Tlatoani: Aztec Cities
- October 31, 2024
- Bellwood Studios
Get on Steam"Tlatoani: Aztec Cities" is a simulation game that allows players to shape the history of the Aztec civilization by building and managing city-states. The game features individual simulation of citizens, resource management, and a focus on symmetrical city design. Players must balance the needs of their citizens, economy, and religion to create a successful and prosperous city-state.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game offers a unique city-building experience set in Mesoamerica, with detailed mechanics that require thoughtful planning and logistics.
- It has a solid gameplay loop and is reminiscent of classic city builders like Caesar III, appealing to fans of the genre.
- The developers are responsive to community feedback, and the game runs smoothly with a good amount of content for an early access title.
- The tutorial is clunky and not intuitive, making it difficult for new players to grasp the game's mechanics effectively.
- There are pacing issues in missions, with unforgiving time limits that can lead to frustration, especially in the early levels.
- The UI/UX needs improvement, with inconsistent measurement units and unclear requirements for building materials causing confusion.
- graphics5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The graphics are well-received, featuring multiple presets and a dynamic day-night cycle that enhances the visual experience. The art style is praised for its charm and uniqueness, with detailed artworks reflecting thoughtful design elements, although some nuances may require closer inspection to fully appreciate. Overall, the visuals contribute positively to the game's atmosphere.
“Graphics-wise, it is nice that there are multiple presets available, and a day-night cycle is also pleasant to see.”
“I like the art style and UI.”
“It's fun, the artwork is great, and it has its own quirks and charm.”
“The artworks in particular seem to come from masons, but this isn't apparent until you really read what the building produces.”
“The graphics lack clarity and detail, making it hard to appreciate the art style.”
“The overall visual presentation feels outdated and doesn't meet modern gaming standards.”
- gameplay4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by a slower, more thoughtful pace compared to previous city builders, requiring players to navigate complex resource management and transportation mechanics. While the tutorial offers some guidance, it can still be challenging to master, leading to potentially difficult situations in city development. Overall, the game features a solid gameplay loop and mechanics that engage players.
“Solid gameplay loop and mechanics.”
“This makes the gameplay overall slower and more thoughtful than previous city builders.”
“It's a bit tricky to learn even in the tutorial; you can get your city caught in some hard-to-solve situations, as the resource management and transportation mechanics are fairly complicated.”
- story4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The story's pacing is criticized for being brutal, particularly in the early levels, where players feel constrained by the time it takes for workers to complete tasks while facing unforgiving time limits. This often leads to a trial-and-error approach, as players must fail missions to learn the required tributes and timing.
“However, I feel that the pacing of the missions can be a bit brutal, especially on early levels.”
“You are constrained by the workers taking time to accomplish their tasks, but at the same time, the missions do have a relatively unforgiving time limit.”
“It sometimes feels as though you need to play the missions and fail first in order to know exactly what tribute will be demanded and when.”
- music3 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The music effectively complements the Mesoamerican theme, featuring well-crafted, chill compositions that evoke an Aztec vibe. However, some users noted that a particular high-pitched flute in one song can be piercing.
“The music is well done, chill, and has that Aztec vibe.”
“Music is fitting with instruments matching the Mesoamerican theme, though one of the songs in particular has a high-pitched flute that seems to be quite piercing.”
