Kitbash together a creative fortress against a hostile world in this blimp and ship-festooned city builder
Indie publisher Wired Productions and solo developer Tomas Sala have shown off the bobbing blimp gameplay of upcoming city builder Bulwark. Surrounded by the ocean, and in a world filled with flying technology, you set out to build an, ahem, bulwark against the elements and enemies: a city that will eventually become a fortress, and a beacon of hope for your people.
Bulwark is set in the same universe as Sala's Bafta-nominated air combat game The Falconeer. Despite the fierce environment the developer says he's going for a "Bob Ross painting" vibe to the city building, with the game giving you plenty of time to get established (and creative) before anything gets existential. Parts of this game are like Waterworld, but when it kicks off everything gets even more fantastical: your enemies are not just humans.
This new trailer focuses on the gameplay, demonstrating an abridged version of how players can build a unique fortified settlement over time: and ultimately defend it.
The killer feature here is the idea of kitbashing together a huge range of building options that all work together, and doing so on impossible landscapes. A massive tower rising from the ocean might look impressive, but just wait till you start building out from the initial foundations in all directions.
The world of Bulwark is also filled with other parties, commanders and specialists that may sail or fly by and, with the right inducements, could be persuaded to stay, add their skill sets, stories, aesthetics of their architecture, and culture to your community.
"The introductory trailer shows the viewer the core mechanics of building up your own bulwark, the accessible nature of its controls, and how building seamlessly can lead to a living settlement,” said Bulwark’s solo developer, Tomas Sala. “This is a settlement that isn't just for looks but comes alive before your eyes. With ships ferrying resources, and inhabitants moving in to construct houses, the player will need to provide protection in the form of resources and fortifications so the inhabitants can defend themselves."
The game promises "limitless building, freedom and creativity" in building your own Bulwark against "the endless Ursee and its fierce inhabitants." You can keep up with Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles on the official website, wishlist it on Steam, sign up for the limited closed BETA, and join the official Discord to follow the game's development.