Games Database
PC
Strategy: God game
| Viewed: | 3D Combination | Genre: | Strategy: God game |
| Media: | CD | Arcade origin: | No |
| Developer: | Tilted Mill | Soft. Co.: | Myelin Media |
| Publishers: | Sold Out
(GB) SEGA (GB) |
Released: | 25 May 2007
(GB) 4 Feb 2005 (GB) |
| Ratings: | PEGI 3+ | ||
| No Accessories: | No Accessories | ||
Summary
Immortal Cities: Children of the Nile is the latest take on the city-building strategy genre from Tilted Mill and, as suggested by the title, set in Old Egypt. Given that the development team was founded by the people behind Pharoah and Caesar, it’s no surprise to see them further exploring the whole ancient urban planning theme. And in keeping with this tradition of historical geography, Immortal Cities also has those deeply educational undertones. Like it or not, the player will end up learning all sorts of miscellaneous trivia about ancient Egyptian agricultural and manufacturing techniques as you play Pharoah to your loyal plebians.
Indeed, there is a greater emphasis on the role of your citizens than is typically found in city-building games. Each ancient Egyptian has their own duties and needs, and you’ll need to address these specifically throughout the course of the game. This arguably makes for a more immersive playing experience, as the inhabitants help breathe a sense of life into the city streets (via a modified version of the Empire Earth engine). It also adds depth to the general perspective, as you can effectively be reduced from a God: demanding monuments; to a lowly council planner; pandering to practical civil requirements.
The bulk of gameplay revolves around managing the various economic, cultural and agricultural resources needed to maintain a growing city, whilst also attending to the particular objectives of each scenario. There is a running theme of ‘prestige’, and the better your ability as a pharoah, the more prestigious your reputation becomes. And this is where the ‘Immortal’ bit comes into play. Back in those days, before politicians were universally understood to be professional liars, prestigious pharaohs would pretend to be immortal: and you’ll need to build pyramids and tombs to hammer this point home.
Immortal Cities is certainly an interesting title. And typically of this type of game, once the player has waded into the strategic depths of micro-managing one’s very own city, it’s difficult to let it go. It’s satisfying, detailed and challenging, with just enough new gameplay ingredients to separate it from other games of its ilk.
Indeed, there is a greater emphasis on the role of your citizens than is typically found in city-building games. Each ancient Egyptian has their own duties and needs, and you’ll need to address these specifically throughout the course of the game. This arguably makes for a more immersive playing experience, as the inhabitants help breathe a sense of life into the city streets (via a modified version of the Empire Earth engine). It also adds depth to the general perspective, as you can effectively be reduced from a God: demanding monuments; to a lowly council planner; pandering to practical civil requirements.
The bulk of gameplay revolves around managing the various economic, cultural and agricultural resources needed to maintain a growing city, whilst also attending to the particular objectives of each scenario. There is a running theme of ‘prestige’, and the better your ability as a pharoah, the more prestigious your reputation becomes. And this is where the ‘Immortal’ bit comes into play. Back in those days, before politicians were universally understood to be professional liars, prestigious pharaohs would pretend to be immortal: and you’ll need to build pyramids and tombs to hammer this point home.
Immortal Cities is certainly an interesting title. And typically of this type of game, once the player has waded into the strategic depths of micro-managing one’s very own city, it’s difficult to let it go. It’s satisfying, detailed and challenging, with just enough new gameplay ingredients to separate it from other games of its ilk.
Artwork
