Terroir
- September 20, 2017
- General Interactive Co.
- 20h median play time
"Terroir is a 3D strategy game where you manage a vineyard and craft wine over 60 in-game years, dealing with dynamic weather and random events. Choose from 6 tile types and multiple grape varieties, each with unique demands, as you expand your estate and master winemaking processes. The game offers exceptional visuals, ingenuous soundtrack but requires patience due to its grinding nature."
Reviews
- The game offers a fun and straightforward experience for fans of tycoon and management games, especially those interested in winemaking.
- The graphics are charming and the soundtrack is relaxing, making it a pleasant game to unwind with.
- There is a satisfying sense of progression as players learn to manage their vineyard and improve their wine quality over time.
- The game can be overly simplistic and repetitive, leading to a lack of depth and engagement after a few playthroughs.
- Many players have reported frustrating bugs, such as issues with the UI and game mechanics that hinder progress.
- The reliance on RNG (random number generation) for weather and crop success can lead to unpredictable and often punishing gameplay experiences.
- gameplay32 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its unique mechanics and educational aspects related to winemaking, while others criticize it for being repetitive, simplistic, and lacking depth. Issues such as clunky controls, punishing mechanics, and a frustrating user interface detract from the overall experience, making it hard for players to engage deeply. Despite these drawbacks, some find the game enjoyable and relaxing, particularly for those willing to invest time in understanding its nuances.
“I am a winemaker and I find this game very fun despite what some critique as 'inaccurate.' The developers have done well to adapt some fun techniques into good gameplay instead of focusing too much on simulating a perfect environment.”
“Interesting game mechanics, and teaches a lot about winemaking.”
“The core gameplay is sound, if a bit simplistic, and I enjoyed figuring out the wines and what makes the game tick.”
“However, the gameplay is repetitive, the pacing and balancing are off, the mad leaf clicking mechanic is ill-considered, and the game is missing more of what it could have used most: content.”
“The graphics are special, and although the latest updates have provided some content improvement, the game lacks depth for it to be really entertaining and worthwhile for more than 10-20 hours of gameplay.”
“An interesting concept, probably, and might have some potential when more mechanics are introduced, but right now it consists of a lot of waiting around, a lot of confusion, and a huge reliance on luck.”
- graphics26 mentions
- 65 % positive mentions
- 23 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as simplistic yet charming, featuring a low-poly art style that enhances the overall aesthetic without being graphically demanding. Players appreciate the attractive visuals and delightful music, which contribute to a pleasant atmosphere, despite some critiques regarding gameplay. Overall, the graphics effectively complement the game's casual and engaging theme.
“The graphics are low poly but beautiful, the music is charming and spot on with the subject matter.”
“The graphics, music, and design are all beautiful and in line with the game's concept.”
“The art style is fantastic, and the gameplay mechanics are fairly polished out of the gate.”
“The game looks simple in design and visuals; however, there’s actually a lot going on with the running of your vineyard.”
“In summary, Terroir is simple in visuals and concept, but can be very challenging.”
“Don't let the stylish minimalist graphics fool you.”
- music24 mentions
- 58 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its charm and ability to create a relaxing atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience. While many players find the soundtrack beautiful and fitting for the game's theme, some note that it can become repetitive after extended play. Overall, the combination of soothing music and appealing visuals contributes significantly to the game's appeal.
“If you're into wines and want to get better with your vini/viticulture knowledge or if you just like playing really relaxing management games with beautiful music - this game is so pleasing to play on so many levels.”
“The music and art style are extremely charming and definitely add a lot to the feel of the game.”
“The graphics, music, and design are all beautiful and in line with the game's concept.”
“The soundtrack is kind of annoying, though.”
“However the soundtrack can get a little old (after listening to it 2-300 times) overall: 4.75/5”
“This game is extremely slow paced but it has atmospheric music.”
- grinding9 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game offers a unique take on farming simulation, particularly for wine enthusiasts, but is criticized for its tedious grinding mechanics that can detract from the overall experience. Players note that significant time investment is required to unlock features, leading to a repetitive gameplay loop that may not appeal to everyone. While some find enjoyment in the grind, it ultimately limits the game's longevity and creative exploration.
“The game has a lot of potential, but is really tedious.”
“Instead, terroir is more an exercise in grinding and clicking at the right time than exploring the creative process of making great wine.”
“Bottom line: the price isn't terrible, but the game has little to no longevity and the grinding nature of it gets old long before you can unlock most of the game's other features.”
- stability4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern, with users reporting numerous bugs and a lack of developer support. Recent updates have exacerbated these issues, making the game nearly unplayable for some. While there are minor usability flaws, the overall concept remains promising, especially considering its early access status.
“The new update has made the game unplayably buggy.”
“Game is buggy, devs won't reply to comments or try to assist in any way.”
“Still a bit buggy here and there, but it is early access after all.”
- optimization3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- -67 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been criticized for poor performance, particularly in scenarios with high activity, leading to slow gameplay. In contrast, users have noted that other games, like Software Inc, handle similar situations with much better efficiency.
“I run Software Inc. with tons of workers in a huge company, and at full speed, the performance is great.”
“The optimization options allow for seamless management of resources, making it easy to scale up operations without any lag.”
“I've noticed significant improvements in performance after tweaking the optimization settings, which has enhanced my overall gameplay experience.”
“Game runs slowly.”
“First off, let me state how poor the performance (optimization) is.”
- story3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The story revolves around a small-time wine producer starting with limited resources and facing increasingly bizarre and challenging missions that often detract from the overall experience. Players express a desire for a more structured mission system that allows for side jobs and goals, rather than the convoluted and sometimes frustrating tasks that disrupt gameplay. Overall, the narrative lacks coherence and fails to engage players meaningfully.
“In more detail - one starts as a small-time wine producer with one plot of 'loam' soil, on which one can grow one or two varieties (or 'veritals') of grape: cabernet sauvignon or sauvignon blanc.”
“Your first mission gives you a little extra money but then the next requires you to give away 3000 bottles of wine, after that you will have to ruin your reputation and then have three years of totally randomized play before trying to bankrupt yourself for a measly 10% off your taxes.”
“It would be so much better to have a mission system where you can pick some side jobs or goals to work on.”
“In more detail - one starts as a small-time wine producer with one plot of 'loam' soil, on which one can grow one or two varieties (or 'varietals') of grape: cabernet sauvignon or sauvignon blanc.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its relaxing music and soothing colors, complemented by low poly textures. Reviewers highlight the combination of captivating graphics and sound, creating a delightful and immersive experience.
“The music and atmosphere of the game is a marvel.”
“It has a lovely atmosphere, with beautiful graphics and music, along with an interesting and novel concept.”
“Relaxing music and atmosphere, low poly textures coupled with soothing colors.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users express concerns about the current low replayability of the game, suggesting that ongoing updates and improvements, particularly in bug fixes and financial systems, could enhance its long-term play value.
“With some bug squashing and implementation of a more robust financial system, this game looks like it has long-term play and replay value.”
“I do hope that the developers keep updating the game, though I feel that the replay value at the moment may be a bit low.”
“With some bug squashing and the implementation of a more robust financial system, this game looks like it has long-term play/replay value.”