Frostpunk, originally released for PC in April 2018, has now arrived on Playstation 4 and Xbox One. The post-catastrophe world presents significant challenges, with temperatures fluctuating drastically between -20 and -40 degrees, making survival a daily struggle. Players assume the role of a leader tasked with ensuring the survival of a small community and forging a resilient society. Essential infrastructure, including food production, housing, hospitals, and even cemeteries, must be established and maintained – the latter proving to be a necessary, if grim, requirement.
Frostpunk boasts impressive visuals, presenting a Sim City-esque experience within a compelling post-apocalyptic setting. A visual resemblance to Mortal Engines is noticeable. A key challenge lies in maintaining the morale and survival of your population. Resources are located around the central heating furnace, but accessing them requires manpower, which is initially limited. Players may face the difficult decision of enacting laws that permit child labor to bolster the workforce.
Personally, I find this genre challenging. I typically seek relaxation in gaming, rather than experiencing anxiety over the consequences of poor leadership, such as the deaths of numerous citizens. The game’s inherent stress and difficulty in managing various aspects while striving for a balance between hope and despair make it a demanding experience. While I understand this is intentional, the intense micro- and macro-management elements are not my preferred style of gameplay.
The difficulty in Frostpunk can be exceedingly frustrating, and its demands on the player’s compassion can make it feel more like work than leisure. As I mentioned in my ARK – Survival Evolved review, I struggle with games designed around such intense pressure.
In conclusion, Frostpunk offers visually impressive graphics, but its high level of difficulty and anxiety-inducing gameplay may not appeal to all players. I recommend it primarily to those who genuinely enjoy this particular genre. Despite the stressful nature, the core gameplay remains compelling, warranting an overall positive assessment.
