Norland

About

"Norland is a single-player strategy colony sim set in a turbulent medieval world, where you must lead your kingdom to greatness amidst familial strife, famine, and external threats. With a focus on story generation, Norland boasts good game mechanics, wonderful graphics, and plenty of humor, but can be very grinding and is plagued by bugs."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

84%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,023 reviews

gameplay87 positive mentions

grinding42 negative mentions

Engaging mix of city-building and character management, reminiscent of Rimworld and Crusader Kings.
Active developers who frequently update the game and respond to community feedback.
Unique mechanics, such as the knowledge system and dynamic relationships, add depth to gameplay.

Performance issues and lag, especially in late-game scenarios with larger populations.
Limited number of lords (5) restricts family dynamics and gameplay depth.
Some mechanics, like the knowledge loss upon a lord's death, can be frustrating and detract from the overall experience.

gameplay
386 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
69%
9%
The gameplay of "Norland" is a blend of city-building, resource management, and social dynamics, drawing comparisons to titles like RimWorld and Crusader Kings. While it features unique mechanics and engaging political elements, many players find the gameplay shallow and repetitive, with a steep learning curve and a lack of depth in combat and customization options. Overall, the game shows promise but requires further balancing and refinement to enhance player experience and enjoyment.
- “The gameplay is pretty nice.”
- “The graphics are charming, the gameplay loop is engaging, and my brain is letting off happy chemicals the whole time I'm glued to the screen :) Cheers to the developers for creating a truly unique game in a saturated genre.”
- “The deep gameplay, with its detailed character design and customizable start, ensures that every playthrough feels unique.”
- “Played 15 hours of it and seems like a shoddy rip-off of RimWorld but suffers from far fewer explanations or intuitiveness of mechanics and a lack of balance.”
- “The gameplay loop is always the same: read a book, get better gear, make an alliance, or have vassals.”
- “The core mechanics upon which it is based are too constricting to move forward.”
story
115 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
78%
3%
The game's story is characterized by dynamic and emergent storytelling, where player choices significantly influence the narrative, creating unique experiences in each playthrough. While some players appreciate the rich character interactions and political intrigue reminiscent of titles like RimWorld and Crusader Kings, others feel the lack of a structured storyline and deeper character development limits the overall narrative depth. Overall, the game is seen as a promising story generator with potential for more intricate storytelling elements.
- “Dynamic storytelling: the choices you make shape the story, giving each playthrough a fresh and personalized feel.”
- “The story unfolds through the intricate relationships and power struggles of your noble family.”
- “Norland is a standout game that blends medieval strategy with rich storytelling.”
- “The absence of traits for villagers and the rigid cap on the number of nobles can limit the depth of character interactions and the potential for dramatic storylines.”
- “On the other hand, there's the storytelling part of the game; I thought I was going to develop a medieval dynasty full of cool events and unique paths, but I found it really hard to follow what's happening with my lords. I could see they were developing their relationships, but I couldn't find a place where I could read their story, their thoughts, their life.”
- “This game really has a Crusader Kings quality to it, where you enjoy it most when you just roll with the story you get.”
graphics
101 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
55%
3%
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the beautiful, charming art style and immersive medieval visuals that enhance the gameplay experience. However, some players criticize the graphics as lacking depth and originality, comparing them unfavorably to other titles like RimWorld. Overall, while the visuals are generally appreciated for their aesthetic appeal, opinions vary on their execution and impact on gameplay.
- “From the moment I started playing, I was captivated by its stunning visuals and rich world-building.”
- “The graphics are beautifully rendered, and the game mechanics are easy to learn with a help screen the game provides as you progress.”
- “The distinctive medieval art style and atmospheric visuals further enhance the immersive experience.”
- “Graphics are horrendous, same lazy art-style as RimWorld but without the charm.”
- “You should try it when you can, the graphics are so bad you can play with a toaster.”
- “The RimWorld elements are reduced to a rough imitation of the aesthetic without the weather effects.”
grinding
50 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
14%
84%
