In the realm of city-building games, “New Cycle” by Core Engage presents a survival challenge where players must reconstruct society after a catastrophic solar flare. Unlike its thematic cousin “Frostpunk,” this game focuses on improving the quality of life for survivors rather than sheer survival. Players begin by establishing basic shelters and resource-gathering sites, aiming to create a semblance of order amidst chaos.
Building A New World from Ruins
“New Cycle” aligns more with traditional city-builders, tasking players with housing survivors and managing resources such as food and materials. As the community grows, so do the demands for amenities like clothing and healthcare. Players must navigate the populace’s needs and morale, which can plummet due to various disasters or unmet promises.
Striving for Balance Amidst Hardship
The game intensifies as players face environmental catastrophes and the threat of recurring solar flares. These challenges test the city’s resilience, with the death of sick citizens lacking medical facilities. Survival leads to technological advancements and new construction opportunities, offering a glimmer of progress in the bleak setting.
Despite the promising premise, “New Cycle” struggles with elements that diminish the gaming experience, offering little innovation within the genre. The game’s early access status may account for some shortcomings, but players seeking a novel twist may find the current iteration lacking.
The game offers three modes: Sandbox, Campaign, and Sanity, each with unique challenges. However, certain scenarios, like the Sanity mode, remain locked until players complete other game modes. The game also includes diverse map types, each with its own set of challenges and resource constraints.
“New Cycle” incorporates a variety of tasks and decisions, but often these choices feel illusory, with the game forcing players into certain actions. This can lead to frustration when resources are lost to seemingly arbitrary events or demands.
