Dream Engines: Nomad Cities

A fusion of world-building, simulation, and survival games Dream Engines: Nomad Cities is an upcoming title developed by Suncrash, and published by Gamera Game. Originally set for a February 3rd release, the indie-simulation game has had its release rescheduled for July 14th, for computers exclusively.

The unreleased title takes place in a quirky, fantastical universe that is filled with strange science and dreams. Here players are tasked with surviving the nightmarish reality that haunts this post-apocalyptic world. After society as we know it is eradicated by “Dream Plagues”, the lone survivors became the nomadic, low-profile groups of people. The future seemed grim until they rediscovered some ancient technology from the once prosperous society that was exterminated.

Sky High Dream

The premise of the game is fairly straightforward in a mixture of RollerCoaster Tycoon, and Day-Z, players are tasked with surviving the unstoppable onslaught brought upon society by the Dream Plagues. To do that you have to manage your scarce resources, by planning, and building production lines that will provide food, shelter, and peace for your people. The heart of the game revolves around its economy, which at times can seem pretty similar to games like Starcraft, or the original Warcraft games.

It wouldn’t be a survival game if it didn’t ask you to survive. Here Dream Engines: Nomad Cities tackles the goal in a different and somewhat unique manner, even if it derives some inspiration from roguelike titles. Players set up defenses, and fend off raids as long as possible by building permanent and temporary improvements, with time enemies become progressively strong, and when at capacity players, can take their entire city into the sky and relocate, starting the progression all over again.

The pursuit of balance between what to build, what to dispose of, and knowing when to run is what brings constant challenges to players. Another selling point of the nomadic lifestyle is that with each new place you reach and explore, new rare and scarce resources that help improve your city and defenses constantly. The game also keeps itself fresh by procedurally generating distinct landing areas that never contain the same resources, opportunities, and challenges.

On Hand Exploration

Aside from the birds-eye view management of your entire city, players are also allowed to explore the world in a much more intimate way by controlling a Steam-bot in real-time. Just like your defenses, resources, building, weight, and crafting recipes, upgrading your Steam-bot is essential for game progression. Here we have some upgradable, and permanent bonuses that can be customized to better fit your playstyle.

Finally, the game has big promises of immersion by delivering in-depth lore and mysteries to its title. Things like ancient ruin and bizarre occurrences will contribute to the world-building of this game.

Conclusion

There is a lot to be excited about with Dream Engines: Nomad Cities, especially the fusion of genres that have inspired this game. That being said, it is hard to pinpoint exactly a comparable title, since it draws from so many different genres, but if simulation, world-building, survival, and roguelikes are something you are interested this game is exactly what you were waiting for.

PROS:

• Interesting Fusion of Genres
• Nomadic Concepts Seem Unique and Original
• High-Replayability Due To Randomly Generated Worlds
• Already Awarded Indie Game

CONS:

• Mysteries and Lore Not Added
• Dire Need of a Strong Narrative to Engage Players
• Might Be Complex Managing So Many Moving Parts