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 has a charming art style and relaxing soundtrack, making it enjoyable to play.
- It offers a unique experience in vineyard management, allowing players to learn about winemaking.
- The gameplay can be rewarding and satisfying once players figure out the mechanics and successfully produce high-quality wines.
- The game suffers from a steep learning curve and can be frustrating due to its reliance on RNG, leading to frequent bankruptcies.
- The user interface is clunky and lacks polish, making navigation and management cumbersome.
- There are significant balance issues, with many players finding it too difficult to progress without feeling overwhelmed by micromanagement.
- gameplay69 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 13 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Terroir has received mixed reviews, with players noting its simplistic mechanics and repetitive nature, which can lead to boredom over time. While some appreciate the game's educational aspects and charming aesthetics, many criticize the clunky interface, punishing mechanics, and lack of depth, suggesting that it could benefit from additional content and improved user experience. Overall, it is seen as a relaxing game for those willing to invest time, but it currently lacks the complexity and engagement needed for long-term enjoyment.
“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.”
“Beautiful design, updates are frequent, gameplay is very relaxing, and there is a great satisfaction in getting the perfect vintage and naming it after the theme you have chosen for your vineyard.”
“Outside of that, some clunky mechanics and quality of life misses make the game hard to want to get really deep into.”
“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.”
“Interface is frustrating to use and the gameplay gets boring very quickly.”
- graphics56 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 32 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are described as simplistic yet charming, featuring a low-poly art style that enhances the overall aesthetic and atmosphere. While the visuals are engaging and accessible, some players feel that the minimalistic design may not fully compensate for the gameplay experience. Overall, the graphics contribute positively to the game's theme, creating a delightful and inviting environment.
“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 music and art style are extremely charming and definitely add a lot to the feel of the game.”
“Terroir’s bland gameplay overshadows its promising premise and charming aesthetic.”
“Don't let the stylish minimalist graphics fool you.”
“In summary, Terroir is simple in visuals & concept, but can be very challenging.”
- music49 mentions
- 59 % positive mentions
- 35 % neutral mentions
- 6 % 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 soothing, some note that it can become repetitive after extended play. Overall, the music significantly contributes to the game's appeal, making it a recommended feature for those who enjoy tranquil gaming environments.
“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 music and atmosphere of the game is a marvel.”
“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.”
- grinding19 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 5 % neutral mentions
- 95 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently criticized for being tedious and repetitive, requiring significant time investment to unlock features and upgrades. While some players appreciate the chill farming experience, many feel that the grind detracts from the overall enjoyment and longevity of the game, making it more suitable for dedicated fans of the genre rather than casual players.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“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.”
- story8 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The game lacks a cohesive story, with players expressing a desire for a structured mission system that offers meaningful side jobs and goals. Instead, the gameplay revolves around repetitive and seemingly random tasks, such as managing a small wine production operation without a compelling narrative to guide the experience. Overall, the absence of a well-developed story detracts from the potential engagement and enjoyment of the game.
“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.”
“There is no story.”
“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.”
- stability8 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern, with numerous users reporting severe bugs, particularly following a recent update that rendered it unplayable. While some minor usability issues exist, such as UX glitches and typesetting errors, the overall concept is appreciated; however, the lack of developer support exacerbates frustrations regarding stability.
“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.”
“There are some rough spots in this game, namely UX glitches and other tiny usability flaws (typesetting errors, tiny hit targets, mouse focus bugs, etc.), but the overall concept is sound.”
- atmosphere7 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its compelling and relaxing qualities, enhanced by soothing music and low poly textures. Reviewers highlight the combination of beautiful graphics and innovative concepts, creating a captivating experience.
“It's a shame as it really does an excellent job of creating a compelling atmosphere.”
“The music and atmosphere of the game is a marvel.”
“It has a lovely atmosphere and graphics/music, and an interesting and novel concept.”
- optimization7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 14 % neutral mentions
- 57 % negative mentions
The game's optimization has been widely criticized, with users reporting slow performance even in less demanding scenarios compared to other titles. Despite having a large number of workers in similar games running smoothly, this game struggles to maintain a satisfactory frame rate.
“I run Software Inc. with tons of workers in a huge company, and at full speed, the performance is great.”
“First off, let me state how poor the performance (optimization) is:”
“Performance-wise, I have to admit the game is still not so great.”
“Game runs slowly.”
- replayability4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
Players 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 replay value.
“With some bug squashing and implementation of a more robust financial system, this one looks like it has long-term play/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 implementation of a more robust financial system, this game looks like it has long-term play/replay value.”