Townscaper is almost certainly one of the cutest building simulators you will ever lay your eyes on, and it’s available for you to play with right now on Steam as the game is out on Early Access!
I use the words “play with” as it is really the most appropriate phrase to use here, as Townscaper is more of a toy than a fully-fledged game in the traditional sense of the word. At least that is the way its developer Oskar Stålberg describes his game, calling it “an experimental passion project”.
A Toy or A Game?
You see, there isn’t a goal, and there isn’t any real gameplay as such. Just plenty of building, beauty, pastel colours and a very relaxing time to be had. After spending some time playing the early access of the game I can say that it is a wonderful chill game or toy to play with!
You pick colours from the range available on the left-hand side of the screen, simply left click to plonk down a house in the sea. As you continue to add houses of different colours the game automatically orientates the architecture for you. Watching the building pop up as you click and build is a joy to see, there is something very relaxing about playing Townscaper.
Building Blocks
Starting off with a foundation in the water, blocks are then assembled, on top of each other, or next to each other, in any way that pleases the player. Details are handled by algorithms that introduce many features, depending on the context. Features like terraces, arches, bridges, gardens, ladders, clotheslines and more.
Background sounds are also kept to a minimum, with only the noises from sinking materials into the sea to be heard. The isn’t any music, so all you hear is a plop plop, the sound of the water splashing as you continue to build amazing structures.
Watch your Creation Sprout before your Eyes
There is something very magical about how much changes with the addition or removal of one individual block, both big functional changes and small details. Rooftops sprout a terrace. A paved courtyard becomes a lush green garden. A pavement suddenly has coin-operator binoculars looking out to sea.
Beehives appear out of nowhere. Metal posts to support overhanging buildings. Ladders and steps pop out of walls. Washing lines strung between buildings. Postboxes and pot plants. Boots appear on doorsteps. Spires appear atop of towers as you build higher and higher.
Townscaper Heading to Switch
Publisher Raw Fury has announced that Townscaper is coming to our favourite handheld the Nintendo Switch and mobile this summer, this will coincide with the full release of Townscaper on PC as well. If you can’t wait till then to try out the game as its available on Steam.
You can also check out developer Oskar Stålberg’s Twitter profile to keep up to date with the game. Townscaper has a daily Twitter page where you can find some wonderful builds that people have created. I for one can hardly wait for the game to be released on the Nintendo Switch.
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