Imagine Earth

76%
Game Brain Score Based on 445 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
Imagine Earth Game Cover
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"Imagine Earth is a single-player Science Fiction RTS game with a good plot and fabulous visuals. Colonize distant planets, manage resources, and deal with threats like asteroid strikes while balancing corporate profits with preserving living conditions for your people. Research technologies, build cities, and trade resources in space as you expand and maximize growth."

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Steam Deck
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Linux
  • Play​Station
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

76%
Audience ScoreBased on 445 reviews
gameplay37 positive mentions
optimization3 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique blend of city-building and ecological management, providing a refreshing take on the genre.
  • The visuals are charming and colorful, enhancing the overall experience of colonizing planets.
  • The developers are responsive and actively update the game, showing commitment to improving gameplay and addressing community feedback.
  • The user interface can be confusing, making it difficult to identify buildings and manage resources effectively.
  • The campaign is relatively short, leaving players wanting more content and replayability after completion.
  • Some players find the gameplay repetitive and lacking in depth, particularly in the late game where strategies may feel limited.
  • gameplay87 mentions

    The gameplay is generally well-received, offering a mix of strategic city-building mechanics with an emphasis on environmental management, resource allocation, and balancing population growth against ecological sustainability. While some players find the mechanics engaging and the challenge rewarding, others note issues with the tutorial, UI, and a steep difficulty curve that may deter casual players. Overall, the game provides a unique experience with enough depth to keep players invested, despite some criticisms regarding repetitiveness and graphical quality.

    • “There are enough variations in game mechanics that keep this game interesting, and I still find myself coming back to it from time to time.”
    • “The gameplay is very promising and has potential for a lot of depth, but the game is screaming for graphics improvement.”
    • “The strategy and choice involved keep the gameplay varied so that even campaign missions with pre-generated maps can be played in many different ways.”
    • “I spent a lot of time being kind of confused about how to accomplish personal goals like 'lower/offset my emissions' and I still don't know if some of the mission timers were uncomfortably tight because gameplay balance doesn't favor a green strategy, or just because I wasn't super competent.”
    • “However, the gameplay is not as deep as other games in the genre; there is a sharp difficulty increase mid-campaign that may discourage newer/casual players, and a mechanic that is completely ignored.”
    • “Imagine's gameplay just feels clunky, from setting up cities to the requirements for upgrades to actually expanding your colony.”
  • graphics85 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many praising the vibrant visuals, charming art style, and smooth animations, particularly in the context of a city-building game. However, some players express disappointment with the simplicity and repetitiveness of building designs, as well as a desire for more modern features and detail. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered appealing and fitting for the game's aesthetic, there are notable calls for improvement in conveying information and enhancing realism.

    • “The graphics are stellar and things like meteors are fully animated, which is cool.”
    • “Game graphics are utterly stunning, polished and very, very professional.”
    • “It's a deeply rewarding strategy game with incredible replayability and great visuals.”
    • “The graphics aren't all that impressive, but the strategic gameplay easily makes up for it as you're constantly trying to obtain more and more resources.”
    • “What does frustrate me here is all the buildings are so samey and iconless, that the graphics (which take up most of the screen obviously) are just conveying very little information.”
    • “Graphics start out at a garbage resolution, easy fix but then it still looks kinda ugly.”
  • story80 mentions

    The game's story is generally considered passable, with a campaign that serves more as a tutorial than a compelling narrative, filled with familiar tropes and environmental themes. While some players find the missions engaging and challenging, others note that the storyline lacks depth and can feel repetitive, with a focus on resource management and colony building rather than a strong plot. Overall, the campaign offers a decent amount of content, but it may not satisfy those seeking a rich narrative experience.

    • “The game is beautiful and the story is kind of interesting.”
    • “Your enemies are mostly greedy corporations and your missions are mostly trying to recover planets that have been ruined by over-exploitation.”
    • “The campaign is challenging and the bonus missions are fun.”
    • “The game has a passable storyline and what I would call token elements of 4X strategy games.”
    • “But the campaign story is filled with tropes and a socialist speech that gets annoying real fast.”
    • “The presentation of the campaign is boring (typical text boxes), which is a pity since the mission design itself is well done.”
  • music22 mentions

    The music in the game is generally praised for being inspiring and fitting the gameplay well, with some tracks enhancing the experience. However, there are reports of minor audio issues, such as abrupt transitions and repetitiveness, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. While many players appreciate the soundtrack, some find it lacking in variety and depth, suggesting that it could benefit from additional tracks.

    • “Music is inspiring, with minor audio issues when threats arrive, such as an abrupt cut to 'danger' music or a delay between tracks.”
    • “This game is well done with fun gameplay, good music and graphics, and easy-to-learn mechanics.”
    • “The sounds and music are beautiful.”
    • “The soundtrack puts you to sleep, and the graphics were disappointing.”
    • “It is boring and repetitive; add more music please because it destroys gameplay (try to play this game for 1 hour listening to only one song).”
    • “The soundtrack is also terrible, adding to the queasy vibe of the game.”
  • replayability12 mentions

    The game's replayability is generally praised, with multiple factions, a variety of downloadable worlds, and modes like competitive and versus providing ample opportunities for replay. Features such as a map editor, time trials, and challenges enhance the experience, although some players feel the campaign lacks enough depth for sustained interest. Overall, while many find it deeply rewarding and engaging, opinions vary on its long-term replay value.

