Songs of Syx

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"Songs of Syx" is a complex and immersive fantasy city-builder, where you lead a small colony to become a metropolis and empire. The game features a living world with dynamic day-night cycles, weather, and a variety of cultures, gods, and creatures. Every playthrough is unique, with events and content generated procedurally. The mechanics are detailed and challenging, making it easy to learn but difficult to master.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Reviews

97%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,719 reviews

gameplay100 positive mentions

grinding50 negative mentions

Incredible depth and complexity, allowing for unique city-building experiences with thousands of citizens.
Active developer who consistently updates the game and engages with the community.
The demo is the full game a version behind, providing a generous opportunity to try before you buy.

Steep learning curve with a confusing UI that can be overwhelming for new players.
Combat mechanics are clunky and need improvement, often leading to frustrating experiences.
Some mechanics, like food production and citizen happiness, can feel unbalanced and lead to rapid population decline.

gameplay
421 mentions
24 % positive mentions
73 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Songs of Syx" is characterized by its deep and intricate mechanics, blending city-building, resource management, and strategic warfare, which offers players a rich and engaging experience. While the game presents a steep learning curve and some clunky UI elements, many players find the complexity rewarding, with a variety of systems that encourage experimentation and strategic planning. Despite being in early access, the game shows great potential for expansion and improvement, making it a standout title for fans of the genre.
- “This game has great potential as a city builder and RTS that will build upon what is already a fun game with intricate city-building mechanics and resource management.”
- “Unique mechanics that create deep strategy, from individual workers' local day-to-day activities to logistical networks and pathing; planning matters.”
- “The depth of gameplay mechanics, encompassing resource management, diplomacy, and urban planning, offers a wealth of strategic possibilities to explore.”
- “The main reason for my review being negative is balancing and 'anti-player' mechanics in the mid to late game.”
- “The mechanics are not obvious and sometimes you have no idea how stuff works, and there is no way to figure it out except trying it different ways, which consumes a ridiculous amount of time.”
- “Sadly, many core mechanics are yet to be implemented, like the nobility and slave classes, and many mechanics are obscure to the player, like how to assign tools and weapons to your citizens.”
graphics
286 mentions
27 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are often described as simplistic and reminiscent of retro pixel art, which may initially deter some players. However, many reviewers note that the visuals grow on you over time, revealing a charming aesthetic that complements the game's depth and complexity. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, they are functional and allow for smooth gameplay even with large populations, making the overall experience enjoyable for fans of city-building and simulation genres.
- “The graphics are absolutely gorgeous, something truly great is being put together here.”
- “The art style, features, and the continued developer support behind the game absolutely make this worth playing.”
- “The graphics are simplistic but also charming in their own way and most importantly they allow for the game to run butter-smooth even with my four-thousand strong city at maximum speed.”
- “The graphics are so trash, I can't get over it.”
- “The graphics are only a step above Dwarf Fortress, but once you start experiencing the mechanics you'll quickly see why it has to look so simple... tens of thousands of individuals can be simulated at one time, each with personality and needs, much like RimWorld.”
- “The graphics turned me off at first, but the slick design has won me over.”
music
285 mentions
32 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
1 % negative mentions
The music in "Songs of Syx" has received widespread acclaim for its beautiful and immersive soundtrack, which enhances the game's atmosphere and complements its gameplay. Many players describe the music as relaxing and fitting for the fantasy theme, with some even considering it among the best in the genre. However, a few reviews note that the soundtrack could benefit from more variety, as some tracks may become repetitive over extended play sessions.
- “The sound design is fantastic and immersive, and the soundtrack is phenomenal, with a mix of relaxing and upbeat tunes.”
- “The music is some of the best I've heard in the genre.”
- “The soundtrack is beautiful although short!”
- “The music gets too repetitive.”
- “It is almost traumatizing to hear the same music over and over again, because when you turn the game off, all I can hear in my mind is the same music!”
- “They should probably make more music variety, but, yeah, it is what it is.”
optimization
62 mentions
56 % positive mentions
39 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The game is highly praised for its exceptional optimization, allowing for smooth performance even with large populations exceeding thousands of citizens. Players report minimal bugs and impressive stability, enabling them to run the game at high speeds without significant slowdowns. Overall, it stands out as a well-optimized city builder that can handle complex simulations efficiently, even on lower-end hardware.
- “Incredibly optimized for large scale cities.”
- “The performance is stellar.”
- “Astonishing technical performance, running tens of thousands of units pathfinding and working/fighting with no slowdowns.”
- “Syx does not, at this time, have any of these personalization features, so it feels just like a numbers optimization game with some pretty visuals.”
- “Right when you think you have everything running smoothly, you actually don't, and optimizations can be made everywhere.”
- “Maybe some future optimizations will bring me back to it, but for now that's a show-stopper.”
grinding
54 mentions
4 % positive mentions
4 % neutral mentions
93 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that while the game offers deep systems and enjoyable mechanics, the grinding aspect can become tedious, especially as players progress and manage larger cities. Many recommend using mods to alleviate the grind, as the micromanagement required can detract from the overall enjoyment. However, some players appreciate the quality of life features that help streamline gameplay, making it less burdensome despite the inherent grind.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “I think the meat of the game probably should lie in the world diplomacy and war stage, but it takes a huge amount of grinding and micromanaging to get there.”
- “Honestly, with the new way technology works, it is very grindy.”
- “It's a fun game but becomes more difficult as your city gets bigger and also becomes more tedious, which I dislike, but that's just a personal preference.”
story
52 mentions
