In Cannon Brawl there are two castles, one positioned on each side of a peaceful valley. This circumstance is, of course, intolerable. There really ought to be just one building, and your job as the player is to bring about such a future, even as your opponent–whether controlled by a second player or just the devious computer–tries to turn your base into a pile of rubble.

You may recall other games that employ a similar setup. CastleStorm comes to mind, for instance, with its pleasing blend of crazy action and tower defense mechanics. While past games prevent this new effort from offering much in the way of surprises, though, lingering familiarity ensures that genre devotees will be able to get right down to the business of castle demolition.

When a round begins, you find your castle positioned near the edge of a cramped map. As rousing battle themes pipe from your speakers, you stake your claim to verdant hills and blue skies, to deserts so yellow you might wish you c…