Rogue Invader (2021)

Developer: Squishy Games
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Genres: Action, Indie
Rating: 4.6 of 5, 65 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 2.8 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 fast-paced, retro arcade-style shooter with roguelite permadeath and a black-and-white pixel art aesthetic.

actionfast-pacedretroarcadepunishingroguelite2d shooter

What players say

Players praise its tactical cover combat and XCOM-like equipment management, but warn that instant death from platforming missteps can frustrate. The game is short with minimal randomization, leading to repetition, though weapon mods and base upgrades add depth. Some report losing save files after absences.

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.