Laysara: Summit Kingdom - Scaling New Heights in City-Building

A Himalayan Adventure with a Side of Yak

Launch Day Larry

In the world of city-building games, “Laysara: Summit Kingdom” stands tall—literally. Set against a Himalayan-inspired backdrop, this game invites players to construct their own mountain-top utopia. But does it reach the peak of gaming excellence, or does it stumble on the rocky path to greatness? Let’s find out.

Gameplay: A Mountain of Mechanics

“Laysara: Summit Kingdom” offers a unique blend of production chain management and city-building elements, with a twist that would make even the most seasoned “Anno” player raise an eyebrow. The game challenges you to balance logistics, building placement, and workforce allocation, all while keeping your citizens happy and your budget in check. It’s like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—on a mountain.

The gameplay is praised for its innovative mechanics and high replayability, with the mountain feature being a core and enjoyable aspect. However, the UI could use a little more polish, as it sometimes feels like trying to decipher an ancient scroll without a Rosetta Stone. The tutorial only covers the basics, leaving players to discover the more complex systems through trial and error—a process that can be as rewarding as it is frustrating.

While the game is visually stunning, some players feel the city lacks a sense of life, with static NPCs and an unsatisfying money system. The hardest difficulty level is more of a gentle incline than a steep climb, leaving hardcore strategists yearning for more complex resource requirements.

Graphics: A Visual Feast with a Side of Motion Sickness

If there’s one thing “Laysara: Summit Kingdom” nails, it’s the graphics. The game is a visual masterpiece, with stunning artwork that brings the Himalayan setting to life. The villages, complete with bridges, shrines, and plazas, are a feast for the eyes, evolving beautifully over time. However, to fully appreciate this visual splendor, you’ll need a high-performance setup—otherwise, you might find yourself squinting at a slideshow.

The camera controls, however, are a different story. Navigating the mountain geometry can feel like trying to steer a shopping cart with a wonky wheel, and the low mouse sensitivity might have you reaching for the Dramamine. Players have expressed a desire for better navigation options, including the ability to rotate buildings and view them from different angles.

Story: A Cozy Tale with Room to Grow

The narrative of “Laysara: Summit Kingdom” is as charming as a cozy fantasy novel, with a unique setting that adds depth to the city-building experience. The game incorporates humor into its narrative, with unexpected events like landslides providing a comedic twist. The interactions between the three main characters, representing different social groups, are genuinely funny and add a layer of personality to the game.

However, the story lacks depth and immersive character development, with NPCs feeling more like decorative elements than integral parts of the narrative. The mediocre British voice acting doesn’t quite match the Himalayan setting, detracting from the story’s immersion. Players are left wanting more, especially since the game is still in early access and lacks a final story conclusion.

Final Verdict

“Laysara: Summit Kingdom” is a visually stunning and mechanically intriguing game that offers a fresh take on the city-building genre. While it excels in graphics and innovative gameplay, it stumbles with its complex UI, lack of narrative depth, and camera control issues. For those willing to invest the time to learn its mechanics, it promises a rewarding experience with the potential for future improvements.

Score: 7.5/10