Surviving Mars nails it on so many levels. This game is fantastic. Dome placement matters. The tech tree is random in the best possible way, providing a different experience with every play through. The micromanagement is all fun. The mysteries add a twist to each game. And the starting traits + sponsor combined with achievment hunting and mysteries open up a ton of replayability options. And the aesthetics. Drones zipping around, landing and launching rockets, the space elevator shooting into space. It's all very satisfying. Oh, and built in mod support.
I don't often finish a game anymore, there are so many good ones out there. But Dead in Vinland kept me in and didn't become a drag. Here's a couple tips to help you enjoy this treasure. If (when) you fail the first time, you'll probably do fine the second time. The beginning story is the same every time, so just put up with it. Get the dog and stories DLC right at the start, they are worth it. If you don't, and are loving the game, add them in, it works fine on existing saves. You need to use defense skills during combat. Now get out there and enjoy this game!
Yes, I have a Cyberpunk 2020 book on my bookshelf. Unfortunately, this doesn't really compare. You see, that was a Role Playing Game. This is a poorly written rail shooter. The montage that skips all the early character development? Should have been a video montage of writers and producers making poor story decisions at CDPR. Can't rebind keys away from noob WASD's. Can't make any real choices. Two stars because the city looks cool. If you just want cool city scenery with a rail shooter attached, this is the game for you. If you want an RPG, keep looking.
City sims have come a long way in the last little while. Surviving Mars, Tropico, both have story woven through the missions. From my first playthrough of Frostpunk, I'd say it manages to outdo them both. Tense, grim, but hopeful. It's really an experience to partake of. The UI is super intuitive. The challenge is real. The art is a pleasure. If you like sim city builders, buy this game yesterday.
