Brickadia: Building Dreams and Breaking Controllers

A sandbox paradise with a few too many loose screws

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to Brickadia, where your wildest building fantasies come to life, assuming you can wrestle the controls into submission. This game is a sandbox lover’s dream, offering a creative playground reminiscent of BlockLand, Little Big Planet, and Dreams. But before you dive in, let’s take a closer look at what makes this game tick—and what might make you ticked off.

Gameplay: A Creative Canvas with a Few Smudges

Brickadia is a sandbox game that lets you unleash your inner architect, engineer, and mad scientist all at once. The game shines with its intuitive building mechanics and a sophisticated logic gate system that would make even the most seasoned Minecraft redstone engineer nod in approval. You can collaborate with up to 30 other players on dedicated servers, creating a vibrant community of builders and dreamers.

However, the controls might have you feeling like you’re trying to build a LEGO set with oven mitts on. The non-toggleable “ducking” and “running” actions, along with problematic controller remapping, can make the experience more frustrating than fun. The brick resizer, in particular, seems to have been designed by someone who thought “user-friendly” was a type of pasta.

Despite these hiccups, the game offers a robust minigame system, allowing for a variety of gameplay styles, from RPG adventures to team-based matches. The multiplayer aspect is a blast, with the ability to build various structures and vehicles, and the logic gate system adds a layer of complexity that will keep you engaged for hours. Just be prepared to switch back to mouse and keyboard if you’re playing on a controller.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Compatibility Issues

Brickadia’s graphics are a standout feature, combining realistic elements with a unique Lego-like style that is both charming and visually stunning. The game utilizes advanced graphical elements like raytracing and dynamic global illumination, collectively known as “lumen,” to create an immersive environment that is a joy to explore.

The game is highly optimized, running smoothly on a wide range of hardware, from high-end systems to the humble Steam Deck. However, if you’re rocking an AMD GPU, you might find yourself in a world of lag and crashes, suggesting that the game could use a few more patches to iron out these issues. And while the game runs well on the Steam Deck at low settings, cranking up the graphics might leave your battery gasping for air.

Story: A Tale of Creativity and Controversy

Brickadia’s story is less about a linear narrative and more about the creative journey of its players. The game provides a platform for self-expression, particularly within the furry community, allowing players to craft unique identities and explore a vibrant sandbox universe. Projects like Brickadia City showcase the game’s capacity for artistic expression and imaginative world-building.

However, the game’s development history is marked by internal conflicts and controversies, which might leave some players feeling like they’re stepping into a soap opera rather than a game. The narrative is more about the player’s journey and interactions within the game world, enriched by community dynamics and philosophical undertones that encourage reflection on broader societal issues.

Final Verdict

Brickadia is a game with immense potential, offering a creative sandbox experience that is both engaging and visually stunning. While the controls and some technical issues might test your patience, the game’s strengths in creativity, graphics, and community make it a worthwhile addition to any builder’s library. With continued development and improvements, Brickadia could become a staple in the sandbox genre.

Score: 8/10