Revival: Recolonization
- June 28, 2023
- HeroCraft PC
- 10h median play time
"Revival: Recolonization" is a single-player, turn-based strategy game set on a post-apocalyptic Earth. With an unprecedented level of freedom, players must adapt to changing conditions and terraform the planet using the nuanced edict system. The game features a vast possibility space and takes about 10 hours to complete, providing a highly replayable experience as players progress through the ages and prepare for war with a despotic entity.
Reviews
- The game has a unique setting and interesting concepts, combining elements of 4X strategy with climate manipulation and unit customization.
- Combat mechanics are challenging and engaging, providing a fresh perspective on traditional turn-based strategy gameplay.
- The graphics and UI are generally well-received, contributing to an enjoyable visual experience.
- The game suffers from a lack of polish, with numerous bugs, unclear mechanics, and a poorly designed tutorial that fails to explain key systems.
- Balancing issues are prevalent, with AI opponents often feeling overpowered and the loyalty system being frustratingly difficult to manage.
- Many players feel the game is incomplete, lacking depth in its tech tree, diplomacy, and overall gameplay mechanics, making it feel more like an early access title than a finished product.
- gameplay16 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 94 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The gameplay has been criticized for its lack of depth and poorly explained mechanics, leading to frustration rather than strategic engagement. Many users find the mechanics basic and unbalanced, with comparisons to other strategy games highlighting its shortcomings. While some appreciate the inclusion of new elements like climate change, the overall execution feels incomplete and in need of significant improvement.
“It feels like fantasy wars, Heroes of Might and Magic, King's Bounty, and Civilization in one game, but it also has some curious mechanics like climate change - something new for me at least.”
“Its early access, so the UI is a bit janky/plain and there are some areas of gameplay that need to be fleshed out, but overall it's enjoyable and worth it on sale.”
“Despite the setting, gameplay is pretty much the same as in Civilization or Humankind.”
“Mechanics overall are lacking, feel incomplete, or are just plain dumb.”
“This is more a frustration than a strategic element, but combined with the ill-explained vassal/annexation mechanics, it's a big strike against the game.”
“The environment shaping mechanic is very gimmicky and is more a chore than fun.”
- graphics6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally well-received, with many praising the visuals and fluidity, though some feel the user interface detracts from the overall experience. While the settings and aesthetics are appreciated, there is a sentiment that the graphics do not significantly innovate beyond existing standards. Overall, the graphics strike a balance between modern appeal and familiarity.
“The visuals are nice, the UI is friendly (for a 4X game, of course), and the basics are easy to grasp.”
“Very good and fluid graphics, not too much, not too little.”
“Was happy to get the same experience with modern graphics and new ideas.”
“The graphics are okay, but the UI makes them look worse.”
“Graphically, it just feels the same.”
“Was happy to get the same experience with modern graphics and new ideas.”
- story3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game is criticized for its lack of engaging missions, with players noting that it is uncommon to find missions that can be completed. Additionally, the decision to position a non-combat leader in the midst of combat raises questions about narrative coherence and character placement.
“Making the leader a non-combat unit may be interesting story-wise, but I still do not understand why he has to be standing on the map in the midst of combat.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report significant stability issues, including game freezes and bugs, particularly related to early access to certain items like the gravity gun. Overall, the game is described as "beyond buggy," indicating a need for substantial improvements in stability.
“I think I got the gravity gun really early (bug), but when I tried using it, the game freezes.”
“It is beyond buggy.”
- optimization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game is generally considered acceptable, with users reporting that performance is satisfactory but not exceptional.