Outlanders is a strategy game developed by the Uruguayan studio Pomelo Games. First released in 2019 for iOS via the Apple Arcade service, the game received acclaim for its unique approach to the city-building simulation genre. In 2023, Outlanders became available to Windows users, expanding its audience. The game invites players to take on the role of a leader of a small settlement, managing resources and meeting the needs of residents to lead them to prosperity.
Contents:
- Development and Release History
- Gameplay and Mechanics
- Campaign and Sandbox Mode
- Graphics and Sound
- Reviews and Criticism
- System Requirements
- Conclusion
Development and Release History
Initially, the game was released on September 19, 2019, for iOS devices via the Apple Arcade service. Choosing this platform allowed the developers to avoid implementing in-game purchases, ensuring a cleaner and more cohesive gaming experience. Later, on March 7, 2023, Outlanders became available for Windows users, attracting a new audience and receiving additional feedback from players.
Gameplay and Mechanics
In Outlanders, players manage a small settlement, striving to ensure its survival and prosperity. The game's core mechanics include:
- Resource Management: Players must collect and allocate resources such as food, wood, and other materials to meet residents' needs and construct new buildings.
- Building Construction: Players have access to an extensive set of buildings and tools that help residents achieve their goals.
- Task Assignment: While residents act autonomously, players can assign them to specific jobs and determine the number of workers for each building.
- Decrees: Players can issue decrees that alter the game's rules, such as increasing working hours or reducing resource consumption. However, such measures may lower residents' happiness and should be used with caution.
Campaign and Sandbox Mode
Outlanders offers two main game modes: campaign and sandbox. The campaign is a series of progressively challenging levels, each featuring unique tasks and storylines. As players progress, they learn new mechanics and buildings, gradually mastering all aspects of the game. Each campaign level introduces new elements that can be applied in subsequent stages or in sandbox mode.
For those who prefer a more open-ended experience, the sandbox mode is available. In this mode, players have full access to all buildings and game mechanics from the start, as well as the ability to customize rules and map parameters to their liking. Sandbox mode allows players to create themed cities, set personal goals, and experiment with different strategies without restrictions, providing ample space for creativity and self-expression.
Graphics and Sound
Outlanders stands out with its unique visual style, combining minimalism with expressiveness. This approach gives the game a distinctive atmosphere that draws attention. Character and environment animations enliven the gameplay, adding charm and dynamics. The musical accompaniment perfectly complements the overall tone, creating a relaxing and engaging atmosphere that enhances immersion in the game world.
Reviews and Criticism
Outlanders has received positive feedback from both critics and players. Game Informer noted that the game "does not offer the sprawling city simulations many associate with the genre, but its small-scale approach appeals to the task-oriented part of your brain, creating an incredibly satisfying experience that I kept coming back to." Rock, Paper, Shotgun praised the game for its "low-detail but highly effective art style" and highlighted details such as the leader carrying a lantern at night to check if everyone is in bed. However, some reviewers pointed out that the game's slow pace could feel too drawn out at times.
System Requirements
For optimal gameplay on PC, the following configuration is recommended:
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit
- Processor: Core i3 4170
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage: 1 GB
- Graphics Card: AMD Radeon R9 380 or better
- DirectX: Version 11
Conclusion
Outlanders is an engaging city-building simulator with a unique approach to the genre. Its minimalist graphics, detailed resource management mechanics, and diverse game modes make it appealing to a wide audience. Despite some criticism for its slow pace, the game attracts both genre enthusiasts and newcomers seeking a fresh strategy experience. Outlanders offers a new perspective on classic elements, combining simplicity with depth in its gameplay.
