Frostpunk – Review

Name: Frostpunk
Developer: 11 bit studios
Publisher: 11 bit studios
Released: 24.04.2018
Platforms: PC
Reviewed on: PC
Acquired: A copy of this game was provided by a publisher for review purpose

Frostpunk has been here for a while now, but on the 19th of November, an all-new expansion arrived with the “Endless Mode”. Since we haven’t reviewed this title yet this year, I will review this game as a whole including the all-new expansion.

Story

There might not be a huge scripted storyline in Frostpunk, but there is a solid foundation and background story to this city-builder/survival game worth mentioning. The scenario is this, a small group of people from London decides to leave the city to build their own city and society to enhance their way of living. But there are a few obstacles to conquer, such as the frostbite-inducing temperature, ineffective society as their moral and hope disappear, low resources and much more. You as the captain of this new city, are in charge of how to build and run the city, You are the man who shall save them all, if you can manage it, that is. Because they are cranky, complaining about everything and the decision can make them exile you or even kill you.

Compared to other city-builder games I’ve played, this title got more backstory and lore than for instance SimCity provides, you make your own destiny. I really can’t find anything to complain about the story setup, yes I might miss a scripted storyline sometimes, but there just ain’t room for it in this title. It just doesn’t fit this type of game.
10/10

Graphics

Frostpunk is a cold place to be, and that’s well presented in this game’s graphics. Even though almost everything is textured in diverse versions of white, since, you know, snow & ice. There are some elements that are well designed, textured and animated and some not that great compared to the rest. But the overall look is amazing and provides a great feeling around the whole frozen setting.
9/10

Frostpunk

Gameplay

Let’s talk about the new free DLC that has been added first, the ‘endless mode’. There are two different options to choose from in this mode, one is to survive with the absolute bare minimum and the other is the complete opposite, giving you more focus on the city building element. ‘Endless mode’ provides Frostpunk with a diverse sandbox mode, as well as new ways to experience this strategic title beside its own story mode.

One thing I’m certain of is that Frostpunk is a coldhearted game. Your workers in your city are always miserable, regardless of the choices you make. The whole gameplay with the depressive music and incredible negative community gave me an extra challenge to try to do the right thing (sometimes…child labors, just saying.) As I collected more resources, food and more workers, I managed to research for tech to keep my workers heated and fed. Because that’s your main goal, survive. For each day, the temperature drops drastically!

The city building element is a bit restricted but in a good way. You have to think strategic of each building placements. How many days can you survive?
10/10

Controls

The user interface is incredibly easy to learn, the only thing I will complain about is the camera. The camera can be a bit confusing/struggling sometimes. Besides that, the control schematic is pretty default for a strategy game.
9/10

Replay Value

The replay value on another hand might be Frostpunk’s weakest link. If your workers decide to banish you or kill you because you did an awful job as a captain, you will have to start all over again. You can think of it like a permadeath. The ‘endless mode’ does provide some more replay value, but it’s not quite there yet.
7/10

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