Reviews highlight that the grinding aspect of the game is overwhelmingly tedious, with players often feeling bogged down by excessive micromanagement and repetitive tasks. While the initial gameplay can be enjoyable, many users report that the midgame becomes frustrating and unengaging due to the sheer volume of management required, leading to a loss of interest before reaching the endgame content. Overall, the game's mechanics, while potentially promising, are criticized for being overly complicated and lacking balance, making the experience feel more like a chore than fun.
- “No tedious micromanagement.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “While it's fun in the earliest stages, in that weird part of midgame where you have things running but can't really take your eye off it yet, it becomes tedious, which hurts the prospect of replayability in my view.”
- “This game looked like something I should have loved, but the playstyle is just too tedious, and not in a fun way.”
optimization
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
23%
70%
8%
The game's optimization is a significant concern among users, with many reporting performance degradation over time, particularly during autosaves and as town size increases. While some players note that the game runs smoothly with minimal issues, others experience severe lag and crashes, especially on lower-end systems. Overall, there is a consensus that further optimization and bug fixes are necessary to enhance the gameplay experience, especially given its early access status.
- “The game is amazing... optimization... not so much.”
- “That is an insane amount of support the devs are putting towards making the game run smoothly and as expected.”
- “The game's potential is clear, but it will benefit from further refinement and optimization.”
- “It's got a weird bug where performance gradually gets worse (framerate, lag, saves taking forever, etc.) but this is solved by restarting the program every 2.5-3 hours.”
- “The performance hit as the game goes on seems to be fairly drastic; I can play through RimWorld with ease, Valheim, Green Hell, and many other games that I would expect are way more performance-heavy but play better and with more FPS than this as it stands. I don't know whether it is down to optimization or too many systems clashing at one time, but it needs improvement.”
- “The game needs more optimization; it's lagging for me when it is trying to autosave.”
replayability
33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
58%
9%
The reviews indicate a mixed perception of replayability, with some players finding it lacking due to repetitive gameplay and limited customization options, while others appreciate the potential for varied playthroughs through different gameplay styles and starting modifiers. Many users express a desire for more content and procedural generation to enhance replay value, suggesting that while the game has some replayability, it may not match the depth of similar titles like RimWorld. Overall, the game's replayability is seen as decent but could benefit from further development and variety.
- “Every playthrough feels completely different and unique. If you are looking for a game with good replayability like RimWorld, and diplomacy like CK3, this is your game.”
- “The game offers high replayability due to the various gameplay styles and starting modifiers that add an extra challenge to your house's prosperity.”
- “Absolutely worth the current price (23.99€) as it offers tons of replayability as you learn from your mistakes while you play.”
- “I just think there isn't too much replayability here, personally.”
- “Decent game but shallow replay value.”
- “There is so little replay value that I've been playing for a few hours, and now I wanted to continue, but the game crashed. I assume my save files are corrupt, and now I have to start over, but I have no excitement to do so.”
humor
33 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is widely praised for its absurd and unexpected scenarios, such as characters engaging in outrageous relationships and comical mishaps during gameplay. Players enjoy the funny interactions and events that arise, often leading to memorable and hilarious moments, like characters cheating or absurdly punishing bandits. Overall, the game combines humor with engaging mechanics, making for a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
- “I put me and my girlfriend in the game through a couple of playthroughs while I learn how to play it, and it's funny because her character cheats on mine every time, lmao.”
- “The stories that come out of this game are sometimes really hilarious and other times incredibly heroic.”
- “Very nice and funny; my own kid stabbed me 21 times and he became king, 10 out of 10.”
stability
31 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
97%
The game currently suffers from significant stability issues, including frequent freezes, crashes, and various glitches that hinder gameplay, such as pathing problems and autosave-related lags. While some players acknowledge the potential for improvement through updates, many express frustration with the game's performance, deeming it too buggy for a satisfying experience at this stage of early access. Overall, while there are signs of progress, the game's stability remains a major concern for users.
- “As of July 22, 2024, there have been five patch notes released to keep the game aligned with player feedback and ensure a bug-free experience.”
- “The developers are committed to stability, consistently releasing updates that enhance gameplay and address any issues.”
- “I appreciate how the game maintains stability with regular patches, making it a smooth experience overall.”