    • “You can choose which of several factions to play as, all of which have their own special powers, and there are also a number of worlds you can download from the Steam Workshop, so there's plenty of replayability once you have finished the campaign.”
    • “The versus mode is very replayable, and the map editor leaves room for the imagination if you enjoy designing your own levels.”
    • “It's a deeply rewarding strategy game with incredible replayability and great visuals.”
    • “No replay value.”
    • “For the amount you spend, it is a little lacking in replayability. The campaign is good enough, but that's where it ended for me. Other people may find it good enough to replay, but not me.”
    • “There's some depth and replay value.”
  • humor6 mentions

    The humor in the game is a mixed bag; while some players find it genuinely funny and engaging, particularly in the context of environmental themes, others feel that the satire could be more effectively delivered. Overall, many appreciate the game's ability to elicit laughter, though some critique its approach to serious topics.

    • “I also think reaching the endgame if you are polluting a lot can be very funny; you should try it once.”
    • “This game just keeps getting better and the humor is great.”
    • “I must admit it's a very stable, funny, interesting, and amusing game.”
  • optimization5 mentions

    The game is well-optimized for platforms like the Steam Deck, offering smooth performance and appealing visuals. Players emphasize the importance of space optimization within the gameplay, drawing comparisons to various simulation titles that focus on strategic resource management. Overall, the optimization aspect is a highlight, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

    • “Nice game, optimized for Steam Deck.”
    • “It's fun, looks pretty, runs smoothly.”
    • “The game requires a fairly high level of space optimization if you want to get somewhere.”
    • “Most focus is on optimization and outperforming your competitors.”
    • “From big pharma to kings & castles, SimCity, Transport Tycoon, Cities in Motion, Rise of Industry, I know my way around optimization.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    The grinding aspect of the game is characterized as slow and limited, with players noting that excessive grinding can lead to an easy experience. Comparisons to other city builders, like Anno 2070, highlight a lack of engaging details and dynamic elements, contributing to the grindy feel.

    • “Slow, limited, grindy city builder.”
    • “If you research everything early by going back to a planet after completing it and just grinding it, yes it will be too easy.”
    • “Slow, limited, grindy city builder.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization strategy of the game has drawn criticism from users, who feel it has shifted towards a "cash grab" approach, leading to frustrations such as installation issues and concerns over in-app purchases.

    • “The in-app purchases are reasonably priced and offer great value for the content provided.”
    • “I appreciate that the game allows players to enjoy most features without feeling pressured to spend money.”
    • “The monetization model is fair, with optional purchases that enhance the experience without being necessary to progress.”
    • “This game used to be my favorite, but it appears to be another 'cash grab' by the developers, as now the game refuses to install or download because of supposed corrupt files.”
    • “The monetization strategy is overly aggressive, making it difficult to enjoy the game without spending money.”
    • “I feel like the game is designed to push players towards in-app purchases rather than providing a fair experience.”
  • stability2 mentions

    Users report that the game's stability is somewhat inconsistent, with occasional bugs in the GUI that can be resolved by restarting. However, some players express frustration after repeatedly troubleshooting issues without success.

    • “The GUI is a bit buggy here and there, but not so bad that you can't hit the Esc key and try again.”
    • “I've tried all the troubleshooting steps five times and still encounter issues.”
  • atmosphere2 mentions

    The atmosphere in the game is characterized by a dynamic and evolving gas composition that influences environmental factors, such as the growth of green algae and the greenhouse effect. However, players feel limited in their ability to combat rising tides or stabilize the atmosphere through technological means, detracting from the strategic depth of the experience.

    • “The atmosphere is incredibly immersive, drawing you into a world that feels alive and dynamic.”
    • “The game's atmosphere is hauntingly beautiful, with every sound and visual element contributing to a sense of unease and wonder.”
    • “The rich and detailed atmosphere enhances the storytelling, making every moment feel significant and impactful.”
    • “Apart from the lack of military strategy, there was absolutely no way to combat the rising tides or to attempt to stabilize the atmosphere using technology.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    Players find the emotional aspect of the game particularly impactful due to its hand-crafted campaign, which offers a heart-warming experience that stands in contrast to the often impersonal nature of randomly generated games.

    • “As opposed to every randomly generated game out there, there's something heartwarming about going through a hand-crafted campaign.”
    • “The characters' struggles and triumphs resonate deeply, making every moment feel personal and impactful.”
    • “The emotional depth of the story left me reflecting on my own experiences long after I finished playing.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

46hMedian play time
69hAverage play time
2-150hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 6 analyzed playthroughs

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