The strategy game Synergy is one that’s been on my wishlist for some time. Naturally, it was one of the first games I downloaded this Steam Next Fest. This city-builder is a little different from the ones I’ve previously played and I think it’s got every chance of being a big hit.
As is often the case in video games, humanity is on the brink of extinction. Faced with trying to rebuild society in a strange and beautiful landscape. However, in order to stand even a smidge of chance of survival you will need to gain a deep understanding of the environment. As you start to develop your settlement building housing, facilities for water treatment, food storage, and more. You will also be conducting a lot of analysis on the flora. Trees, shrubs, bushes, and other plant life can all have multiple useful applications. Some can be picked for fruit and vegetables. Others can be pruned for bark, or trimmed for twigs and sticks. Whereas other plants will die if you perform certain actions on them. Learning what the plant life can offer you is vital for your survival.
Farmony
Synergy is all about working in harmony with the environment. Making use of natural resources and using them in a sustainable way. By assigning your people to research centres and halls of wisdom you will be able to launch new projects. Technological research will allow you to discover new advanced tech for your people. Whilst cultural research will help you innovate processes and civil structures,
Furthermore, you can build districts within your community. Each district features unique and powerful bonuses that will help foster the development of your city. A successful natural district will help speed up plant development by 20% within that district. You will have to meet the needs of your citizens, providing them with the most satisfying accommodations possible to reap the benefits of your districts.
Additionally, you can send out expeditions to new regions. Exploration is a key aspect of survival as you will meet new survivors and convince them to join your city. Doing this will uncover priceless knowledge and discover new plant species that you can bring back to your city and introduce into your environment.
Style and substance
One of my favourite things about Synergy is how it looks. It’s a stunning game with beautiful artwork. Landscapes are bathed in pastel colour palettes. Buildings are intricately detailed with workers milling about around them, the glow or furnaces and ovens, and the whirring of machinery within. There is a balance of an alien and earthly feel with plants that look like they could come from your garden, with a hint of unfamiliarity to them.
Furthermore, you can add flair to your city by building structures that provide well-being boosts. Benches, fountains, street lamps, and shady seating spots add a little bit of individualism to your growing slice of land. I’m sure people will love spending time getting creative, building parks and other areas that just look nice. With tech trees to explore, and loads more things to unlock and discover, I’ve no doubt that Synergy is going to be an engaging and enjoyable game come its release later this year. I can’t wait to see the full game.
-Will
