New Cycle is a cutting-edge post-apocalyptic PC city builder that explores the harsh realities of how human industrialization could ultimately lead to Earth’s demise. Developed by the up-and-coming Core Engage and published by Daedalic Entertainment, the game made its debut in the Early Access phase on January 18, 2024. In a genre saturated with city-building games, New Cycle distinguishes itself as a compelling entry, blending unique concepts to deliver a complex yet gratifying experience.
Set in a dystopian, hyper-industrialized world of 2073, New Cycle puts players in the role of a city manager overseeing a society grappling with the aftermath of solar flares that wiped out all technology on the planet. The game’s Dieselpunk aesthetic, characterized by rusted industrial structures and factory machinery, paints a bleak picture that sets the stage for the gameplay. While not groundbreaking, New Cycle offers a wide array of features and robust city-building mechanics within an intriguing universe.
Initially, New Cycle may feel familiar to players of other city-building games. Starting with a small population and town hall, players expand their city while gathering resources from the map and establishing production lines to support a growing economy. Population limits and other requirements determine the overall “Cycle” of society and the level of technology that can be researched. The game features a diverse range of Cycles, each introducing new enhancements and opportunities for efficiency upgrades through an extensive tech tree.
New Cycle currently offers two main game modes: the campaign and a sandbox mode, with two additional game modes, Old Ways and Sanity, scheduled for future release. The game currently features three distinct biomes as maps, each presenting unique challenges and differences in resources and environment, ensuring a unique experience with each playthrough. Like other city builders, New Cycle includes seasonal changes, with harsh winters and various environmental effects that can lead to building destruction.
In addition to traditional city-building mechanics, the game introduces other unique features, such as a World Map that players can “explore” by dispatching surveying parties to uncover neighboring regions. Workers and resources can then be allocated to these new regions to access additional raw materials, although construction is not possible in these areas. Residents also present missions to improve their quality of life, guiding players through the game’s more complex concepts. Certain decisions may result in buffs or debuffs for the city.
2024-01-19 04:00:05
Link from screenrant.com