This Land Is My Land

It's not too often where a game takes a real subject and delivers it into a package with meaning. This Land is My Land taps on the subject of Native American hardships during the 19th-century American frontier and translates it into survival-action gameplay. It's an intriguing concept, but one that could work very well given the history.

Since its initial release in late 2019, This Land is My Land is still in early access - so it will change as time goes on. At this time, we can delve into this open world of indigenous Americana and discover how the natives lived as invaders tried to colonize their lands. There are obviously some messages to take away here, but how do they come across in a game?

Taking Back What's Yours

This Land is My Land pretty much suggests what will be happening in the title. You'll use the wealth of techniques and weaponry at your disposal to eliminate European colonists from your native settlements. Players assume the roles of an indigenous warrior without any reference to the origin or specific period - and you'll be causing some hell for those that dare trespass your family's lands.

The game is an open-world answer to the few and far between games based on Native American culture. The visuals in character models, animations, and environments are absolutely stunning. They capture the essence of tribal lands in the mid-West perfectly - leaving it just as fun to explore as it is to raid enemy settlements.

It's the mechanics that are the core focus of the game, though. You'll guide your player through a randomly generated world to stealthily take down enemies with bows, arrows, guns, and a whole arsenal of weaponry. Each camp taken helps rebuilds your presence and contributes to the development of your settlement.

Thus far - that part of the game is quite entertaining. However, these combat engagements seem few and far between. Much of the time is spent traveling on horseback, aimlessly wondering what to do next. There are objectives and quests to complete - but it feels a bit unrewarding given the amount of time it takes to get there. This Land is My Land feels like a grand ambition without much thought in the final outcome.

Go in the Direction of the Wind

Aspects of This Land is My Land is very well-designed - especially the combat and settlement AI. The aim is wholesome, but the gameplay at present seems directionless. This game could be helped with a more dedicated narrative or something to give purpose to players other than just aimlessly mauling over colonist camps.

Pros:

• Visuals capture the essence of the 19th-century American west
• Combat is encouraging and engaging
• Random settlement places keep the game fresh

Cons:

• Long travel by horseback to locations
• The game feels directionless at present
• Lack of variety in gameplay