Nova Lands

Release Date: June 21, 2023

Adventure, science fiction, sandbox, RPG elements, 2D, elements of strategy, top-down, indie games, action adventure, simulation elements, singleplayer

8.0

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A cross between a strategy game and an action adventure game. Nova Lands is set on an alien planet, which we explore to acquire resources to construct buildings and produce goods. Overtime we can start automating individual processes.

Plot
Mechanics
Technical aspects

Nova Lands is a cross between a strategy game and an action adventure game. It was developed by an indie studio Behemutt and published by HypeTrain Digital.

Plot

Nova Lands is set in a sci-fi universe. Our playable character arrives on a distant planet, trying to make it their new home. They've got plenty of work to do before they can make their dream come true.

Mechanics

Nova Lands makes use of the top-down perspective. The game starts on one of the many islands scattered across the entire planet. We must traverse it, acquiring various resources, such as wood, stone and rarer minerals. Resources are used to construct buildings, each of which serves a different function and grants us new possibilities. Though initially all tedious tasks must be done manually, over time we start building robots to automate selected processes.

While machines create production chains, collect resources, construct buildings and produce goods, we can explore the island, interact with its inhabitants and complete quests. After discovering an entire island, we must set out to a different one, each landmass having a different biome, landmarks, inhabitants and resources.

We must be aware not all inhabitants are friendly. Many creatures are indifferent to us, but others are aggressive or very territorial. In addition to regular enemies, we'll also face powerful bosses. Combat is fast-paced, having us wield firearms and other kinds of weapons. It can also be avoided by bypassing enemies, choosing alternate paths, solving environmental puzzles or... making sacrifices.

As we progress through the game, we become more capable. Individual processes become automated, new technologies are unlocked, while our character gains new equipment and abilities.