“The Wandering Village” by Stray Fawn, a Swiss development studio, is a unique city-building strategy game that focuses on cooperation and ecology rather than exploitation and profit maximization. Recently, it received a big ocean update and will be available on Xbox. The game revolves around Onbu, a Megasaurus that carries the city through a post-apocalyptic wasteland. The landscape is overgrown with mysterious plants and poisonous clouds, making survival a challenge. Players must feed and care for Onbu, as he is essential to the survival of the few remaining inhabitants.
Stray Fawn combines elements of classic development strategy games with games like “Last Guardian”. Players must manage the city and optimize goods cycles, similar to “Anno 1800”. Simultaneously, they are responsible for caring for Onbu. Neglecting his needs can lead to dangerous situations. Players can unlock new technologies and gadgets through the Tech Tree to win Onbu’s affection.
Unlike other building strategy games that focus on expanding cities for maximum profit, “The Wandering Village” restricts the building area on Onbu. Adaptation is key, considering weather events, changes in the landscape, and the constant shortage of food. Surviving in this inhospitable landscape becomes increasingly challenging as the game progresses. Development is also supported through research, with inventions like sawmills and mines. Upgrades for certain buildings are available.
In addition to city management, players can send out scouts and direct Onbu to avoid danger. Encounters with nomads add a touch of decision-making similar to “Frostpunk”. It is important to note that the game is not a relaxing casual development strategy but a challenging fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic scenario. With its ecological message and rejection of exploitative elements, “The Wandering Village” is part of a new series of environmentally conscious development strategy games.
Overall, “The Wandering Village” is a refreshing addition to the building strategy genre, with its original scenario and ecological message. Despite its visually appealing graphics, the game becomes increasingly challenging. It provides a unique experience for players looking for a break from traditional games like “Anno”. The game will be released on July 20th for various platforms and is priced around 25 euros, with availability on the Xbox Game Pass.
