When comparing Orcs Must Die 2 vs Magicka, the Slant community recommends Magicka for most people. In the question“What are the best Online Co-Op games on Steam?” Magicka is ranked 13th while Orcs Must Die 2 is ranked 19th. The most important reason people chose Magicka is:
Since the main gameplay mechanic of casting spells is skill based on how quickly you execute a certain key combination, there's a high chance of misclicking or mistargeting and accidentally attacking your ally. There’s nothing quite like thunderbolting or summoning death on your friends.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Challenging mix of direct and indirect gameplay
The game requires patience and analysis from the player. You can only use so many traps because the currency is limited, which means you will have to run in and slay orcs yourself. Balancing when to attack and when to sit back is vital to success, and makes for an enjoyable challenge when things get hectic.
Pro Fast paced co-op that allows for deep strategies thanks to teamwork and communication
Unlike the first game in the series, Orcs Must Die 2 allows for co-op multiplayer. Two players can team up to kill hordes of orcs, each with their own skills and equipment slots. This not only allows for faster paced action, but also for strategic combat tactics. For this reason, it’s best played with headsets to ensure open communication. Overall, the co-op mode adds a level of fun that was missing from the first title.
Pro Many variables of gameplay that makes for a ton of replayability
The game has many maps, a ranking system, and a wide variety of items that can change each game significantly. These variables create a differentiated experience that doesn’t get stale.
Pro Challenge and longevity for those that want to master the leaderboards
Leaderboards are on offer for those that would like to compete for high scores around the globe. This can be a fun but monumental task, as higher tier weapons will be needed in order to score the combos necessary for a competing high score in any level. Something more in line to the hardcore gamers looking for a challenge, but easily a way for the players to pad out the longevity of the game.
Pro Humorous
The main characters have a great banter with one another that keeps the levels amusing.
Pro Chaotic gameplay that results in amusing friendly fire
Since the main gameplay mechanic of casting spells is skill based on how quickly you execute a certain key combination, there's a high chance of misclicking or mistargeting and accidentally attacking your ally. There’s nothing quite like thunderbolting or summoning death on your friends.
Pro The spell system is pretty unique
Magicka has a unique spell-casting system based on adding elements such as fire, water, and stone to an action queue.
There are eight basic elements (each assigned to a key), of which up to five can be queued at a time. Some elements can be combined in the queuing process (such as fire and water to create steam). The effect of the spell changes to match the elements you add to the queue. Additionally, there are four casting methods: beam (right-click), area (shift+right-click), self-cast (middle-click), and imbue weapon (shift+click).
Pro Funny story and music
Story twists and music create an fun and easy gameplay atmosphere.
Pro Two different gameplay modes
Other than the standard campaign mode there's also a survival mode that's your standard affair with increasingly difficult waves of enemies. There's also an online leader board for survival mode.
Pro Casual fun with friends
Not too complex gameplay allows hilarious time with friends even if they don't know the game.
Cons
Con Gets repetitive over time
Actually since the game is perfection based (meaning you'll want to redo areas for better scoring) and has plenty of included plus DLC maps you can play OMD2 for quite a while and it will seem fresh. The difference in difficulty levels also can refresh the same map since varying levels release different type of enemies.
Con A bit of a learning curve
With the number of spells you have at your command comes the challenge of discovering and remembering them all. But once you know them, you'll be able to counter anything that's thrown at you.
Con Memorizing spells is extremely difficult
The vast combination of elements make it all but impossible to blindly figure out what spell combos the game has and even the wiki page has no usefulness in finding spells for your play style.
Con Optimization could be better
At certain times during competitive play, the game can lag or slow down (not rare for an online game), which may mess up the timing of skill shots in the game. Being that timing is highly important to the gameplay, having a poor netcode that fluctuates during play can be upsetting, especially if it results in a loss.