As a long-time Kingdom Rush fan since the very first game, Kingdom Rush: Vengeance stands out as one of the most bold and refreshing entries in the entire franchise. Ironhide Game Studio took a risk by flipping the perspective, and it absolutely paid off.
Instead of defending the kingdom, this time you step into the role of Vez’nan himself—the once-feared Dark Wizard whose story takes center stage. The game begins after Vez’nan escapes his imprisonment in the Rift of Cinders, following Linirea’s forces defeating Moloch, the ruler of that realm. What he returns to is not the kingdom he once fought against, but something even more absurd and chaotic: his own castle has been turned into a bizarre theme park, and much of the surrounding forest has been destroyed in the process.
From there, Vez’nan’s journey becomes one of calculated vengeance and restoration of power. Instead of rushing directly to King Denas, he takes his time dismantling Linirea’s forces one region at a time, reclaiming influence and reestablishing his dominance across the land. This slower, more strategic narrative progression makes the campaign feel personal and methodical, rather than just another war for survival.
What makes Vengeance especially memorable is how it deepens the Kingdom Rush universe by showing events from the “other side.” Seeing familiar heroes now positioned as adversaries gives the world more depth, and Vez’nan’s character is explored in a way that makes him feel far more than just a villain—he becomes a force shaped by betrayal, ambition, and necessity.
The gameplay itself remains classic Kingdom Rush at its core, but with a darker twist. The enemy-focused tower design and hero synergies make each stage feel distinct and strategically engaging. It challenges players to think differently compared to previous titles, especially when playing as the forces of darkness instead of the kingdom’s defenders.
The post-launch content further strengthens the experience. The game already includes two excellent DLC campaigns:
• Hammerhold Campaign
• Pirate Kings Campaign
Each DLC adds meaningful expansion to the world, introducing new factions, battles, and lore that continue to enrich the Kingdom Rush universe rather than simply adding extra content for the sake of it.
Ironhide Game Studio once again demonstrates its mastery of tower defense design and long-term worldbuilding. Vengeance doesn’t just continue the franchise—it reframes it, showing that even villains have stories worth telling.
For fans of the series, this is an essential chapter. For newcomers, it’s a bold and refreshing take on a familiar formula.
9.5/10 — A powerful, villain-centric evolution of the Kingdom Rush saga that delivers both gameplay depth and rich storytelling.
