This makes building feel like a somewhat organic process, adding an element of surprise and intrigue to the creation, but it can feel frustrating and limited at times. You’re in control of the height, position, and color of your builds – but the game’s building algorithm ultimately dictates what these will look like, with the buildings and land shapeshifting with every tap. For example, build a connected ring of houses and the tiles in the middle change from stone walkway to grassy courtyard.

The grid on which you build a town is not uniform, and different tiles make for varied building shapes.

For a simple game, the attention to detail is lovely. As clouds drift by, even the shrubs move gently as if caught by a light breeze. The shoreline ebbs and the still water gently distorts the reflected image of the buildings above. Watch as birds fly in and settle on rooftops, bobbing about or having a snooze. You can build from a birds-eye view or zoom in so you’re nestled amongst the buildings, which is where the heart of its’ charm lies. Long press and release to remove a segment – you can delete houses, land, or even the midsection of a building to create archways, stilts, or roof terraces.īest enjoyed with the sound on, every tap elicits a satisfying plop or splash whilst the soothing sound of the sea supplies atmosphere. The controls are simple, and Townscaper makes great use of the iPhone’s haptic touch features. In this way you can create a floating village in no time at all, building up towers and keeps and cottages. Tap the same space again, and suddenly you’ve built a house. It could use a few customization options for a more personalized town, but all in all, it is a game that speaks to your creative soul.You start with a blank ocean canvas, and can plop down a little piece of land with a single tap. There is also no goal that you need to meet, so you can play at your own pace. For a game with very simple gameplay, it offers a wide creative avenue that you can explore. Townscaper provides its players with a Z en-like experience. These lapses can be a bit frustrating since the game has so many avenues for creativity. Moreover, it is difficult to carve curving paths. It also lacks modes of transportation, such as trains and cars. There are no differently-shaped blocks to allow you to build unique-shaped houses. For one, it is impossible to create circular buildings.

However, as expansive the creative possibilities that the game provides, it could use a few more customization options. Sure, the game has a multitude of small elements that make it hyper lively-such as seagulls on the roof, tiny Wellington boots on the doorsteps, and mailboxes-but it does not affect the gameplay. There are no people to check on and goals to meet like The Sims 4, and there are no turnips to purchase and friends to interact with like Animal Crossing. Unlike other simulation games, it does not require you to do anything other than build your town. If you feel like you’ve added a building that is not to your liking, you can destroy it by clicking right. Many of these details are randomized, but they add life to the town you’re making. It also adds ladders to go down the water and clothesline between buildings. It even adds gardens when spaces are enclosed. It can add terraces, arches, and bridges as you play. Players also need not worry about the details of the house they’re building since the game has a hidden algorithm that handles such details. To make your town colorful, the game provides a color palette. The third and fourth click will make the building rise. The first left-click on the water will build the foundation of your first building-clicking on the same spot a second time will build the house. From that canvas, you can start building your town. You start the game with a blank canvas of the blue sky and an empty sea.

Townscaper game free