Kingdom Rush 5: Alliance TD - Colossal Dwarfare Campaign Review Summary

The well-received DLC adds a new hero and valuable towers, but it is very short, enemy stats feel unbalanced, and the rocket skill can cause a blue screen crash.

DLC is well-received: Multiple clusters show the DLC is generally enjoyed, with praise for its originality, fun factor, and challenging difficulty. Players who liked the base game appreciate the additional content.

New towers add value: The new towers are considered practical, strong, and enjoyable, with unique upgrades and the ability to deploy multiple units.

Worth the money: Reviewers consistently feel the DLC is a good value, with many stating it is worth the purchase and that they do not regret buying it.

Gameplay is engaging: The core gameplay is found to be interesting, fun, and strategically engaging, providing a satisfying experience.

Developer responds to feedback: Players frequently note that the developer listens to feedback and makes timely updates, which is seen as a positive aspect of the game.

Blue screen crash from rocket skill: Using the rocket soldier's second skill causes a blue screen crash, and the issue persists even after updates. This is a severe bug that makes the skill unusable.

Enemy stats are unbalanced: Enemy stats appear poorly balanced, with absurdly high values and overtuned HP that make the game frustrating. Flying enemies are particularly problematic, having inflated stats and unfair mechanics.

Boss fights are underwhelming: Bosses are boring, generic, and lack impact, often feeling like filler. The final boss is anticlimactic and too easy, providing no challenge.

DLC content is very short: Many players complain that the DLC is extremely short, offering only about 2 hours of gameplay and very little new content such as one hero and one tower. It feels insubstantial compared to previous DLCs.

Numerous bugs and unfixed issues: The game has many bugs that affect the experience, and many remain unfixed even after updates. Players note that bugs are still present and some severe ones have been left unresolved for a long time.

DLC adds new hero and tower: Many reviews note that the DLC includes a new hero and a new tower, sometimes with additional mechanics such as elite-targeting or ultimate abilities.

Impossible difficulty setting: Players frequently mention an Impossible difficulty mode, which is the highest difficulty and significantly increases enemy HP.

DLC includes five levels: The DLC campaign consists of five levels, often mentioned alongside a 3-star completion system and new bosses.

New enemies and bosses: The DLC introduces various new enemy types, including flying enemies and mini-bosses, as well as boss fights with unique mechanics.

Tower defense with heroes: The core gameplay is tower defense, often combined with hero units that are used tactically alongside towers.

Rocket soldier skill blue screens: Multiple reports indicate that using the rocket soldier's second skill consistently causes a blue screen crash. This issue occurs across different upgrades and modes, such as stage three steel mode.

Blue screen crashes persist: Blue screen crashes continue to occur even after updates, and are not limited to specific skills. Players report crashes during normal gameplay and at various levels.

Lag in specific stages: Lag is reported in the second level and when starting iron challenges, affecting gameplay smoothness.

DLC unplayable despite purchase: Some players report that purchased DLC cannot be played, indicating a potential licensing or installation issue.

Hulk enemy broken on release: The 'Hulk' enemy was reportedly broken at launch, though details are sparse.

DLC is worth buying: Many reviewers find the DLC worth its price, especially for Kingdom Rush fans and achievement hunters. They describe it as a great addition and fun to play.

Recommended for Kingdom Rush fans: The DLC is highly recommended for fans of the Kingdom Rush series, particularly those who enjoy Kingdom Rush Alliance. It is seen as a must-buy for devotees.

DLC is not recommended: A number of reviewers advise against purchasing the DLC, citing that it is not worth the price and is considered trash by some. They do not recommend it to friends or anyone.

Recommended with reservations: Some reviewers recommend buying only if you like the series and don't mind spending money, or suggest it's worth supporting but not as good as other DLCs. Others say it's not essential but worth it for fans of the original.

Buy only if die-hard fan: Several reviewers suggest that only die-hard fans or completionists should buy this DLC, while ordinary players are advised to skip it. Some mention buying only if you are a devoted KR fan.

Community fair range: $9.99 - $14.99.

Game completion: 5.5h.

Story completion: 1.7h.

Enjoyment is reported when the DLC becomes genuinely challenging, a refreshing contrast to easy, repetitive campaign and mini-map content; however, other reports find the whole DLC monotonous and boring. No review provides a time cue for that turning point.

Friction: Easy, repetitive campaign and mini-map content; Minimal, monotonous DLC content with little innovation; Boring Hero Kratoa design; Barracks tower cost ramp-up balance issue.

Unlock drivers: The DLC becoming genuinely hard and refreshing.

Disappointed Veteran Completionist: Clears all modes and achievements on veteran difficulty and closely judges balance, map design, enemy stats, and asset reuse. Motivation: Protecting the quality of a series they have supported for years and holding new paid content to the standards of earlier releases. Stance: no buy.

Casual Campaign Enjoyer: Plays on casual or normal difficulty, uses new heroes and towers casually, and avoids meta-focused pressure. Motivation: Getting more relaxed Kingdom Rush content that is fun without demanding hardcore optimization. Stance: buy.

Hardcore Challenge Seeker: Clears stages on Veteran for three stars, experiments with the new hero and tower, and values strategic intensity. Motivation: Testing and mastering challenging Kingdom Rush battles through optimized Veteran clears. Stance: buy.

Monetization: The reviews focus on the paid DLC's price-to-content ratio, short length, reused ideas, and uneven new hero/tower quality. Some players still consider it worth buying for the levels and challenges. No review provides evidence of microtransactions, loot boxes, gacha pulls, paid power, currency obfuscation, or a real-money shop; the monetization model discussed is a traditional paid expansion.

Contains five levels plus extras: The DLC includes five new levels with bosses on most of them, along with iron and heroic challenges. It also adds one hero, one tower, easter eggs, and achievements.

Unfavorable comparison to Pirate DLC: The DLC is compared unfavorably to the Pirate Kings DLC from Kingdom Rush Vengeance and other pirate-themed expansions. Reviewers feel its quality has dropped severely compared to those well-received DLCs.

DLC pricing and value: The DLC is paid content and reviewers debate whether its price is fair for the amount of content. Some consider it a bit expensive given its scale, while others see the price as reasonable for five new levels.

Long-time fan perspective: Reviewers who have played all Kingdom Rush games and expansions over the years are sharing their opinions. Some have not played the previous game but still compare the DLC.

Unfavorable comparison to Crocodile: Reviewers repeatedly compare this paid DLC unfavorably to the free Crocodile side story, especially regarding boss design and overall value. The DLC is considered easier than the free Crocodile content.