Photo credit: arstechnica.com

Diving into Creativity with Dystopika: A Unique City-Building Experience

Many games can be immersive and engaging, yet some challenge players by withholding certain comforts. For instance, Elden Ring complicates progression with rigid save systems, while Balatro discourages reliance on calculators for strategy. Similarly, the X-COM series highlights the joy of uncertainty in gameplay, emphasizing that even a 98% success rate can lead to unexpected outcomes.

The newly released Dystopika (available on Steam for Windows) embraces this concept of minimalist design by focusing purely on the art of city-building. Its developer, Matt Marshall, describes the game as offering “No goals, no management, just creativity and dark cozy vibes,” which stands true to its nature. Unlike many simulations that guide players toward strategic objectives, Dystopika invites them to explore and create within a captivating cyberpunk environment.

At its core, Dystopika lacks a traditional tutorial or directive. The game’s interface features a compact rail on the left, where players can choose “Building” to attach random shapes to their cursor. A right-click allows for shape alteration, but not selection, encouraging experimentation. Once a structure is placed, players can adjust its height, manipulating others in the vicinity as well. The game hints at a reward system—certain heights or densities may “unlock” new structures and decorative features, but the specifics remain vague.

An example of this discovery could be the unlocking of a headquarters for a mega-corporation, complete with an unsettling name. The player is left to figure out how to integrate this new feature into their city, reflecting the experimental freedom that permeates the game.

Beyond basic buildings, players can also select from various “Props” such as roads, trams, billboards, and even dazzling holograms. Each addition is highly flexible—players can place, delete, or modify objects, and the lack of explicit instructions enhances the creative atmosphere. It’s about trial and error, about building a landscape that resonates with the player’s vision.

In an age where games frequently require side quests, management skills, and strategic thinking, Dystopika stands aside as a refreshing alternative. It fosters an environment where the act of creation is the primary goal, allowing players to shape their own experiences. As players delve into this dark yet enchanting cyberpunk world, they may find that the journey of creating an unrestrained city is in itself a rewarding experience.

Source
arstechnica.com