DEFEND THE ROOK
DEVELOPER Goblinz Studio PRICE $25.95 AVAILABILITY Released WEBSITE https://goblinzstudio.com/game/defend-the-rook/
Defend the Rook is like a candy store; the kind where you fill a paper bag with brightly coloured treats, those that catch your eye, both familiar and curious. You can’t choose from everything, all of the time, but limitations (arising from randomness and linear progression) lead to flexible and interesting builds. Gameplay is an intriguing mix of turn-based strategy and tower defence. Most of the candy I initially chose was offensive, despite the game’s name and premise. I began playing actively and strategically, but eventually enjoyed prioritising passive defences more.
How does it work? You control a rook (with light bombardment abilities) and three heroes; warrior, mage, and rogue. Three kinds of towers can be placed on designated tiles, as well as contraptions, like barrels and traps. Each battle consists of five waves, in which a range of enemies spawn. Your rook must survive. Between each wave, you’re offered buffs for each hero, but can choose only one. Sometimes you’ll want a balance. Other times, a superhero emerges. After each battle, towers and contraptions can be upgraded. Runs unlock new heroes and rooks.
Managing the heroes reminds me of Ticket to Earth, especially when buffs are related to pathfinding, like +2 temporary power for every square moved. I particularly love the more complex interactions
