Defend the Rook (2021)

Developer: One Up Plus
Publisher: Goblinz Publishing, Maple Whispering Limited
Platforms: Windows
Genres: Indie, RPG, Strategy
Rating: 3.8 of 5, 244 player ratings
Typical playtime: about 4.2 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.

More games like this

How it feels

A methodical, turn-based tactical struggle where careful positioning and resource management are key to surviving relentless waves.

tacticalstrategicchallengingmethodicaltensepunishingboard game-like

What players say

Players praise the first run as fresh but find subsequent runs repetitive due to same levels, minor upgrade options, and heavy reliance on luck. Strategies feel limited because enemies cross the map fast and towers break quickly, and higher difficulties punish any damage taken. The game is enjoyable on sale, but many call it shallow and more luck-based than tactical.

Screenshots

More games like this

More by One Up Plus Entertainment

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.