Foundation (video game)
| Foundation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Polymorph Games |
| Publisher(s) | Polymorph Games |
| Platform(s) | Windows |
| Release | January 31, 2025 |
| Genre(s) | City-building |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Foundation is a city-building video game developed and published by Polymorph Games for Windows. It entered open alpha in 2018, launched in early access on February 1, 2019, and was fully released on January 31, 2025.
Gameplay
[edit]Gameplay is based on organic urbanism. Players are tasked with constructing a medieval town with the ability to place buildings organically, without a grid system.[1] Players are guided by the book through which various aspects of the game can be controlled, including progress which is unlocked via a series of tiers. Villagers must be assigned a job or role and buildings must be assigned resources. The initial territory can be expanded by purchase. The landscape needs to be painted according to its use. Trade with neighboring villages is part of an economy that needs to be managed.
Playing the game is designed to be a relaxing experience with few limitations on gameplay.[2]
Development
[edit]Developer Polymorph Games is based in Quebec City, Canada.[3] The game's development was crowdfunded through a Kickstarter campaign in 2018.[4]
The developers initially planned a one-year early access period.[5][6][7]
The game uses the proprietary Hurricane engine.[2]
Reception
[edit]Rock Paper Shotgun described the game as "a comfortable experience."[8] Polygon noted the game's "annoying user interface quirks," while also mentioning its relaxing world where challenge is present but not overwhelming.[1] PCGamesN commented positively on the game's road system.[9] The Strategy Informer highlighted "Foundation" for its uniqueness and aesthetic appeal.[10] A review at Ladies Gamers found the visuals stunning.[11]
As of 2019, the game had sold 200,000 copies.[12]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Campbell, Colin (August 8, 2019). "Medieval city-builder Foundation is a welcome escape from reality". Polygon. Vox Media. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ a b Shirke, Rahul. "Foundation – Our interview with developer Polymorph Games". Into Indie Games. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
- ^ "Presskit". Polymorph Games. Retrieved February 25, 2024.
- ^ Dietrich, Martin (February 19, 2018). "Foundation - Städtebau-Simulator im Mittelalter auf Kickstarter". GameStar (in German). Retrieved February 20, 2024.
- ^ "Dev News #1". Polymorph Games. July 14, 2018. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ "Celebrating one year of Early Access!". Polymorph Games. January 31, 2020. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ Horti, Samuel (February 10, 2019). "Medieval city builder Foundation now in Early Access, already has game-changing mods". PC Gamer. Future plc. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ Meer, Alec (February 8, 2019). "Foundation is a delightfully indulgent new city-builder". Rock Paper Shotgun. Gamer Network. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ Boudreau, Ian (February 11, 2021). "Foundation is a city builder that finally understands roads". PCGamesN. Network N. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ Trouserman, Flash (April 22, 2023). "Foundation Preview". The Strategy Informer. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ Smith, Mina (January 31, 2025). "Foundation Review". Ladies Gamers.
- ^ Leduc, Gilbert (November 5, 2019). "L'exploit de Polymorph Games". Le Soleil (in French). Retrieved February 20, 2024.