When it comes to tower defense games, or flash games in general, Kingdom Rush ranks near the top of the list. The game hit the scene in late July of this year and only two months later a sequel is already in the works by the designers at Armor Games, the same people behind the original.

If you’re not familiar with tower defense games the basic concept behind them is simple. Usually a static landscape with a path running across it in varying degrees of complexity forms the scenario, the goal is to strategically place different ‘towers’ with certain powers or characters to defend the path from the hordes of creatures that will try to cross it.

A simple idea, but with lots of potential. However, many tower games overburden gameplay with unnecessarily complicated techniques, spells, tower placement, development, etc., ad nauseum. Kingdom Rush does not make this mistake, gameplay remains basic but never dull.

While gameplay remains simple enough to enjoy, Kingdom Rush is packed with special upgrades, varying degrees of difficulty, scores of different monsters and boss levels, and more than 50 achievement badges, some of which can drive you crazy trying to accomplish. There are 4 tower types available: ranged, melee, wizard and bombardment. In later levels these can be upgraded to impressive ranks (like Ranger and Sage).

The game is set up in 12 levels, each a little more difficult than the last. Avoiding any spoilers, the final climax is excruciatingly difficult, a fast-paced showdown with the main villain. The beginning is mellower, a series of forest levels that allow you to build up your abilities. This is one game that deserves the title of “addicting,” there is no end of possibilities and strategies to attempt. One of the best games available online.