Ostriv

Let me start off by saying I really like this game. The attention to detail and the feel of the game is great! Watching the foundation being laid, the floor timbers put down etc. when constructing a building is quite unique for this style of game and a big plus in my book. Add to that the builders going to pick up a cart, load it with building materials piece by piece, drag it to the construction site, then unload it piece by piece and finally return the cart to where they picked it up is almost mesmerising to watch! Again, great care and attention to detail has obviously gone into creating this game. I'm also a big fan of the implementation of seasons (again, the detail that's gone into it is fantastic! From the way there's only a small dusting of snow under the awnings of a building, to the way the villagers change into winter clothes if you provide them with a stall selling it; The game oozes of the deft and loving hand that is creating it). However; In its current state the game is really quite bare bones. There's just not a lot to do after having provided food and shelter for the villagers. Yes, you can grow your village, expand into tanning leather or build a church, but there's really no need. Your villagers are quite content with having varied food and a home, so spending the resources on building something, bar for trading purposes, just feels unnecessary and without any real point. The church especially serves no purpose what so ever in the current build. The fact that I bought this game yesterday and finished playing it (having built almost everything) yesterday evening, should provide a clear indication of just how early in its development the game really is. That said; I have no doubt that the developer will add a lot more content over time and if he/she/they keep up the attention to detail, this game will become fantastic! Buy it to support the developer's vision and help them make a great game, but do not expect much content at this early stage.

I supported this game early one, and played little bits here and there as it was updated. I always knew it was going to work. The attention to detail, the warmth of the visual presentiation, the music, even the names of each individual inhabitants of the town ... just charming. And relaxing. And challenging. Now, with its early access release, I actually paid for it again instead of using my key. Just to support the developer, to help ensure that this delightful journey continues. Even with the occasional crash, the intended features that just aren't there yet, this game satisfies at every level. All the fixes, all the new stuff that is coming .... just icing on the cake. This game is already worth it. Super job, much respect, and can't wait for more!

Buying this game was an excellent decision, it's a lovely little escape from the world, which is just what I needed right now. The overall gameplay loop is satisfying and fairly straighforward; you extract resources to grow your population and economy, which in turn allows you to extract more resources. You can gradually increase the complexity with various production chains that offer greater financial returns or simply maintain and admire your little arcadian paradise. The real joy for me comes from the freedom the game offers in designing your city. I enjoy watching the villagers going about their business as supply chains and networks emerge organically in my town, forming well-trodden paths in the grass like veins and arteries around the village's heart. The learning curve isn't too steep, I accidentally starved a couple of cows to death in my first few hours but the game will have you restarting fairly often to begin with anyway, as you learn the intricacies of its systems and plan better and more efficient cities. It's clear that love and effort have gone into this game, though it's still only in Alpha there is already a lot here to enjoy, and it will only get better and better.

It feels authentic and immersive. Things make SENSE. And it is very ... "earthy". There is a sense of effortless accuracy without complicating things too much. And you get to watch your little town grow, but it grows slowly, it is a living thing and each step is slightly different. Oh, and there's a detail that is very interesting: things don't appear out of nowhere just because you paid money. Everything has to be grown or built. When you build a chickencoop - it doesnt come with chickens: you have to import them from a neighboring town. But once you have chickens, you can always make more :) You can build a plow but it doesn't come with live oxen, you have to get oxen, duh. It's great. Anyway, this game holds quite a few pleasant surprises and is very original and enjoyable. HIghly recommend.