Embracing My Scottish Heritage With Clanfolk

“Nemo me impune lacessit”

Scotland’s National Motto

Clanfolk is a charming colony sim set in the Scottish highlands around about the 1300’s. It enables players to turn the once treacherous highland landscape into a bustling settlement through hard work and dedication. Minmaxgames Ltd has delivered a thought provoking experience whilst also ensuring a fun and quirky game.

A Survival Colony Sim

Clanfolk boasts a very similar experience to other colony sims. However, the difference lies in the setting. Set in Scotland, it brings a unique experience to other colony sims. Not many games are set in Scotland. The game allows players to control a clan of highlanders who boast their own coats of arms, mottos, color of tartan and family trees. The game starts off with 2D art and shows a small family lying on the wet harsh highland terrain. The family consists of a family tree of grandparents, parents and three children including an infant.

As a result of this, the game starts with a tutorial. This allows players to get to grips with aspects they need to survive. However, there are several aspects that will increase the difficulties such as a real time clock with status’ such as hunger, thirst, temperature and diseases to consider. The game also changes from day/night and cycles through the seasons with winter being the harshest.

Knowledge points

The evolution of the clan is created through quite a complex tree. Overall, there are 250 knowledge points to consider before you are able to unlock every tool, workbench and action etc. The game starts off with what the first colonizing highlanders would have started off with with just primarily, simple easily breakable tools for collecting food and resources to build places to shelter. Therefore, making the game increasingly interesting as you are getting to see your clan evolve from starter to thriving colony.

Random Map Generator

Clanfolk presents as a large flat map. There are several different terrains based on this map like snow, harsh soil and large grassy areas. As a Scottish person I was disappointed by the lack of reservoirs and mountainous areas but there is still time for the game to progress with it being in early access.

When beginning the game players should be mindful of where they base themselves. As a result of this, players should look for areas where resources are going to be obtainable and not a treacherous journey to reach. However, there is no need for players to worry about threats of attack from angry clans or carnivorous animals as Clanfolk is primarily pacifist.

Improvement on Animation

Overall, the game is challenging and unique with it being set in the Scottish Highlands. However, the art style for things such as the characters falls a bit short. They are essentially colorful blobs maybe draped in tartan or other distinctive highlander fabrics. Furthermore, the landscape appears a bit lackluster and for a location that has such scenic and idyllic landscapes it is a shame they aren’t represented fully.

VIBES SCORE

6/10

Thank You

I would like to extend a warm thank you for checking out this article. I was insanely hyped for Clanfolk due to not many games taking part in Scotland and in the rural highlands nonetheless. Our culture is one of beautiful landscapes, interesting people and a rich history. I hope you will give Clanfolk a go or in fact research into Scotland. If you are still unsure about Clanfolk give the trailer below a watch and let us know in the comments if you have experienced it already. If you’re sold on it then you can purchase it from steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1700870/Clanfolk/