Ah, the humble tower defense game. While perhaps not the most ambitious genre of game on the market, whether adapted to the mobile market as the foundations of one’s challenging gacha game, or a fun PC experience, they may rarely be the foundations of a “AAA” game, but much fun and challenge can be had. For the last week, I have had the opportunity to tinker with The Beast and the Princess from Libragames, the latest game from a studio from whom anime-style tower defense experiences are their bread and butter. Trading sprawling battlefields for brisk skirmishes, and dangerous allies for plush soldiers, players are tasked with chaining their allies’ special moves and watching the damage, and perhaps dopamine, stack sky high.
Mechanically, The Beast and the Princess focuses on the typical elements of timing and combo-building, the right piece in the right place at the right time ultimately determining your success. The battles are relatively short, most lasting a few minutes rather than a half-hour slog, with the potential to fail in the last minute or two. The gameplay systems are simple, approachable, and no-frills, yet still reward players with some unique concepts and a few different difficulty options. In total, although it’s unlikely to be a game you’ll revisit years or months from now, the entire package is approachable and enjoyable.
Between those bouts, the experience slips comfortably into visual‑novel territory. Short, cut‑scenes chart an enjoyable but straightforward enough narrative around the twin princesses and the titular beast. The visuals and animations are also solidly built, providing a cute and charming aesthetic that aligns with the fantasy narrative tone. However, some of the enemy and boss designs could most certainly use some more love and attention.
Overall, The Beast and the Princess may not dethrone the genre’s heavy hitters. Still, its clever combo‑centric gameplay loop and unabashed sense of reward made for a solid experience, well worth the $18.95 AUD (or local equivalent) entry fee. Is it a perfect fairy tale? Nope, yet if you’re scouting a tower‑defence that respects your time, spices up the meta, and delivers a bite‑sized story between waves, Libragames’ latest offering does the job well.
Final Score for The Beast and the Princess
A digital review code for The Beast and the Princess was provided by Libregames to facilitate this review.
The Beast and the Princess is now available to purchase on Steam.
