Knights Onrush, released by Chillingo, marks the entrance of yet another castle defense game into the app store. With its polished graphics and stellar gameplay, you will not regret adding this gem to your collection.

Knights Onrush contains three difficulty levels at which you can experience the three game modes: Campaign, Endless Siege, and Madness. Campaign contains 12 levels, each with a specific number of days, or waves, that you must endure in order to unlock the next castle. Endless Siege continues to throw wave after wave at you until you cannot handle any more. Madness simply throws a ridiculous number of enemies at you and asks you to make the best of it.

There are 11 enemy types against which you must defend, including knights, horsemen, bombers, catapults, wizards, and more, each with unique traits and strengths. Enemies are defended against by flicking them away or picking them up and slamming them into the ground. You can also detonate bombs before the enemies toss them at your door, or drop the catapults to cause widespread damage. Destroying enemies earns gold, and sacrificing enemies to the dragon earns sacrifice points. After each wave of successful castle defense, you’ll be given the opportunity to purchase upgrades for your castle, including stronger doors, columns, fireballs, boulders, rooftop weapons, and more. As the levels get more difficult, these upgrades really do come in handy. Purchases require a certain amount of gold and sacrifice points, so you’ll want to earn as much as possible.

The graphics have a great cartoony look, and the soundtrack is epic. It has a movie score quality that takes the game to another level. Controls are strictly touch-based, utilizing taps and drags to vanquish the enemies. Gameplay is smooth and exciting. You’ll find yourself furiously swiping at your screen in no time. Check out the online leaderboard to see where you rank among other players. As far as castle defense games go, this is one of the most enjoyable ones we’ve played, rivaling the likes of StickWars. Replay value abounds, as you’ll work feverishly to defend your position longer and longer. Future updates are said to upgrade all aspects of the game, including new levels, landscapes, enemies, and structures. Chillingo is currently selling Knights Onrush for $2.99 ($0.99 this weekend), $2 off of the regular price. While justified at the higher price for its polish and depth, it’s a terrific bargain at its current price. Knights Onrush fights off the competition for a 5-Dimple rating.

Knights Onrush gets our AppSmile 5-Dimple rating: