Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic

Starting at $20Buy now

In Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic, players manage a Soviet-themed city, controlling all aspects of the city's economy from resource extraction to manufacturing and service provision. The game features a deep simulation of global supply chains, allowing players to make decisions that impact citizens' daily lives and loyalty to the nation. A challenging and engaging experience, players must balance various elements of city management to ensure their republic thrives.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

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

Reviews

91%

Audience ScoreBased on 6,110 reviews

gameplay192 positive mentions

grinding82 negative mentions

Incredibly detailed and complex city builder that allows for deep logistics and resource management.
Offers a unique Soviet-era theme that adds charm and nostalgia, with a variety of buildings and vehicles.
Highly customizable difficulty settings allow players to tailor their experience, from casual to hardcore realism.

The user interface is clunky and can be frustrating, making it difficult to manage complex systems.
Steep learning curve with inadequate tutorials that leave players confused about core mechanics.
Frequent crashes and bugs can disrupt gameplay, leading to lost progress and frustration.

gameplay
806 mentions
24 % positive mentions
74 % neutral mentions
2 % negative mentions
The gameplay of this city-building simulator is characterized by its deep and complex mechanics, offering a unique blend of resource management, construction, and economic simulation set in a Soviet-themed environment. While the game provides extensive customization options for difficulty and mechanics, many players find the steep learning curve and lack of in-game explanations challenging, often requiring external resources to fully grasp the systems at play. Despite its flaws, including a clunky UI and some frustrating mechanics, the game is praised for its addictive nature and the satisfaction derived from mastering its intricate gameplay.
- “Very addictive fun game once you figure out the mechanics...highly recommend.”
- “A very unique and creative take on a city/industry builder in general, full of ideas and mechanics I've never seen in any other game.”
- “The gameplay loop is as follows: start with nothing, use outside help to build a small, tiny nest egg, maybe just a fabric-textile plant with imports from the outside world and a small town, and then use those funds and that workforce to begin building a self-sufficient economy, one link of the supply chain at a time.”
- “This game is far from perfect; it has many flaws, many strange mechanics, and it can and will be frustrating.”
- “The game throws the player into the thick of things without proper tutorials or explanations of basic mechanics.”
- “The gameplay is exceptionally tedious and vexing, revolving around fighting the game mechanics and existing infrastructure every step of the way.”
graphics
384 mentions
33 % positive mentions
59 % neutral mentions
8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many players noting that they appear dated and reminiscent of early 2000s titles, which some find fitting for the game's Soviet-era aesthetic. While the visuals may lack the polish of modern AAA games, they are often described as charming and effective in conveying the game's theme, with particular praise for the authenticity of vehicles and buildings. Overall, while the graphics may not be the main draw, they contribute to the game's unique atmosphere and appeal to fans of the genre.
- “Graphically, I think that the style works well, the vehicles are crafted wonderfully, and my buddy from Eastern Europe even noted that they knew that it was a game about the region because the buildings stuck out to them immediately as very accurate.”
- “The graphics and art style of the game are unique and beautiful in their own way; for example, if you elect to play with maintenance enabled, cars and buildings will visibly wear down over time as their condition deteriorates.”
- “The graphics are beautiful, the sound is atmospheric, and the gameplay is smooth and stable.”
- “The graphics are disgusting and overall the game is not great.”
- “The graphics look quite dated, resembling a computer game from the 90s.”
- “The graphics are dull, the tooltips are very hit-and-miss, and the UI is very duct-taped together and confusing.”
music
266 mentions
47 % positive mentions
48 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its catchy and thematic Soviet-inspired soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere and nostalgia. However, some players find the music repetitive and occasionally annoying, suggesting a need for more variety. Overall, while the soundtrack is celebrated for its charm and fittingness to the game's theme, opinions vary widely on its quality and appeal.
- “The soundtrack alone makes me fulfill the 5 year plan in 2 years. 10/10.”
- “The soundtrack is fitting, being extremely Soviet, while also being original and having varied songs.”
- “The music is incredible, especially for being made by a single person.”
- “I have to mention that the game has maybe the worst music I've ever heard in a video game before.”
- “The music is thematic, but repetitive and rather annoying.”
- “The soundtrack gave me a headache the first time I started the game years ago.”
optimization
92 mentions
28 % positive mentions
60 % neutral mentions
12 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its ability to run smoothly even on lower-end systems, while others report significant performance issues, particularly in larger cities. Many users note that while the game can be enjoyable and visually appealing, it struggles with lag and crashes when handling complex simulations or extensive builds. Overall, there is a consensus that further optimization is needed, especially for managing larger populations and intricate supply chains.
- “The game runs smoothly and doesn't have game-breaking bugs.”
- “I love the optimization and recommend this game to anyone up for the challenge of building a Soviet republic.”
- “For an early access game, the optimization is surprisingly decent and there's more than enough content to give you a lot of hours in this game.”
- “Workers and resources is a game where you cannot really reach the end game because the game is not optimized, so your processor won't actually handle a big city.”
- “The optimization leaves much to be desired: even on powerful systems, the game can lag and freeze.”
- “The game isn't optimized enough and can be slow to run when the size of a republic goes beyond the 100,000 citizens mark, with low to very low FPS and moving around the map in general becoming slower.”
grinding
92 mentions
3 % positive mentions
8 % neutral mentions
89 % negative mentions
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, with many players expressing frustration over complex mechanics, unintuitive controls, and the need for extensive micromanagement. While some appreciate the depth and realism, others find the gameplay can feel like a chore, requiring significant effort to achieve progress, especially in the early stages. Overall, the game offers a challenging experience that may appeal to dedicated city-building enthusiasts but can be overwhelming for newcomers.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “A bit grindy sometimes.”
- “Your mom yells at you for grinding till 3 AM.”
- “However, I was surprised and annoyed with how quickly it became tedious.”
- “While the game has a lot going for it, it can be tediously unintuitive and frustrating, hiding a lot of crucial information from the player and forcing the player to seek external resources on places like YouTube to actually figure out basic game mechanics.”
- “The gameplay is both interesting and enjoyable but can be a challenge in the beginning; building roads and constructing on elevated terrain can be quite a teeth-grinding experience.”
stability
82 mentions
7 % positive mentions
2 % neutral mentions
90 % negative mentions
The game's stability is a significant concern among users, with many reporting frequent bugs, crashes, and glitches that disrupt gameplay. While some players acknowledge the game's potential and appreciate ongoing developer support, the overall consensus is that the game feels unfinished and often requires troubleshooting, making it frustrating to play. Despite these issues, a few users have noted that the game runs well on lower-end systems, indicating that performance may vary depending on hardware.
- “On the technical side, it works well with no glitches or halts, and it has low PC requirements.”
- “The game isn't buggy at all, but it does take a lot of figuring out yourself.”
- “Technically, the game runs great!”
- “This game has some good points - however, it is buggy as all hell, which means you cannot get through the campaigns.”
- “The game is ambitious in scope, but the game is a buggy mess and in 5 years of development they still haven't been able to address basic issues.”
- “The game is still filled with bugs, glitches, and some crashes, but they have been fixed week after week.”
story
81 mentions
9 % positive mentions
84 % neutral mentions
7 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and engagement, with many players noting that there is no coherent narrative or meaningful progression throughout the missions. While some mention a minor theme of liberating a nation from capitalism, it feels overshadowed by frustrating gameplay mechanics and poorly designed tutorial missions. Overall, players express a desire for a more structured campaign or story mode to enhance the experience.
- “The game should be named 'WWSR: The Quest for Self-Sufficiency'. You start with nothing but a plot of land and a stack of cash, and transform it into a prosperous socialist economy where everybody is happy and healthy.”
- “It's more than a transport tycoon, but I think it needs missions and tutorials. One of my towns is getting a grand new shopping center, and I got as much pleasure seeing the work trucks and construction as I did when I built the 21-story prefab flats.”
- “I'd love to see some 'story mode' scenarios in the future. The developers seem to have taken great time and care, and I'm hopeful for the future of this game.”
- “There is no sense of progress or story development.”
- “Several of the missions for the first campaign feel very unfinished and rushed.”
- “The game lacks standard progression and ending (no opponents, impending disasters, missions, etc.).”
atmosphere
62 mentions
58 % positive mentions
