Frostpunk, developed by 11Bit Studios has affirmed a place in the strategy game genre, more specifically city builder with elements of survival.
It was about not only the management of such resources but the very management of life in such an environment as an icy post-apocalyptic world. As for the first game, it is great, but in Frostpunk 2 developers have elevated the experience to new heights.
The sequel provides a new environment and makes the game more fascinating giving an exhilarating experience for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
The campaign in Frostpunk 2 lasts approximately for 8 to 10 hours, but like the first part, it has great re-playability. Players are free to sink hundreds of hours into concentrating only on exploring the environments that are set in the icy wastelands.
It is also logical and progressive that you still remain in the same position helping New London, the town that was barely surviving in the first game, to unite the tribes of Frostland in an ice age survival mission.
At the heart of this survival is the generator, the only thing shielding your citizens from the harsh ravages of cold weather which can be as low as – 40 degrees.
In fact, from the inception of the development of Frostpunk 2, the game’s developers do not leave any doubt, that the game is not for the faint hearted. The developers recommend beginning with Settler difficulty, with a strict warning about the higher difficulty levels.
It needs to be mentioned that Frostpunk 2 is a very strict game, which requires a lot of planning and resource consumption at the very beginning of the game.
Frostpunk 2 is more of a continuous challenge where you are busy with districts management, gathering resources and making the choices that will determine the fate of people you are leading.
You start with little resources and effectively over time you add more structures to your city. Icebreakers are times when thick layers of ice need to be broken, a situation which makes the activity to continue permanently, waiting for other events to happen.
During the game, you will be making key decisions that will determine the future of New London while you wander around the icy world. When it comes to deciding on outcomes such as labor policies for mothers, or even organizing exploration teams, every single decision matters.
There must be a constant trade between the settlements in order to have consistent supply of goods such as oil required in the operation of the generator in New London.
Perhaps, one of the most notable additions in Frostpunk 2 is the City Council. Whereas in the first game you played as a president and had to deal with political parties to get your bills passed and make important decisions.
The four political parties in New London include New Londoners, Frostlanders, Stalwarts as well as the Pilgrims and each party has its own beliefs and ideas, it is a struggle to negotiate with them.
It is quite an interesting concept which of course creates another level to the decision making. Here, you will have to make deals with some factions meaning to pass legislation beneficial to your people but which seems illogical to pass.
Being a sequel of a game that revolves around human suffering and perishing in extremely cold conditions, hope and desperation are inextricably intertwined in Frostpunk 2.
It is a fairly realistic work despite the grim setting and the main characters are never entirely separated from human feelings.
To see your citizens coming together when something bad happens and support each other, it adds a heart to the game that comes from its survival setting. The game plus has an excellent graphics interface, and you can imagine that each aspect in the game adds up to the atmosphere.
Conclusion
Frostpunk 2 has changed for the better from its prequel. Rather, it is a process that is multi-faceted, difficult, and vastly fulfilling. For people that are into Real-time strategy and City-builder fans would surely get addicted to the game.
One has to recall that Frostpunk 2 is not for having a sweet winner cakewalk; however, any person who is ready to face the challenge and plunge into this game will get one of the most polished and captivating games in the genre. For anybody with a passion of RTS games, it’s definitely a must buy.
Also read: Fallout: London Review
