roundem

Roundem is a computer-based strategy title released in 2014 for Microsoft Windows and macOS. Developed by the independent studio PuzzleForge, the game was published by Crimson Horizon Interactive. In Roundem players assume command of a squad of elite operatives in a futuristic setting. The core gameplay blends real‑time tactics with turn‑based planning, allowing players to draw battle maps and pre‑arrange unit orders before engaging AI opponents or other human players over local network or Internet connections.

The game's engine, named EmberCore, was built on the Unity 5 framework and features a dynamic weather system that can alter visibility and movement. Each mission is procedurally generated, creating a new map layout and objective set with every playthrough. The primary tactical mechanic is the "round" system, where enemy units break into coordinated groups that execute simultaneous attacks, requiring players to anticipate multiple threats at once. This mechanic has been cited by game reviewers as a distinctive element that differentiates Roundem from other real‑time strategy titles.

The score for Roundem was composed by Milan Petrov, borrowing motifs from Eastern European folk music and incorporating synthesizer layers to convey the game's dramatic narrative. While not a commercial blockbuster, the game cultivated a minor but passionate following, especially within the tabletop gaming community, due to its emphasis on strategy and replayability. A number of fan‑based mods and instructional blogs have emerged, extending the longevity of the title across its community and providing new content that expands the game's tactical possibilities. Despite limited commercial success, Roundem remains noted for its unique "round" mechanic and its straightforward yet deep strategic design.