What is Towards the Gulch?
Imagine if the Oregon Trail had a zombie apocalypse and a tower defense twist. You've gotta protect a caravan of nine wagons heading east from a horde of undead that won't stop chasing you. It's fast, weird, and definitely scratches that TD itch in a different way.
Gameplay
You're not building a base here; you're protecting a caravan of nine wagons heading east. It's basically Oregon Trail with zombies. Instead of the usual static towers, your 'towers' are settlers on wheels. You arm them with whatever they own and try to keep the whole line moving while the dead chase you down. It's a cool shift in the loop because the map is constantly moving. You can forget the kind of maze-building you'd do in Defense Grid; this is all about managing mobile firepower on the fly.
Since it's an indie project from Off the Clock Hermit, it's got a raw, arcade feel. It's punchy and fast, but don't expect the polished complexity or deep tactical layers of Kingdom Rush. If you're a hardcore strategist, you'll probably find the systems a bit shallow. It's more of an action-strategy hybrid than a deep sim. At $1.49, it's a cheap entry point, but you're paying for a specific gimmick rather than a 40-hour epic. It's a short, focused experience that doesn't overstay its welcome, even if it lacks long-term depth. I'd give it a 7.5/10.
Key Features
- Defend nine moving wagons
- Mobile firepower management
- Fast-paced action arcade strategy
- Prequel to Dead Man's Gulch
Screenshots
Verdict
Grab this if you want a fast-paced, cheap change of pace from standard TD games. Skip it if you're looking for a deep tactical simulation with complex systems.
View on Steam →* Price at time of publication (checked 31.08.2026). Prices may vary by region and are subject to change. This is an editorial review, not a commercial offer.