Of Life and Land: Building Dreams and Managing Nightmares

A city-builder where nature is both your ally and your nemesis

Launch Day Larry

Welcome to “Of Life and Land,” a city-building game that invites you to create a thriving settlement while balancing the delicate dance between humanity and nature. It’s a game where your biggest enemy might just be a particularly stubborn tree or a sheep with a vendetta. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this early access gem and see if it lives up to its potential.

Gameplay: A Symphony of Complexity and Chaos

“Of Life and Land” takes inspiration from classics like “Oxygen Not Included” and “Banished,” offering a deep simulation experience that will have you questioning your life choices as you try to manage a bustling city. The game excels in creating a complex web of interactions between humans, animals, and plants, making every decision feel like a high-stakes game of Jenga.

The standout feature here is the ability to edit and create maps, which adds a layer of creativity and experimentation. However, the current lack of additional maps means you’ll be seeing the same scenery more often than you’d like. But fear not, more maps are on the horizon, promising to expand the game’s replayability.

The game is praised for its balanced difficulty, allowing players to establish basic production lines before diving into more complex systems like farming and bread production. However, the lack of direct control over NPCs might leave some players feeling like they’re herding cats. The user interface is well-designed, though it could use a few quality of life improvements, such as a more comprehensive tutorial and better ways to track where your citizens are working.

Graphics: A Colorful Canvas with Room for Detail

The graphics of “Of Life and Land” are a mixed bag, much like a box of assorted chocolates where some pieces are delightful and others leave you questioning your taste in sweets. The low-poly art style is colorful and engaging, but it doesn’t quite match the promotional materials, leading to some disappointment. The vibrant colors and cozy atmosphere are appreciated, but the blocky appearance of plants and lack of detail in buildings might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

Performance-wise, the game is a champ, running smoothly even on older hardware. This is a boon for players who haven’t upgraded their rigs since the last ice age. However, at high zoom levels, the models become indistinguishable, turning your villagers into what can only be described as “ants in a particle collider.”

Story: A Narrative Woven Through Gameplay

“Of Life and Land” doesn’t follow a traditional narrative arc, but rather lets the story unfold through player-driven experiences. The game immerses you in a dynamic ecosystem where every creature has distinct needs, creating a rich tapestry of interactions. The theme of balance between nature’s generosity and its inherent cruelty is central, making every decision feel like a moral dilemma.

The lack of a direct storyline might be a downside for players looking for a strong narrative, but the game’s charm lies in its emergent storytelling. Each player’s journey is unique, shaped by their strategic planning and problem-solving skills. The sound design enhances the storytelling experience, drawing players into its world with a serene atmosphere and evocative soundtrack.

Final Verdict

“Of Life and Land” offers a serene and immersive experience with a focus on environmental interaction and strategic resource management. While the game has its quirks and limitations, particularly in its early access state, it shows great potential for growth. The developers’ responsiveness to community feedback is a promising sign for future updates. If you’re a fan of city-builders and enjoy a challenge, this game is worth keeping an eye on.

Score: 7.3/10