A planet cleaning sim with beautiful views!
Terra Nil is a strategy video game that has been in the works for some time now. Developed by Freed Lives and published by Devolver Digital, Terra Nil has the player transforming barren landscapes into dazzling nature utopias. The aim of the game is to work with several tools in order to ensure life is restored to planets, wildlife returns, and the planet can be left to its own devices to grow and flourish. Personally, this game has shaped up to be an idyllic experience that Eco warriors and nature lovers will not want to miss out on. Join us here at VIBE as we review.
Tranquil Game-play
Terra Nil starts off with a very helpful and informative tutorial. The tutorial outlines and goes through a practice world with the basic terrain of reclaiming a wasteland and planting a forest and flower fields. To do so, the players must fill tiles with forests, flowers, rivers, toxin scrubbers, and air purifiers. The game rewards its players with a tranquil and relaxing soundtrack and some stunning visual moments.
Personal favourite is when the flowers begin to bloom and the player can see the difference in the weather. More trees and swampland’s bring about more humid conditions that cause rain and, in turn, the rain begins to bloom more flowers. As a result of this, the player can really see the changes in the once desolate landscape. Furthermore, like with all strategy games there is an element of difficulty and it is not just all smooth sailing for the Eco aware player.
Challenging moments
Players must exercise an element of critical thinking to the placement of their tools and resources. For example, the wind turbines are a useful tool for generating the electricity required to run the other tools such as toxin scrubbers and air purifiers. However, if the wind turbines are placed in an area that doesn’t have a high target area then it is difficult to place the additional tools to be powered. Therefore, requiring players to manage their space and ensure that there is enough to meet the targets for reclaiming the wasteland.
Additionally, there is a percentage progress that will allow players to see how much of the wasteland they are reclaiming. At first, they will only have the tools for Terra-forming. However, within time other tools and resources are granted therefore allowing the reintroduction of wildlife, weather, and the ability to have recyclers to remove any trace of human interaction with the planet. There is also limitations to how many tools and resources you can have. The currency is pictured in the top right and is in the form of green leaves. Run out of these green leaves and you can’t have any more resources.
Real life Terra-forming Techniques
Freed Lives have ensured that the techniques used to reclaim the wasteland in game are biologically and ecologically accurate. Some of the resources and tools may be figments of the future or in the works. However, things like the reintroduction of wildlife is something that is commonly used in the modern world. Reintroduction helps stabilize ecological system and this is exactly what Terra Nils game play involves.
Different Maps
The option of different maps with an increase of difficulty of each one was clever. Players must work with different terrains. For example, pictured above is the ocean landscape. This involves purifying the planets seas and ensuring there is diverse wildlife around to help. This helps create a diverse gameplay instead of a repetitive landscape. Each different terrain has different wildlife and different objectives. Players must work through several different terrains before they have conquered and mastered Terra Nil.
Positive Message
In todays current climate it’s increasingly important that platforms are raising awareness about climate change. Doing so through gaming may alert players who aren’t 100% sure of the troubles earth is facing. As a result of this, Terra Nil is bringing this awareness but also ensuring there is fun and challenging gameplay combined with it. I personally feel better learning that way!
VIBES SCORE
9/10
Thank You
Thank you Eco Warriors and indie game enthusiasts alike. As always, I’m extremely glad you could join us here at VIBE to check out another indie gem. Terra Nil was a project I was looking forward to releasing. If you want to see the full official launch trailer I’ve included this down below! I covered the demo back in 2022 and had extremely high hopes for its release and looks like my instinct was right. You can check this out at: https://vibethenook.com/calling-all-eco-warriors-terra-nil-preview/
26, Indie Game connoisseur. Also a hamster mum, fiancée & working in the addiction field. Gaming and writing are my escape and comfort for when the world gets too much!
