Underplayed Gems

KeeperRL (2024)

KeeperRL cover
Developer
Electric Succubi
Platforms
Windows, macOS, Linux
Genres
RPG, Simulation, Strategy
Rating
4.2 of 5, 1,795 player ratings
Typical playtime
about 19 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 strategic, retro dungeon simulator where you build and defend an evil lair with turn-based tactical combat and roguelike permadeath.

retrodungeon managementrogueliketurn-based tacticsdark fantasysandboxvillain protagonistbase-building

What players say

Players praise the Dungeon Keeper concept but find the execution frustrating. Many report that minion AI requires constant micromanagement, especially for resource hauling. Others note the forced permadeath feels punishing rather than strategic, since a single random event can end a 20-hour save. A split exists: some enjoy the core game, while many call it shallow compared to Dwarf Fortress.

Screenshots

KeeperRL screenshot 1KeeperRL screenshot 2KeeperRL screenshot 3KeeperRL screenshot 4KeeperRL screenshot 5

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.