I’ve finally come across a medieval/renaissance-themed city builder that strikes the perfect balance—not too tough, but not too simple either. When I first launched Pioneers of Pagonia, the adventurous background music made me feel like I was in an MMORPG. It even reminded me of the Ragnarok Online soundtracks.
First Impressions
Even though the game is in early access, my immediate reaction was, “Wow!” It already feels almost like a full release. There are several scenarios to choose from at the start: build peacefully, defend against enemy hordes, or customize your experience in Sandbox mode. Plus, the developers have a detailed roadmap for 2024 that includes co-op gameplay, which I’m really excited about. Let’s dive into more of my first impressions.
Graphics & Presentation
Pioneers of Pagonia boasts a bright and vibrant art style that’s quite charming. It felt like playing The Sims set in medieval times, thanks to the expressive character designs. The building menus are well-organized, so you’re never confused about what to construct next. However, the game speed options are limited—you can only switch between 1x and 5x speed, and you can’t pause the game except by hitting the Esc button.
Building Mechanics
The game starts you off with 401 pioneers on a galleon ship, equipped with plenty of resources. Helpful tooltips guide you along the way. I’m not sure why every scenario begins with exactly 401 pioneers, but at least there’s a guide to show you what to build.
Usually, you start by constructing an Explorer’s Hut to scout undiscovered areas and Guard Towers to expand your territory. I’m not sure if other city builders do this, but I love how Pioneers of Pagonia handles territory expansion. Guards place stone markers to outline your expanding territory.
Realistic Terrain and Construction
The game’s realistic approach to terrain really enhances immersion. Initially, placing farm plots on uneven ground felt strange, but that’s part of the game’s charm. Pagonia’s adaptability to different environments, along with its procedural map generation, is impressive. Placing farm fields on uneven terrain initially bothered me, but seeing diggers level the ground was fascinating; the detail is remarkable.
Lively Settlement
I adore the game’s vibrant environment. Zooming in on buildings reveals the developers’ attention to detail. Watching villagers plant crops, bake bread, build structures, and craft tools is a delight. Pro tip: Don’t forget to craft tools for your pioneers, or they won’t be able to work.
Crafting and Micromanagement
The only micromanagement involves crafting the necessary tools, weapons, and armor for your pioneers, which I sometimes forget to do.
Combat
The combat mechanics are still a bit rough. You can’t control your soldiers directly, and it doesn’t match the polished combat of typical war games, but it’s engaging enough. Watching soldiers fight bandits feels almost like a game of rock-paper-scissors, as battles often end in a predictable three-hit sequence where one side loses.
In summary, Pioneers of Pagonia offers a balanced, immersive city-building experience with a lot to look forward to, even in its current early access state.