Poly Universe (2018)

Developer: Pouchmouse
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres: Indie, Simulation, Strategy, Early Access
Rating: 4.3 of 5, 124 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 5.0 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 strategy game where you carefully balance city layout and defenses on small, isolated planets while a constant low-level threat looms.

strategicatmosphericchallengingmanageabletensescifistylizedmethodical

What players say

Players find this a charming if difficult colony builder where you manage a small population, called peabs, and fend off space trolls. Reviews praise the satisfying supply chains and the goal of colonizing new planets, but note bugs, a steep difficulty curve, and a sense that progression is still being fleshed out.

Screenshots

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.