Endzone: A World Apart

I have played many city building games before, but Endzone: A World Apart is one that really did get its hooks deep in me. Part city building and part survival strategy game, this is one of those games that you can start playing after dinner, and then before you know it three hours have passed and you can hear crickets outside! It is one of the most addicting games of this style that I have played. Best of all, while this is a very deep gameplay experience. It is one of the most accessible city building/survival management games I have played.

Back To The Surface

The story of Endzone: A World Apart is pretty interesting. Mankind has been forced to live underwood for years thanks to a nuclear fallout decimating the surface. You lead a small group of survivors that are wanting to make a go of it top side now that things are a little bit more inhabitable. As you would expect, this is far from easy with there being lots of disasters and even roaming gangs to stop your efforts.

A Man With A Van Is A Man With A Plan!

Endzone: A World Apart has one of the best tutorials that I have had the pleasure to play. You start off with just a few people and a crappy RV to call home. The tutorial is fully voice acted and it holds your hand as it teaches you the games mechanics. It is done very well, so well that I would wager many people would not even realize they are playing a tutorial!

You Have To Grow!

Growing your settlement is what this game is all about. You will need to collect scrap material such as wood, scrap metal, and cloth. You can use this to make buildings, build radiation suits, and so on. You can send your little workers out to gather supplies from the nearby area and eventually once you get further into Endzone: A World Apart you can send them out on more daring expeditions. The key here is to not grow too fast.

You have a fair bit to manage from making sure people have a balanced diet, the electricity is always on, and that people are safe from radiation. Expanding too fast can be a recipe for disaster as you will be spreading your attention and your resources far too thin which will probably lead to people getting sick and dying. Speaking of people, you need to give each person a job and they also age as the game goes on, that is another thing to keep you on your toes.

Acid Rain, Acid Rain!

By the way, you were supposed to read that as if you were singing Purple Rain by Prince. The main thing that caused me problems in Endzone: A World Apart was radiation! It is everywhere and you need to make sure things are treated for radiation and that your water is clean, people have the right clothing, and so on. You also are at the mercy of the effects of climate change. You may think you have things figured out, only for a shower of acid rain to throw a spanner in the works.

There will be other people on the surface who want what you have. If you do not give into them, they will return with an attack. Thankfully, you can build these gun turrets that can put these people in their place. However, if you do not have the proper defenses, it can be deadly for your settlement.

Pros:

• I love this post-apocalyptic setting
• Managing your people is very rewarding
• I liked how there was always something for you to keep an eye on
• I loved sending people out on expeditions for supplies

Cons:

• I think a few more disasters would have been neat
• Some of the music tracks felt a little bit out of place