[Review] Deathtrap: Orcs Must Die! on PlayStation 5

Alright, so let’s dive right into this crazy new game, “Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap.” I mean, it’s the next thing from Robot Entertainment, right? But, hey, this time with a whole roguelite vibe. What even is that? Well, you’re doing these wild runs, and—get this—you have no clue about which orcs or monsters are gonna jump at you. Plus, there’s this whole random weather thing that—no kidding—actually messes with your battles. It’s like playing dodgeball in a tornado. Might be my new Friday night.

And then there’s this castle hub. Kinda like a chill spot where you can go when things go south—like regroup, beef up your War Mage, maybe switch up your weapons or traps. It’s your hangout zone between the chaos.

Oh! And if you’re all about the multiplayer life, there’s this sweet four-player co-op. Catch is, you need some PlayStation Plus thingy. Extra or Premium, all that jazz. You and your buddies can unleash havoc across these massive levels, juggling between shooting and sword fighting—because why not, right? I remember getting into “Orcs Must Die! 3” on the PS5, so you bet I was game to see how this sequel rolls out.

Now, picture this: You’re in there, third-person view. Thumbsticks working overtime—left stick maneuvers, right stick aims. Slam the left stick to sprint if you’re feeling speedy, zoom in with the right stick like you’re Sherlock Holmes of the monster world, then leap with the X button. It’s an all-you-can-do buffet of destruction with R2 for attacking and L2 for alternate weapon antics.

Characters are a whole other ballgame. Different War Mages with quirks and perks. Sample them all, I say. Like, Vaan—he’s got this crossbow with a rapid-fire thing going on. Plus, a Rift Protection Overdrive you fire up with R1, a bit of a space shield for your Rift. Charge Beam that locks him solid while zapping enemies, and a double jump just to show off mid-air. I swear, I can barely manage one jump without a stumble.

And there’s Wren. She was gonna be a healer but took a turn for the explosive. Wields a wand that’s all about power per shot and can blink around like some magic ninja. Her specialty? Mirror Images, where you conjure these clones doing your dirty work. Just plan it out—unless you’re like me and plans are optional, really.

Traps? Yep, those are a thing too. Pick and choose, spend those Gold Skulls—rewards from missions—to expand your arsenal. Orc Eater, Rip Saw, Poison Flower, you name it. My favorite? Gotta be Vaan’s Rift Orb—it’s like a secret weapon that powers up your traps. Skull economy at its best.

And before you hit the battlefield, think about those handy-dandy Elixirs. Anti-Death, Ballista, Coin Elixirs—the names are half the fun, honestly. Though, let’s talk about Skulls again, right? Get those by the dozens, and put them towards Threads. These nifty boosts like Anti-Air to ground those pesky fliers or Blunt the Knives if Hunters are chasing you down. Mind you, each War Mage has their own special Threads—fits like a glove.

Trophies to snatch, too! Win with each War Mage, tackle specific quests, hit level 100—you know, the usual game-within-the-game kind of deal.

Before I forget, the game’s hitting shelves on PS5 for $29.99. There’s a supporter pack too, with some cool skins and bling if you’re wanting them. Personally, I’m a sucker for a good costume change—call it my inner fashionista.

So, there you have it: “Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap,” a field day for battle lovers and chaos seekers. Whether you’re into multiplayer chaos or just tackling it solo, there’s a slice of mayhem for everyone. Just remember, alliances and traps are your best friends here—oh, and maybe a little luck wouldn’t hurt.

P.S. Thanks to Robot Entertainment for the PS5 copy. Because, you know, gotta check if I’m still quick on my feet with these things.