**This Week, Dive into the Oil Boom: Create Your Wealth in 19th-Century America with *Turmoil***
The late 19th century marked a period of swift industrial growth and resource harvesting in America. Although the Gold Rush often steals the spotlight in historical narratives, another equally intense endeavor captured the nation’s attention: the quest for oil. Referred to as “black gold,” oil became essential for industrial advancement, powering machinery, transportation, and the rapidly expanding energy sector. Now, you have the chance to embody an aspiring oil mogul and witness this historical excitement up close with *Turmoil*, a delightful and easy-to-learn management-simulation game available for free on the Epic Games Store.
### **What is *Turmoil*?**
Launched on June 2, 2016, by Dutch developer Gamious, *Turmoil* is a 2D management-simulation game that vividly recreates the oil boom of the 19th century. The game mixes strategy, resource allocation, and a sprinkle of humor to deliver an immersive experience that appeals to both casual gamers and veterans alike.
In contrast to some more intricate simulation titles that demand extensive tutorials and elaborate strategies, *Turmoil* is crafted to be user-friendly and easy to grasp. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a relaxing yet fulfilling experience without the steep learning curve.
### **Gameplay Overview**
The gameplay in *Turmoil* progresses through two primary phases:
1. **The City Phase**:
During this phase, you get ready for your oil-drilling operations. You lease land for exploration, buy drilling equipment, recruit staff, and invest in enhancements to optimize your efforts. The city phase also allows you to devise strategies by purchasing shares in the town, vital for your ultimate ambition: becoming the mayor.
2. **The Drilling Phase**:
After securing your land, it’s time to extract oil. Utilizing dowsers, moles, or scanners, you identify oil wells and set up drilling rigs to tap into this resource. As you delve deeper into the earth, managing your pipeline network becomes crucial to prevent overlaps and impediments to your progress. Transporting and selling your oil efficiently at optimal prices is essential for maximizing returns.
### **Challenges and Progression**
As you progress in the game, challenges grow more intricate. You’ll face tougher rock layers, gas pockets, and even ice, necessitating specialized tools to navigate. Strategic planning is key as you balance resource extraction, fluctuating market rates, and competition from rival oil barons.
The primary objective in *Turmoil* is not merely to accumulate wealth but to outsmart your adversaries by gaining the most shares in the town. In doing so, you can seize the title of mayor and establish your legacy as a 19th-century oil tycoon.
### **Game Modes**
*Turmoil* features multiple modes to captivate players:
– **Career Mode**: Construct your oil empire from scratch, advancing through a guided campaign.
– **Settler Mode**: A single-player experience with randomly generated levels for limitless replay value.
– **Multiplayer Mode**: Compete against others online to determine who can conquer the oil market.
### **Critical Acclaim and Player Reception**
Since its launch, *Turmoil* has received widespread praise, showcased by a 92% positive rating on Steam from nearly 12,000 reviews. Players commend its charming artistic style, captivating gameplay loop, and equilibrium between simplicity and strategic profundity.
### **Who Should Play *Turmoil*?**
*Turmoil* is perfect for those who enjoy management-simulation games but seek a more casual experience. It’s an excellent choice for players wanting a respite from the intricate mechanics of complex titles like *Cities: Skylines* or *Factorio*. Whether you’re a history buff, a resource management fan, or simply looking for a fun game for brief sessions, *Turmoil* is definitely worth exploring.
### **Get *Turmoil* for Free on the Epic Games Store**
From now until January 16, 2025, you can acquire *Turmoil* for free on the Epic Games Store. This is a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in a highly praised game without spending a penny. Moreover, the game offers two paid DLCs that add new campaigns and features, providing even greater content for fans of the base game.
### **Final Thoughts**
*Turmoil* is a charming mix of strategy, historical context, and humor that encapsulates the essence of the 19th-century oil boom. Its approachable gameplay and engaging mechanics position it as a standout entry in the management-simulation category. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or a newcomer to the genre, *Turmoil* offers a fulfilling experience that’s