The Castle Doctrine
Based on 8 expert reviews
Interesting puzzle fundamentals.
Morally dubious.
Trial-and-error frustration.
Last revision on April 28, 2017
Interesting puzzle fundamentals
Morally dubious
Trial-and-error frustration
Feels meaningless and depressing
By GameSpot on February 17, 2014 40
In the whole of the game, only one metaphor hit home for me. Sometimes when you manage to reach another person's vault, you find it empty, pillaged by a previous robber. There's nothing to take away, and all the time and effort you've put into the endeavor has been wasted.
By IGN on February 04, 2014 45
That doesn't mean that nobody will, but as a gameplay experience it is bleak, brief, and terribly frustrating. It certainly makes you think, but not about anything very complex.
By PCGamer on February 03, 2014 85
By accepting that there is so little permanence at play in The Castle Doctrine, the almost overwhelming sense of uncertainty that pervades it becomes easier—and more satisfying—to cope with. In this way, what The Castle Doctrine offers is a brilliant but horrifying depiction of a risk society at war with itself.
By Polygon on February 03, 2014 50
The Castle Doctrine is a statement game, to be sure, but the statement seems to be that the only way to win is to not play The Castle Doctrine.
By PC Gamer on February 02, 2014 85
A merciless and thoughtfully-designed online strategy game whose clever systems enable a unique and troubling...
By HardcoreGamer on January 29, 2014 60
The Castle Doctrine's best parts show, parts that scream originality. It's not easy by any means, nor is it particularly intuitive, forgiving, or even enjoyable at times, but The Castle Doctrine makes the agony of defeat and the frustration of over-complexity meaningful, and in some ways, much more fun than what you'd expect it to be.
By PC Gamer on April 08, 2013 50
A unique roguelike that expects too much of you; a tutorial and a way to test your work without dying would be handy....
By CriticalHit on January 29, 2014 55
At times rewarding but ultimately frustrating, The Caste Doctrine is more of a psychological conversation starter than a game. Only if you're a masochist or put in the necessary time to master your defenses will you find real enjoyment in the...
By in.ign.com on February 05, 2014
The Castle Doctrine is an online home-invasion simulator that sets you up with a pixellated wife and two children, hands you $2,000, and asks you to create an elaborate deathtrap out of dogs, corridors, doorways, complicated switches and wiring,...