14 DAY TRIAL // I am running out of food, which is bad for the morale of my villagers, but I am rich in tradeable goods, which is great as long as I can hold out until the trader gets here. In the meantime, I am trying to open up two glades that might have extra resources. And I am thinking if I am ready to cut through the woods toward one of the dangerous ones.
A few minutes later, I have filled my warehouse with foodstuff and a new production line for coats is set up. I completed one mission and I am close to delivering on another. The big problem is a cursed temple that's killing my villagers and I need to move fast to get the goods required to put a stop to that.
Against the Storm is developed by Eremite Games and published by Hooded Horse. It is currently available on Steam in Early Access, where it is set to remain for at least six months. The game mixes a very focused city builder with rogue elements, all set in a striking fantasy universe.
Gamers become the viceroy of a Scorched Queen, ruling out of the Smoldering City, the only one standing against a disaster known as the Blighstorm. Now caravans are sent out into the wilderness to secure resources for this center of civilization and uncover ruins of forgotten settlements. Of course, such initiatives come with a lot of risks.
The environment is not exactly welcoming, with storms that can zap the determination of the humans, the beavers, and the lizards that work together. Cursed locations can kill individuals or otherwise zap their strength. Resources can be scarce and production chains can be difficult to set up.
The game’s core city building is familiar and engaging. The big differences in Against the Storm are the glade system and the missions. Because the player is re-claiming wilderness, he starts off in a clearing surrounded by trees.
But, as space and resources dwindle, the game forces expansion. Woodcutters, one of the basic buildings, will open up access to new glades. They bring in new resources and opportunities but also introduce danger.
Settlement development is balanced between the missions and the patience of the queen and the power of the wilderness. Players need to satisfy the sovereign to get extra population and the option to unlock more buildings. But their very expansion will anger the forest.
Against the Storm is incredibly varied. The many combinations of bonuses, goods, environments, and more, creates challenges that are organic and engaging.
When an expedition fails, players get back to the Smoldering City. Here they can unlock buildings that will in turn improve their performance in future missions. It’s a smooth system that works well and adds extra stakes to the village management.
Against the Storm creates an interesting fantasy universe, with presentation that enhances its mechanics and themes. The interface is pretty busy, but it does offer the info players need to choose their next moves. The soundtrack is also good, enhancing the tension that develops as each scenario progresses.
Conclusion
Fans should also offer feedback to the Eremite Games developers, helping them balance the entire experience and maybe add more innovation. I would like to see more variety in the degree of danger the glades pose. But Against the Storm can go to 1.0 in its current form and would still be a hit.
A preview code was provided by the publisher.
