Citystate

It's a fun city builder, but it is a little "over-simplistic" in some of its mechanics. But that is minor. The overall gameplay is engaging and has re-play-ability. It is interesting to play various types of cities just to see the variations.

Very interesting, beautiful, and creative game.

either the game is really hard or i am incredibly stupid, i am assuming its the latter.
Anyway, good fun - I enjoy it

For 2€ I feel like it was worth my time.
I just finished the game and it has good ideas I really like being able to chose politics which I think is something not as present in other games like this. The city builder part is lacking as there is not much variety but from what I understand a third game is gonna come out to fix those issues. And space, I like the idea but the implementation in the game I don’t get the point, except maybe getting money without thinking but good policies are way more effiecient. I had a good moment overhall.

Citystate, developed and published by Andy Sztark, is a city-building and political simulation game that stands out for its deep focus on governance, policy-making, and nation management. Released in 2018, the game offers players the opportunity to build and oversee a micro-nation, balancing urban development with complex political and economic systems. Unlike traditional city-builders that focus primarily on construction and resource management, Citystate emphasizes the consequences of decisions, allowing players to experiment with various forms of governance and observe their effects on society, the economy, and citizen satisfaction.
At the heart of Citystate is a delicate balancing act between the needs of the population and available resources. Players manage essential services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public safety while also navigating taxation, employment policies, and social welfare programs. The depth of the game’s policy system allows for significant customization and experimentation; for example, players can implement progressive or conservative economic measures, adjust public spending, and influence social dynamics. These decisions ripple through the nation, creating opportunities for strategic planning but also presenting challenges that can quickly become complex and demanding.
Visually, the game employs a minimalist, top-down perspective that prioritizes clarity and functionality over flashy graphics. The interface is clean and well-organized, enabling players to monitor population metrics, city development, and policy outcomes efficiently. While the art style may not be highly detailed or visually striking, it effectively supports the game’s focus on strategy and management, ensuring that players remain engaged with the systems at play rather than being distracted by unnecessary visual elements.
One of the game’s most distinctive features is its exploration of political ideology and governance models. Players are encouraged to experiment with different approaches, from free-market capitalism to socialized economies, observing how each choice affects their population and economy. This element adds depth and replayability, as no two playthroughs are likely to unfold in the same way. The game’s mechanics allow players to craft a nation that aligns with their personal vision or to challenge themselves by attempting unconventional strategies to maintain balance and growth.
Despite its strengths, Citystate presents certain challenges. The game’s complexity can create a steep learning curve, particularly for newcomers to the city-building or simulation genre. Progression can sometimes feel slow, with tangible results of policies or infrastructure investments taking time to manifest, which may be frustrating for players seeking immediate feedback. However, for those willing to invest the time to understand its systems, the game rewards careful planning and strategic foresight, offering a nuanced and intellectually stimulating experience.
In conclusion, Citystate delivers a unique and thoughtful take on city-building simulations by intertwining urban management with political strategy. Its focus on governance, policy experimentation, and the consequences of decision-making provides a depth rarely seen in the genre, appealing to players who enjoy complex simulations and strategic planning. While its pace and complexity may not suit everyone, for those seeking a challenging and engaging simulation that emphasizes the intricacies of nation-building, Citystate offers a rich and rewarding experience.
Rating: 7/10

This game is more fun then I expected! Considering the age of the game I found the graphics a little jarring but honestly its more then good enough, would be nice if they added a few things like different types of transit and a few other minor tweaks.

7/10

I liked it very much. The game has nice retro futurist graphics