A new wave of city simulation games is emerging, addressing the dire consequences of climate change and the accompanying disasters brought on by unchecked capitalism and rising fascism. These games no longer seem like a niche category but have become a mainstream reflection of societal anxieties. They portray societies as the thin layer caught between external horrors and internal corruption, with settings often depicted as the last bastions of humanity.
Among these, the roguelike deckbuilder game, “As We Descend,” offers an engaging mix of turn-based combat and narratives set in a dystopian world inspired by Jules Verne. The game is set in a Terminal Metropolis, a steampunk city centered around a massive golden hologram instead of a traditional coal generator. This hologram might represent the deity of the strict theocracy ruling the city, adding a complex layer to your role as the reluctant First Ranger.
The city itself is a colossal circular drill burrowing towards the Earth’s core. Gameplay involves using cards to manage city facilities and explore surrounding caverns to recover essential technologies like reactor rods, which power shields that protect the city during its descent.
However, the local wildlife is less than welcoming. The game features a range of enemies from small nuisances to colossal predators that pose a significant threat to your city. Combat requires strategic management of your units across two zones, balancing attack and defense while utilizing a variety of cards that influence unit behavior and capabilities.
The demo version of “As We Descend” provides a compelling introduction to the game’s mechanics and the intriguing, darkly ornate world it inhabits. The full game is scheduled for release on March 27th, promising more layers of strategy and narrative to explore.
