Wandering Band’s new city builder, Airborne Empire, has entered early access on Steam, inviting players to manage and stabilize their airborne metropolises. Unlike traditional city builders, this game introduces the unique challenge of maintaining a perfectly level city in the sky. The developers have expanded the gameplay from its predecessor, Airborne Kingdom, by incorporating a larger world and introducing combat elements, enhancing the strategic depth required for successful city management.
Airborne Empire builds upon the foundation set by Airborne Kingdom, which was well-received for its innovative approach to city building. However, the sequel distinguishes itself with a significantly larger map and the addition of hostile elements such as enemy airplanes and bandit colonies. This expansion allows for more complex gameplay and greater opportunities for exploration and conflict, setting it apart from other games in the genre.
How Does Airborne Empire Enhance City Balancing?
Balancing the city’s tilt is crucial in Airborne Empire. Players must strategically place buildings to ensure the city remains level, as imbalances can lead to citizen dissatisfaction and abandonment.
“Maintaining a perfectly balanced city adds a layer of complexity that keeps players engaged,”
a developer from Wandering Band explained.
What New Combat Features Are Introduced?
The game introduces various combat options to defend against sky pirates and hostile structures. Players can weaponize their airplanes, set up defensive towers, and deploy weapons like cannons, flamethrowers, and tesla coils. These features require players to allocate resources efficiently to both grow their city and protect it from external threats.
How Does Resource Management Differ in Airborne Empire?
Resource gathering in Airborne Empire is facilitated through small airplanes that collect materials from the ground. Players must build airplane hangars and manage their pilot assignments to ensure a steady supply of wood, coal, and food. Effective resource management is essential to keep the city airborne, especially when balancing power production and lift generation.
Balancing aerial city management with expanding infrastructure and defending against threats presents a multifaceted challenge for players. The game’s emphasis on strategic placement and resource allocation distinguishes it from other city builders, offering a unique experience that requires both tactical and long-term planning.
Airborne Empire not only builds on its predecessor’s innovative mechanics but also introduces new layers of complexity that cater to both city-building enthusiasts and strategy game fans. By merging the intricacies of city management with dynamic combat scenarios, the game provides a comprehensive and engaging experience that encourages players to think critically about their city’s stability and growth.
Effective city balancing and resource management are paramount in maintaining a thriving airborne metropolis. Players must navigate the challenges of tilt control, resource allocation, and defense mechanisms to ensure their city remains prosperous and secure in the skies.