8 % positive mentions
85 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The game's story is a mixed bag, with some players appreciating the creative world-building and the potential for emergent storytelling, while others criticize the lack of a structured narrative and character development compared to titles like Dwarf Fortress and RimWorld. Many reviews highlight that while the game allows for personal storytelling through gameplay, it does not provide a rich, pre-defined narrative or deep lore, making it more of a simulation experience than a story-driven one. Overall, players seeking a compelling narrative may find the game lacking, while those focused on management and simulation may enjoy the freedom to create their own stories.
- “The lowkey 'backstory' of the setting, peoples, and stories is very solid and creative!”
- “The world building and storytelling is just top tier.”
- “Overall a great fantasy city builder with warfare that will be epic when it also becomes a story-driven empire builder!”
- “The only downside I see when comparing with Dwarf Fortress is the storytelling, which is pretty hard to live up to.”
- “Sos, however, has next to nothing in terms of story or characters, and only a handful of unique items in the entire game, but will keep you mentally engaged for many dozens of hours with deep and complex interactions between the different game systems.”
- “If you are looking for that RimWorld or Dwarf Fortress experience of having individual storylines for your pawns/dwarfs, this isn't the game.”
replayability
41 mentions
39 % positive mentions
54 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The game offers exceptional replayability, driven by diverse races, unique map generation, and a deep tech tree that encourages varied playstyles. Community mods and ongoing updates further enhance its longevity, making it comparable to established titles like RimWorld. While still in early access, players find it engaging and capable of providing countless hours of satisfying gameplay.
- “Replayable as you learn new ways to layout services and play with different immigrant mixes, but also the full game comes with available community mods and generated world maps.”
- “Its depth, replayability, and engaging gameplay make it a standout title.”
- “The map generation and races enable unique considerations with each new start, allowing for unending replayability.”
- “The game's modding support and active modding community provide a wealth of additional content and customization options, extending the game's replayability.”
- “There are easily dozens of hours of satisfying gameplay, though like any city builder, I feel like replayability might suffer if you're the type of player that likes to discover/build an optimal playstyle and stick to that.”
stability
22 mentions
23 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
77 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a mixed bag, with many users reporting significant bugs, including disappearing saves, combat AI issues, and graphical glitches, which are typical for an early access title. While some players have experienced smooth gameplay and appreciate the developers' responsiveness to community feedback, the overall consensus is that the game requires considerable polish and troubleshooting to address its numerous stability issues.
- “A hidden gem that runs great.”
- “Works well, as in the features of the game work well with each other and also not really buggy.”
- “Currently 21 hours in and I'm on my third city with 1800 people and it runs great.”
- “The fact is refund while you can, this game is extremely buggy and saves disappear all the time.”
- “In combat, troop movement/orders are buggy.”
- “Only issue is that the game is buggy, but to be expected for a game in early access as of this review.”
atmosphere
14 mentions
50 % positive mentions
29 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its immersive qualities, enhanced by strong music and pixel art that evoke nostalgia. Reviewers appreciate the game's ability to capture the essence of a fantasy town through its art direction and sound design, creating a relaxing yet engaging environment for both casual and strategic gameplay. However, some users suggest that additional sound effects could further enhance immersion.
- “The trailer and screenshots capture the feel of the game, or rather the atmosphere, very well.”
- “The music is good, and the atmosphere and art direction are impressive for a pixel game.”
- “The atmosphere captures a fantasy town with its variety of technologies and building chains very well.”
- “Please add more sound effects for more atmosphere and immersion!”
- “For me, growing up with these kinds of graphics, it definitely tickles a bit of nostalgia. Despite how simple it may appear, the grand scope of what it can achieve and the atmosphere that has been carefully tailored only adds to the game in my opinion.”
- “And the atmosphere matches the idea.”
emotional
14 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of "Songs of Syx" is characterized by a blend of wholesome engagement and developer passion, creating an immersive experience that resonates with players. While some users feel a lack of overwhelming emotional connection to individual characters, the genuine care from the solo developer fosters a heartfelt community and encourages attachment to the game's world. Overall, the game strikes a balance between challenge and emotional investment, making it a unique experience for players.
- “The emotional toll it takes on the player is a testament to the game's ability to immerse and engage.”
- “I must say the level of developer interaction is both heartwarming (you can tell it's a labor of love) and exciting.”
- “Either they provide interesting puzzles in terms of managing logistics and growth, or they give you colonists you care for and get emotionally attached to.”
humor
12 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its quirky graphics, amusing loading screen quotes, and the comedic situations that arise during gameplay, such as the orcs' ironic love for fighting despite frequent defeats. Players appreciate the unique and often bizarre character designs, as well as the humorous events that unfold, although some feel the humor can become repetitive over time. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with gameplay, providing a lighthearted experience.
- “I will never get over how funny the sprites look when they lay down on the ground lol”
- “Humorously, the orcs 'love' fighting though they routinely get stomped and die in most social battles.”
- “Bonus: the in-game portraits are hilariously weird.”
monetization
4 mentions
25 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is generally praised for being free of microtransactions or in-game purchases, which enhances the overall experience. However, some users express concerns about potential cash grab tactics from the developer, suggesting that while the game is enjoyable, it could benefit from additional features to elevate its gameplay.
- “It's rare to see such a well put together product given away with zero microtransactions or in-game purchases.”
- “Fun game, but the developer seems to have done a cash grab.”
- “It's rare to see such a well put together product and given away with zero microtransactions or in-game purchases.”