Terra Nil (Switch) Review – Restoring the World in this Ecological Puzzler
I’m a big fan of post-apocalyptic settings in movies, TV shows, and games. What happens after the world-ending events? Terra Nil, a reverse city-builder game, tackles this question by allowing players to rebuild a planet’s ecosystem after it has been ruined by humans.
Developed by the creators of Genital Jousting, Terra Nil goes beyond the typical simulation game. Instead of constructing a new civilization, players must focus on restoring the environment. Transforming wastelands into thriving grasslands, tundras, and clean oceans becomes the primary objective. The game even lets you repurpose the remains of a city to create an animal sanctuary.
To accomplish these goals, players utilize advanced technology. Wind and geothermal power sources are required to provide energy for the buildings. These structures play various roles, such as generating fertile soil, adjusting the weather, and cleaning up water pollution. With four different biomes to clean up, each level presents unique challenges and requires different tactics and technologies.
Depending on the difficulty level chosen, players may encounter obstacles that make completing the level difficult or even impossible. Nevertheless, the game offers the flexibility to adjust difficulty settings, making it accessible to players of all skill levels.
Once the ecosystem is restored and conditions are favorable, players can introduce new plant and animal life. The joy of witnessing the thriving ecosystem is undeniable. However, the cleanup phase can be a bit frustrating. Removing all the placed structures is necessary, but it often requires constructing new buildings to facilitate the cleanup process. A bug in the post-game may hinder the upgrade of cleanup drones, affecting replayability.
Despite these minor issues, Terra Nil possesses a visually impressive art style. The highly detailed buildings have a painterly quality, and the result is a visually stunning reconstruction of the planet. However, the game’s performance on the Switch may struggle in later stages with abundant water, though developers are working on addressing this.
Terra Nil provides several hours of gameplay, and the generated levels offer replay value. Additionally, post-game scenarios open up new possibilities, offering even more content for those seeking 100% completion. However, bugs and crashes have been reported, potentially hindering progress in the post-game, although the developers are actively addressing these issues.
While Terra Nil may not fulfill the desire for a fully immersive post-apocalyptic rebuild simulator, it excels as an ecological puzzler with a meaningful message. The controls, adapted from mobile devices, generally work well, though a learning curve is present. Despite its minor flaws, the game offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience for fans of puzzles and challenges, making it a worthwhile addition to any gaming library.
In conclusion, Terra Nil for the Nintendo Switch provides an opportunity to restore and revitalize the planet. Its unique reverse city-builder concept, combined with stunning visuals and ecological themes, make it a compelling and thought-provoking experience. While some technical issues may impact the gameplay, the game’s messages of environmental restoration and balance shine through, creating a memorable and enjoyable adventure.
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