Underplayed Gems

Arete (2025)

Arete cover
Developer
Molotov Cockatiel Games, Vasilios Kalpakoglou
Publisher
Molotov Cockatiel Games
Platforms
Windows, macOS
Genres
Casual, Simulation, Strategy
Rating
4.8 of 5, 22 player ratings
Typical playtime
about 2.7 hours
Where to get it
Steam
The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A methodical, turn-based hexgrid wargame simulating ancient military campaigns with a focus on tactical decision-making.

turn-basedhistoricaltacticalstrategichex-and-countersimulatededucationalmilitary

What players say

Players praise this as a polished hex-and-counter wargame with simple rules and a smart AI that provides a fair challenge. The visible dice rolls and initiative system add tension, while cross-platform multiplayer with the mobile version is a standout feature. Some find the interface clunky, notably the lack of a quit button.

Screenshots

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More games like this

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.