Chess Empire (2025)

Developer: Blue Alpaca Games
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Indie, Strategy
Rating: 5.0 of 5, 10 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 1.0 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 tactical chess variant where you gradually reveal the board and purchase upgrades, making each move feel calculated and resourceful.

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What players say

Players praise the strategic twist of buying and upgrading pieces, saying it makes chess feel lively and is enjoyable even for those new to the game. The interface is clean and performance is smooth, and some see potential for competitive play.

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.