The Castle Doctrine (2014)

by Nish December 28, 2021

written by Nish December 28, 2021 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 2014
Genres: Indie, Puzzle, Strategy
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Jason Rohrer
Publishers: Jason Rohrer

The Castle Doctrine: A Unique and Exciting Game of Burglary and Home Defense

The Castle Doctrine is a massively-multiplayer game that puts you in the shoes of both a home defender and a burglar. It’s 1991, and things are bad. You’re a guy with a house and family. Other players are coming to take what’s yours. Build security to stop them. Study their houses, buy tools, and break in to take what’s theirs. Everything you do is permanent.

Gameplay

The Castle Doctrine is a turn-based game in which players take turns either defending their home or burgling other players’ homes. When defending your home, you can build security measures such as walls, traps, and cameras to deter burglars. You can also hire guards to patrol your property and respond to alarms.

When burgling another player’s home, you must first study their house to find the best way to break in. You can then purchase tools to help you break in, such as lockpicks, crowbars, and thermal imaging cameras. Once you’re inside, you can steal valuables and cause damage to the property.

Strategy

The Castle Doctrine is a game that requires both strategy and stealth. When defending your home, you need to carefully consider how to allocate your resources to best protect your property. You also need to be aware of the different ways that burglars can break into your home and take steps to counter them.

When burgling another player’s home, you need to carefully plan your approach. You need to study their house to find the best way to break in, and you need to purchase the right tools to help you succeed. You also need to be aware of the risks involved in getting caught, and you need to be prepared to escape if things go wrong.

Consequences

One of the things that makes The Castle Doctrine unique is its focus on permanent consequences. Everything you do in the game has a lasting impact. If you’re caught burgling a home, you’ll be arrested and sent to jail. If you’re killed while defending your home, you’ll lose all of your belongings.

The permanent consequences in The Castle Doctrine add a sense of weight to every decision you make. You need to carefully consider the risks and rewards of every action, and you need to be prepared to live with the consequences of your choices.

Community

The Castle Doctrine has a strong and active community. Players are constantly sharing tips and strategies on how to best defend their homes and burgle other players’ homes. There are also a number of community-created events and tournaments that players can participate in.

The community is one of the things that makes The Castle Doctrine so special. It’s a place where players can come together to share their love of the game and to learn from each other.

Conclusion

The Castle Doctrine is a unique and exciting game that offers a fresh take on the multiplayer genre. With its focus on strategy, stealth, and permanent consequences, it’s a game that will keep you coming back for more. If you’re looking for a new and challenging game to play, I highly recommend checking out The Castle Doctrine.

Additional Information

Release Date: October 28, 2014
Developer: Robotality
Publisher: Robotality
Platforms: PC
Genre: Massively-multiplayer game, strategy, stealth
ESRB Rating: M for Mature
Official Website: https://robotality.itch.io/the-castle-doctrine

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Nish

Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.