine and features colorful graphics. We can experience an interactive simulation of smoke and fluids in the form of blood.
Videos and Screens
[1:51] IDUN - Launch Trailer
[1:19] IDUN - Release Date Announcement Trailer
The main pros of the game
- Unique Gameplay Mechanics: The combination of RTS and tower defense elements, particularly the ability to move turrets dynamically, is praised for creating a fresh and engaging experience.
- Addictive Gameplay Loop: Many players find the game to be highly addictive, with quick and intense missions that encourage players to keep coming back for "just one more" round.
- Variety of Units and Upgrades: The game offers a range of turrets and hero units, along with a progression system that players find motivating and rewarding.
- Graphics and Performance: The game runs smoothly and has a visually appealing style, with decent graphics for an indie title.
- Community Engagement: The developers are noted for being responsive to player feedback, with regular updates and patches to improve the game.
The main cons of the game
- AI Voice Acting: A significant number of players criticize the AI-generated voice lines for being lifeless, repetitive, and distracting, leading many to mute the game.
- RNG and Luck-Based Mechanics: The reliance on random loot drops for upgrades is seen as a major flaw, with players feeling that success can be overly dependent on luck rather than skill.
- Unpolished Gameplay: Some users mention that the game feels unrefined, with issues in controls, unit selection, and overall gameplay flow.
- Difficulty Balancing: Players report inconsistencies in mission difficulty, with some missions being too easy while others are frustratingly hard.
- Resource Management Complexity: The resource system is described as convoluted and unclear, leading to frustration when trying to upgrade and manage the space station.
The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users
- Targeting Options for Turrets: Players express a desire for more control over turret targeting priorities, allowing them to focus on more threatening enemies.
- Endless Mode: Some users request an endless mode where players can face continuous waves of enemies without a predefined end, enhancing replayability.
- Improved Tutorial and Guidance: New players mention a lack of guidance on game mechanics and mission planning, leading to confusion and early frustration.
- More Balanced Turret Options: There is a call for better balance among turret types to encourage varied strategies rather than relying on a few overpowered options.
- Clearer Meta-Progression: Players would like a clearer explanation of the meta-progression system and how to effectively manage resources and upgrades.
Summary
- Overall, while "IDUN - Frontline Survival" has a solid foundation and unique gameplay elements that many players enjoy, it faces criticism for its AI voice acting, reliance on RNG, and some design flaws that need addressing for a more polished experience.
Summary generated on:
IDUN Summary
Platforms:
PC Windows
Developer: IDUN Interactive
Publisher: Surefire.Games
Age restrictions: 16+
IDUN System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5-10310U / AMD Ryzen 7 3700U, 4 GB RAM, graphic card Intel UHD 620, 1 GB HDD, Windows 7 SP1 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i5-9400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 6 GB GeForce GTX 1660 / 8 GB Radeon RX 580, 2 GB HDD, Windows 10/11 64-bit