- “There are balancing problems, glitches (like builders getting stuck behind objects from pathing issues, lords sleeping on the floor in their own homes when the bed is empty), spelling errors, and the like.”
- “Busted and buggy, the game crashes 80% of the time whenever starting a battle; I don't recommend wasting your money on this game until its developers fix the game-breaking issues.”
- “An incredibly buggy and inconsistent mess, a terrible release.”
music
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
48%
38%
14%
The music in the game is generally praised for its beauty and ability to enhance the atmosphere, perfectly complementing the quirky visuals and medieval setting. However, some players feel that the background music lacks variety, which can lead to monotony during extended play sessions. Overall, while the soundtrack is well-received, there are suggestions for improvement to match the depth found in similar titles.
- “The game art is quirky and full of character, and the soundtrack is beautiful.”
- “Atmosphere: the music and visuals perfectly complement the setting, immersing you in the medieval vibe.”
- “The music/soundtrack is incredible.”
- “My criticism is that please add more varied background music to avoid getting bored when playing for a long time.”
- “The potential of the game is obvious, but this is because of games such as Songs of Syx, Against the Storm, Manor Lords, and RimWorld which have set the bar quite high, a bit too high though for Norland.”
- “I assume it would be more fun once you have a larger settlement, but games like Songs of Syx, RimWorld, etc. seem to scratch the itch much faster.”
emotional
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the game emotionally impactful, often leading to tears due to its well-written characters and deep narrative twists. However, some criticize the emotional management aspects, describing certain characters as overly sensitive or counterintuitive, which can detract from the overall experience. Despite these mixed feelings, the emotional depth of personal stories, such as the struggles of a queen, resonates strongly with many players.
- “It's filled with twists and emotional depth, and the characters you meet along the way are well-written and memorable.”
- “My first day with this game, for example, I grew increasingly concerned for the emotional well-being of my dynasty's queen, who'd experienced two miscarriages during her first two pregnancies and was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.”
- “This personal story gripped me emotionally and the injuries that were still visible for weeks wonderfully illustrated the consequences and the severity of the events.”
atmosphere
9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
89%
33%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its immersive medieval vibe, enhanced by a distinctive art style and complementary music that deepens the historical experience. Players appreciate the rich visuals and the transition from micro to macro management, which allows for a more engaging and atmospheric gameplay experience. Overall, the combination of these elements creates a captivating and atmospheric sandbox survival experience set in a feudal context.
- “Atmosphere: the music and visuals perfectly complement the setting, immersing you in the medieval vibe.”
- “Distinctive medieval art style reminiscent of RimWorld, featuring rich, atmospheric visuals that deepen the historical immersion.”
- “The distinctive medieval art style and atmospheric visuals further enhance the immersive experience.”
- “The transition of characters from micro to macro management in the game creates an engaging atmosphere, as it allows players ample 'free' time to focus on improving other aspects.”
- “The overall atmosphere feels lacking, making it hard to immerse myself in the game world.”
- “Despite the potential for a rich environment, the atmosphere falls flat and fails to evoke any real sense of wonder or excitement.”
character development
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
Character development in the game is praised for its satisfying growth and dynamic nature, enhanced by vibrant visuals that balance darker themes. Players appreciate the detailed character design and customization options, which contribute to a unique experience in each playthrough. However, some reviewers feel that the game could benefit from a stronger emphasis on storytelling and character development.
- “Watching your characters grow and develop is satisfying.”
- “Character development is dynamic and engaging.”
- “This game needs to more heavily focus on the storytelling and character development.”
- “Character development is also dynamic.”
- “The deep gameplay, with its detailed character design and customizable start, ensures that every playthrough feels unique.”
monetization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization of the game is perceived as a cash grab, with users expressing dissatisfaction over misleading advertising and a lack of promised features, such as castle walls and defensive building options. Overall, the monetization strategy has left players feeling deceived and frustrated.
- “It’s just a cash grab.”
- “Kind of feels like a cash grab move considering this company's recent release history.”
- “+ the fake advertising, you can see castle walls on the store screenshots but they are not actually in the game; you cannot build any defenses.”