Even with its chunky look, Town to City exudes a captivating atmosphere, offering more than just attractive visuals.
Depending on your viewpoint, Town to City can evoke one of two reactions:
Wow! This world is so atmospheric! Exquisitely lit, fantastic vibe. I want to visit!
Oh dear, it’s full of building blocks. Why do these characters have square heads?
This often relies on the vantage point from which you observe the construction game. From afar, it distinctly resembles a charming and somewhat wistful city-building game set in the 19th century
However, when you zoom in, it adopts a blocky or Minecraft-like style. This does not inherently render the game unattractive; it is a legitimate artistic decision – yet experience indicates that many players are deterred by a blocky aesthetic compared to realistic, high-gloss graphics.
I too had reservations when I first encountered the demo currently featured on the Steam Next Fest browsing page. After giving it a spin, I’m thankful I didn’t dismiss the game solely based on its voxel appearance. What the Dutch development studio Galaxy Grove is crafting here shows potential as a hidden treasure within the building game genre.
What to expect in Town to City
You’re all familiar with the premise of a building game. I begin on a lush field dotted with trees, lakes, and a few hills, setting out to construct. Firstly a few homes, then progressively more. Residents move in, and I ensure there’s ample food available. Throughout this, I gradually accumulate funds to keep moving forward, draw in additional inhabitants, unlock new structures, and generate even more income.
All this lies ahead in Town to City, only accompanied by a soothing blend of guitar, accordion, flute, and piano in the background to alleviate any tension. And… with a distinctive visual style that radiates charm despite the abundant blocks and enhances the leisurely Mediterranean ambiance.
Moreover, construction in Town to City is entirely unrestricted. I can position any building anywhere, without a grid, and just need to ensure that my burgeoning community has adequate pathways and that essential services reach all areas. Roads are neither strictly nor freely delineated – they are painted.
This means I can sketch my pathways anywhere on the terrain without constraints, much like using a paintbrush, and theoretically, I could even create pictures. Is that essential? No. But take a look:
What sets Town to City apart
In the demo, I explore the initial two phases of settlement, which are influenced by my town’s total population. During this period, what intrigued me most about Town to City was how effectively this game balances some