It may be a bit off topic to suddenly talk about tower defense in the selfie dating section, but since we want to make a horizontal comparison, I will explain it thoroughly. As a sequel to an old IP in 2013, Defending Carrot 2 is still one of the most "stable" casual tower defenses I have ever reviewed. But to say how much better it is than similar games, you have to break it apart and look at it.
Picture/sound effects: The benchmark of Q cute painting style, but the precision has lagged behind
Just looking at the art style, this game is really enjoyable. Po's rounded shape, ugly monster design, bright map colors, and overall "healing" route are completely different from the dark American style of "Plants vs. Zombies 2" and the epic hand-painted style of "Kingdom Defense". But here's the problem - comparing the dynamic light and shadow of "Kingdom Defense: Origin" and the pixel details of "Balloon Tower Defense 6", the scene interaction of "Kingdom Defense: Origin" is weak, and the turret upgrade special effects are also a bit crude. The sound effects are average, and the "squeaking" sound when the radish is bitten is the only memorable point.
How to play: There is no threshold to get started, and the depth depends entirely on your "gan"
The core tower defense mechanism is mature, but innovation is limited. It has 155 levels and 9 major themes, but in essence it is still "build a tower - upgrade - guard the path". In horizontal comparison, it is purer than "Plants vs. Zombies 2", with no RPG growth lines such as energy beans and plant decorations; it lacks the strategic dimension of operator matching than "Arknights"; but the "Daily Up" tower climbing mode does provide a "self-challenge" cycle that is rare in similar products, and is suitable for earning three stars in fragmented time. The shortcomings are also obvious - the values of later levels are inflated, and if you don't want to earn gold, you have to repeatedly play through old levels to save gold coins, which feels like repetitive labor.
Krypton Gold: Conscience is as good as charity, but it is a double-edged sword
The charging mode is 0, and the only in-app purchases are prop acceleration and gold coin gift packs, which are not forced to pay at all. This beats the three consecutive traps of physical strength + monthly card + card drawing in "Defend Carrot 3", and is far better than the "paid unlocking of plants" in "Plants vs. Zombies 2". However, due to being too conscientious, official follow-up updates have basically stalled. New content is all left to the players' own imagination. Compared with mobile games that continue to operate, it is like a bowl of cold rice.
Social: almost none, single-player to the extreme
There are no friend rankings, no guilds, or even chat. So what's the significance of its existence in the “selfie dating” section? It can only be said that it is a "social insulator" - playing it is like reading a quiet picture book, not as exciting as the real-time battle of "Clash of Clans: Royal War", and not as good as "Cat Backyard" for showing off cats. It is suitable for social players to enjoy themselves, but it cannot be used as a source of social conversation.
Horizontal summary:
If you are new to tower defense and want to experience the most relaxing defense fun, Defending Carrot 2 is an above-passing choice, much better than reskinned copycats like "Super Tower Defense". But if you are a strategy geek and pursue level design and long-term operation, it will be more like "Tears of the Times" - the leader of the genre back then, is now being rubbed on the ground by the rising star of "Kingdom Defense 4". My ratings are as follows:
Graphics: 7.5/10 (cute, but technically outdated)
Gameplay: 7/10 (classic, but lacks surprises)
Krypton gold: 9/10 (free and no tricks)
Social: 2/10 (only standalone)
Total score: 6.8/10 (recommended for sentimental parties or casual newcomers, hardcore players should be cautious).