Mechanics:
Like all other city builder/explorer games, Bastide does not shy away from the original formula: expansion is encouraged, and quick thinking is required to maintain a decent pace towards a decent settlement. However, in this game, elements such as upkeeping farming tools, taxing citizens, and making sure every harvest is enough for the populace tend to work in a different pace than other games. This adds a layer of difficulty that’s not often found in games like Civilization or Dominion, granted it also seems to work faster when compared.
It’s also worth noting that Bastide is strictly a strategy-based game, meaning that unlike other builders, meaning its fast-paced and high-risk in terms of exploring and expanding. Keeping up with the level of happiness from the citizens, being aware of the risks that the weather brings, and even having to incorporate taxes into decision-making add to the difficulty. Because the game is in its alpha stage as of this writing, this amount of detail being included is very impressive and adds intrigue to the future of its development.
Gameplay:
In terms of gameplay, there’s not much to say about builders that hasn’t been said before. From my experience, the start is always the biggest is the biggest hurdle to surpass, only because the gameplay is rather monotone and redundant: scavenging resources until there’s enough to build a settlement varies depending on playstyle. As someone who leans heavily into gathering resources to the point of maximum capacity, this task is enough to plan just how much time I spend on the game. Regardless, veterans of the genre can apply their expertise and work around this aspect.
Overall, Bastide won’t push the envelope on simulators, but despite that, the developers are very hands-on with the product that the content is almost always updating. Despite the obvious monotonous nature of the genre, there’s plenty to look forward to with this game.
Graphics:
There isn’t much to go about in terms of graphics in Bastide. Because the game takes place in a historical context, the environment looks genuine without requiring emphasis on textures such as foliage, soil, water, or even the citizens. Despite this, the game acts and interacts like a proper biosphere that displays changes and has a life of its own. All in all, builder games are not renowned for their graphical showcase, however, that isn’t to say there is nothing to gain from a game with standard-grade graphics. There is still plenty to enjoy in this game without focusing on the graphical aspect.
Conclusion:
Its challenging to review a game that’s on its alpha stage based on what’s currently at play. The biggest positive in Bastide is the involvement of the developers, there’s constant input from the developers, perhaps the first time I’ve encountered on a strategist game, which I think more studios should do. It’ll be interesting to see just how far Bastide will go, as for now, the game is – slowly but surely – headed in a good direction.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
