Against the Storm
" Innovative dark fantasy city-builder with roguelike depth but a steep learning curve "
Against the Storm Review
Against the Storm is a unique blend of roguelike and city-building mechanics set in a dark fantasy world plagued by relentless storms. Players manage settlements of diverse factions, balancing resource gathering, crafting, and survival against harsh environmental challenges. The game’s procedural generation ensures each run offers fresh strategic puzzles, demanding adaptability and thoughtful planning. The cyclical gameplay loop, combined with escalating difficulty and meta-progression, keeps players engaged through repeated playthroughs.
Visually, the game features a moody, hand-painted art style and an immersive soundtrack that enhances the atmospheric experience. While praised for its originality, depth, and balanced difficulty, some players note a steep learning curve and occasional frustration with RNG elements affecting building options and resource availability. Despite these minor drawbacks, Against the Storm is widely regarded as a compelling, well-designed city builder with endless replayability and a satisfying gameplay loop that appeals to fans of strategy and survival games.
Highlights
Players highly praise the game’s innovative mix of roguelike and city-building mechanics, which keeps gameplay fresh and engaging. The dynamic weather and storm challenges add tension and strategic depth. The art direction is consistently described as beautiful and atmospheric, perfectly complementing the dark fantasy setting. The soundtrack and sound design contribute significantly to immersion. The balanced difficulty curve and meaningful progression system receive frequent commendation, as does the variety of factions and unique gameplay choices. Many appreciate the game’s replayability and the satisfying resource management loop.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include a steep and sometimes frustrating learning curve, especially due to complex systems and RNG-dependent building options. Some players find the UI cluttered or hard to read, and the graphics, while atmospheric, can feel basic or bland to others. The repetitive nature of runs after extended playtime and occasional difficulty spikes caused by procedural generation are noted. A few users mention that expansions or additional content could enhance variety further, and some desire better visual cues for certain game events or negative effects.
Pros
- • Innovative roguelike and city-building hybrid keeps gameplay fresh and exciting.
- • Beautiful, atmospheric hand-painted art style enhances the dark fantasy setting.
- • Engaging soundtrack and immersive sound design complement the gameplay experience.
- • Balanced difficulty curve offers satisfying challenge without overwhelming players.
- • Procedurally generated maps provide high replayability and strategic variety.
- • Meaningful faction diversity adds depth and narrative complexity to settlements.
- • Well-designed resource and job management systems reward thoughtful planning.
Cons
- • Steep learning curve may frustrate new players unfamiliar with complex mechanics.
- • Random building and resource availability can feel punishing due to RNG.
- • User interface can be cluttered and difficult to navigate or read.
- • Some players find graphics basic or lacking distinctiveness in buildings.
- • Runs can feel repetitive after extensive play despite procedural variety.
- • Occasional difficulty spikes due to procedural generation affect balance.
- • Limited content variety in races, biomes, and buildings noted by some.
Rating Criteria
A dark fantasy city builder where you must rebuild civilization in the face of apocalyptic rains. As the Queen’s Viceroy, lead humans, beavers, lizards, foxes, and harpies to reclaim the wilderness and secure a future for civilization's last survivors.
