In recent years, certain hardcore PC game genres have experienced a notable resurgence. Titles like Baldur’s Gate 3 have rekindled the passion for classic CRPGs, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has tapped into a communal nostalgia for hardcore first-person RPGs. However, not all beloved genres have enjoyed the same fortune. The stealth-tactics genre, reminiscent of classics like Commandos, and dungeon management games akin to Dungeon Keeper have yet to see a breakout success. Despite the efforts of titles such as Desperados 3 and Evil Genius 2: World Domination, these genres remain largely niche. Enter Kuuasema’s Cthulhu Keeper, a game poised to breathe new life into these struggling categories and potentially become a surprise hit.
Gameplay Mechanics and Unique Features
Cthulhu Keeper presents itself as a real-time tactics game that cleverly divides its gameplay into two distinct halves. Players are tasked with constructing and defending their cult’s base while simultaneously commanding cultists and Lovecraftian monsters to undertake stealth missions. My exclusive hands-on experience with the game following its reveal last month revealed an engaging blend of classic PC gaming elements.
While the version I played lacked extensive narrative content, the pervasive eldritch atmosphere was palpable. In a landscape filled with Lovecraftian-themed games, Cthulhu Keeper distinguishes itself through its unique perspective. As I commanded my subjects with the phrase, “Yes, master,” during stealth missions, I felt a sense of control reminiscent of the puppet masters often depicted in Lovecraft’s tales. This feeling intensified as I directed my minions within the cult compound, excavating spaces to construct altars, libraries, and other structures designed to bolster my power and defend against intruders.
When intruders—ranging from genuine snoopers to an unsuspecting couple—invaded my compound, I witnessed the fruits of my labor working in unison to thwart their advances. While management games like Two Point Museum offer enjoyable experiences, Cthulhu Keeper aligns more closely with the gameplay loop that made Dungeon Keeper a classic. The foundation of the game lies in cult compound management, but acquiring resources for upgrades necessitates venturing out to complete stealth missions.
The stealth missions themselves are divided into two formats: story missions, which serve as elaborate set pieces, and expeditions, which resemble mini-roguelite runs. These expeditions challenge players to navigate a series of smaller encounters with minimal casualties. The thrill of stealth-tactics games lies in their ability to reward strategic planning while demanding quick thinking in response to enemy actions.
While Cthulhu Keeper does not reinvent the wheel, it adheres to the established principles of stealth gameplay. Players must carefully position their units to avoid detection while effectively utilizing each unit’s abilities to eliminate foes or create opportunities for stealthy maneuvers. Given the fragility of player units, a reckless approach often leads to failure.
The Lovecraftian twists integrated into the gameplay provide a refreshing take on the stealth-tactics genre. Initially, players command Lilith West, a corrupted neurobiologist who excels at stealth but lacks offensive capabilities. Her skills focus on expanding the player’s unit roster. After eliminating an enemy, players can choose to harvest their corpse for an eyeball—granting insight into enemy vision cones—or reanimate them as a new unit. This unique mechanic allows for strategic advantages, such as scouting or temporarily stunning adversaries.
Occasionally, players encounter pylons that, when destroyed, summon powerful eldritch monsters capable of wreaking havoc on enemy forces. However, managing the health of these creatures becomes crucial, especially during lengthy story missions where quick escapes are not an option.
From my initial encounters, I found the stealth-tactics component of Cthulhu Keeper to be as enjoyable as other titles in the genre, such as Desperados 3. The game successfully balances two different gameplay styles without sacrificing depth or polish. Furthermore, it serves as an accessible entry point for newcomers to both hardcore genres. The straightforward menus and resource management systems make it easy to build out the cult compound, while the bite-sized expedition encounters lessen the learning curve associated with stealth tactics.
As Cthulhu Keeper continues its development for PC, anticipation builds for its public playtest, set to commence on March 17. This title holds the potential to rejuvenate PC gaming genres that have long awaited a breakout success, all while embracing the eerie charm of Lovecraftian lore.
