Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap marks a new step for the long-running franchise, successfully building on its beloved trap-and-slash formula while experimenting with rogue-lite structure and four-player co-op. It retains the gleeful fans expect from a game in the series – and when it hits its stride, it’s an absolute blast, even though some of its new systems don’t always mesh as seamlessly as they should.
From the get-go, the game feels familiar in a way that will appeal to long-time players. You step into the boots of a War Mage once again, defending rifts from overwhelming waves of orcs and other monstrous creatures. This time, though, your playground is bigger, the cast of playable heroes more diverse, and the strategic possibilities more layered. Deathtrap doesn’t just remix the classic Orcs Must Die! formula – it injects it with a dose of rogue-lite DNA and online synergy, giving it a different rhythm than the previous games.
Combat remains the over-the-top spectacle it’s always been. Melee and ranged attacks feel impactful, and the real joy comes from laying down absurdly lethal traps – spike walls, floor buzzsaws, spring pads, acid sprayers – then watching as orcs ragdoll in all directions, caught in a glorious storm of fire, blades, and gravity. The game’s humor and cartoony violence are still firmly intact, and the new visuals on PS5 give the carnage a glossy, vibrant polish that’s a treat to behold, even if some of the outdoor environments lean a bit generic.
The biggest gameplay change is the addition of randomized modifiers and environmental variables. You’re not just clearing waves – you’re adapting to shifts in level conditions, trap behavior, enemy buffs, and even weather effects. It adds tension and unpredictability to each run, but also demands more long-term thinking as you weigh risk versus reward. Between runs, your castle hub serves as a base of operations for upgrading traps, weapons, and character abilities – creating a satisfying power progression that makes return trips feel worthwhile.
That said, the rogue-lite structure isn’t without its hiccups. At times, the randomness can clash with the precision that the series’ trap placement traditionally demands. Some modifiers feel more frustrating than fun, especially when they undermine your carefully planned defenses with unpredictable effects. And while the co-op component can be thrilling with friends – encouraging dynamic roles and synergistic strategies – playing with strangers can quickly turn chaotic, with pacing issues and a lack of coordination leading to messier outcomes.
The selection of War Mages is a highlight, with each hero offering distinct tools and styles. Whether you prefer a close-quarters brawler or a ranged specialist, there’s a character that caters to your preferred approach. These differences help with replay value, and combined with the randomization system, no two runs feel quite the same.
On the technical side, the PS5 version runs smoothly, with fast load times and responsive controls. Navigating menus, especially the trap upgrade system, feels fluid on a controller – and the UI has been clearly optimized for consoles. The audio design is just as playful as ever, with crunchy sound effects, exaggerated orc grunts, and a metal-heavy soundtrack that pushes the energy levels up.
If there’s a missed opportunity here, it’s the lack of a more compelling overarching narrative. While the lore is hinted at, and boss battles add some scale to the campaign, the story largely plays second fiddle to the action – which might disappoint players (especially those new to the franchise) looking for more world-building or character-driven moments.
Still, Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is an enjoyable evolution of the series that adds depth without losing its identity. It’s chaotic, creative, and fun – especially in short bursts or with friends. While its new systems may not be as finely tuned as its traps, there’s enough orc-smashing satisfaction here to keep both returning fans and newcomers entertained for dozens of hours.
Score: 7.2/10
Press Play Media 