Defense Grid: The Awakening has been out since last December via digital download outlets like Steam. However, the game designers, Hidden Path are going to take a big leap by releasing a full boxed retail version through publisher Aspyr Media. Defense Grid, a sci-fi themed tower defense game, was one of Big Download's favorite games of 2008 and offers many hours of addictive fun. The demo can be downloaded here.

"Defense Grid: The Awakening finds humanity struggling against an invasion by a relentless alien force. The player is tasked with defending key outposts with the aid of ancient, but powerful, defense towers and an artificial intelligence construct. Intuitive controls and a range of objectives make it fun for players of any skill to progress through the 20 story levels, and the dozens of additional challenge modes. Ten different tower types, each with unique strengths, allow for multiple strategies as players scheme to take down wave after wave of invading creatures, each more powerful than the previous."

Download HD Defense Grid: The Awakening Launch Trailer (180 MB)
Download Defense Grid: The Awakening Demo (237 MB)
Read the Defense Grid: The Awakening Review