37 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its immersive and authentic representation of the Soviet era, characterized by brutalist architecture, a bleak aesthetic, and a fitting soundtrack that enhances the experience. Players appreciate the intricate details and the sense of nostalgia it evokes, particularly for those familiar with the historical context. Overall, the atmosphere is described as captivating, complex, and integral to the gameplay, making it a standout feature of the city-building simulator.
- “The developers really nailed that oppressive, bleak Soviet atmosphere with the graphical style and the music as well.”
- “How the atmosphere is set in the Soviet era history is really accurate and vivid, with a wide range of historical vehicles and communal concrete buildings.”
- “The atmosphere of late Soviet socialism hasn't been exploited so much so far, and I believe this game has potential.”
humor
40 mentions
98 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a blend of satirical and absurd elements, often poking fun at Soviet stereotypes and the quirks of a planned economy. Players find amusement in the game's mechanics, such as the comically fast-moving pedestrians and the humorous dialogue, which adds a lighthearted touch to the otherwise serious theme of building a socialist state. While some critiques note that the humor may not be as pronounced as in other city-building games, many players appreciate the subtle, tongue-in-cheek jokes that enhance the overall experience.
- “Roads are king in this game and second place goes to the pedestrians where a granny of age 86 goes 40 km/h (I'm not joking, take a stopwatch and a known walking distance, it's hilarious).”
- “It is well crafted and the dialogue available from advisors does feel a bit like stereotypical satire of Soviet Russia, but the tongue-in-cheek humor to it all is pretty fun.”
- “The other factories halted, and my whole economy was shut down because some workers decided it was funny to turn off the power plant on their way out!”
- “That is not the purpose of a computer game, because that is not funny.”
replayability
30 mentions
37 % positive mentions
53 % neutral mentions
10 % negative mentions
The game boasts high replayability due to its diverse economy types, various export options, and strong workshop support, allowing players to experience different strategies and management styles. While some users note a lack of randomly generated maps that could enhance replay value, the complexity and frequent updates contribute to a rewarding and engaging experience for those willing to invest time in learning the mechanics. Overall, it is regarded as a highly replayable title, especially for fans of city-building and tycoon genres.
- “Replayability: this game is certainly replayable as many times as you want, there are different economy types you can choose from, and what you want as your main export. For instance, you can primarily mine, have lots of agriculture, or you can export cars, planes, helicopters, trains, etc.”
- “The best city builder you can get with complex simulation mechanics and endless replayability.”
- “An excellent combination of city builder and tycoon games with hardcore logistics, nostalgic historical vibes, thriving mod community, high replayability, and constant content updates.”
- “But the game has several issues with game mechanics and other elements that shorten the game's replayability.”
- “There's no randomly generated map, so replayability lowers.”
- “Now, unlike Cities: Skylines and other big box city builders, this game still has some rough edges and is missing a crucial part for replayability: different maps.”
emotional
9 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players find the game emotionally resonant, highlighting its heartwarming community engagement and the sense of fulfillment it provides. The setting evokes strong connections, particularly for Central Europeans, while the game's wholesome ambiance and depth foster a touching experience that transcends mere gameplay, blending elements of city-building and country management.
- “The game gave me this incredible sense of fulfillment and made me feel so alive.”
- “For me, I have a strong emotional connection to the setting as a Central European, but I would recommend this to anyone in the world.”
- “The mods on the workshop are fantastic, and it's oddly touching to see how much love Eastern Europeans can give to the concrete relics of fairly cruel and only recently toppled regimes.”
monetization
4 mentions
75 % positive mentions
-25 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The monetization model primarily relies on microtransactions for in-game purchases, but players appreciate that the developers are focused on creating a quality game rather than exploiting players for profit. Overall, the approach is seen as fair and not a blatant cash grab.
- “Microtransactions are well-balanced and don't feel intrusive.”
- “The in-game purchases enhance the experience without being necessary to enjoy the game.”
- “I appreciate that the monetization model allows for both free and paid options, making it accessible for everyone.”
- “The developers are creating a great game, but it feels like a dirty capitalist cash grab.”
- “When Colossal Order, makers of Cities: Skylines II, were advertising their game as the most realistic simulated city game, I am convinced they were talking about workers and resources.”