Root Down vs Barrier

Root Down is an original abstract strategy game designed by Martin Grider for 2-players. It's rules about which pieces you can move are a little quirky, but once you figure it out, it's very quick to play, and has some interesting gameplay mechanics. In Root Down, you have two types of pieces. There are "kicker" pieces that must be next to a "root" piece to move. (Root pieces cannot move.) Kickers can only move exactly as far as the number of kickers next to the root. After a kicker moves, it "kicks" all of the neighboring pieces, then settles down into a new "root" piece. If you kick one of your own root pieces, it becomes another "kicker"! Kicking an opponent's root does the same, and if you kick it again before it has a chance to move, you'll to capture it! The game features an AI player, as well as pass-and-play options. There are several variable setups to chose from. Each one plays slightly different. Please use the "send feedback" button to send me your input, or email me: rootdown@abstractpuzzle.com

A fresh abstract strategy game for players who love chess, checkers, and the thrill of outthinking a worthy opponent. Barrier is a two-player strategy game that's easy to learn in one match and hard to put down after. Your opponent has built two barriers between you and their side of the board. Tear them down, piece by piece, tower by tower, and get two of your pieces across before they do the same to you. Three piece types. A handful of rules. An entire world of tactics between them. WHAT MAKES BARRIER DIFFERENT Unlike chess, there's no single piece you're protecting. Unlike checkers, every capture changes the shape of the board. Barrier rewards players who can read a position, plan several moves ahead, and know when to defend your own barrier versus when to breach your opponents. GAME MODES Solo vs AI: three difficulty levels, from casual to merciless Online Multiplayer: play friends anywhere with a quick invite Pass and Play: share a device across the table Timed Matches: add time limits to any game mode when you want the pressure on BUILT FOR PLAYERS, NOT ADVERTISERS No ads No paywalls No push notifications begging you to come back Just a clean board, a worthy opponent, and your next move. MULTIPLE PATHS TO VICTORY Push two pieces across to the far side. Capture enough of your opponent's army that they can't breach your walls. Or outscore them when the board thins out. Every game finds its own ending. Whether you have two minutes or twenty, Barrier gives you something to think about.