When comparing Orcs Must Die 2 vs Gauntlet, the Slant community recommends Gauntlet for most people. In the question“What are the best Online Co-Op games on Steam?” Gauntlet is ranked 14th while Orcs Must Die 2 is ranked 19th. The most important reason people chose Gauntlet is:
Gauntlet offers full controller support that actually works extremely well for an action RPG. This makes for a good game to play on a Steam Machine or living room gaming PC.
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 You can easily play the PC game on a sofa with the included full controller support
Gauntlet offers full controller support that actually works extremely well for an action RPG. This makes for a good game to play on a Steam Machine or living room gaming PC.
Pro Bosses offer good bit of diversity to the gameplay thanks to requiring different strategy over the base gameplay
Different bosses require different tactics to defeat them. This creates a good change of pace from the regular hack and slash gameplay as differing tactics will need to be used.
Pro Good co-op options no matter if you want to play locally or online
Gauntlet has support for local and online 4 player co-op. Making for a game that works well for small groups.
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 Very repetitive gameplay
With a few exceptions, the gameplay and strategy is the same for the entire game. There is very little progression and very few new abilities. The game also seems to gets easier rather than harder, although the new Colosseum mode adds some challenge to the end game.
Con Locked camera
The camera is locked in a single position. This creates confusion while playing in a busy area, as the camera does not stay focused on the player’s character. While a locked camera made sense in the arcade or on home consoles, where only one screen was needed, it really doesn’t make much sense for online multiplayer.
Con Can be rather difficult
The difficulty level is way too high especially when playing with kids.
Con Requires controllers with XInput
You cannot play Gauntlet with PS controllers.
Con Wizard is complicated to use
The wizard character is complicated to use. He has nine spells that can be cast using a number of hard-to-remember button combinations. This results in very few people wanting to play as the character. For online matches, this means there are quite a few three-player games as no one wants to take the role of the fourth character: the wizard.