Against the Storm: Nightwatchers review – It’s not just a phase, okay?

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Have you ever found yourself considering expelling a nuisance member from your community due to their persistent irritation, even though you’ve gone out of your way to safeguard their wellbeing? In the game Against the Storm, there’s a straightforward method for that now, thanks to some mysterious characters: Bats.

In your city-building game, just like other residents, the Nightwatchers DLC group combines mechanics and theme seamlessly. If there’s an animal that embodies ‘Gothic’ aesthetics, it would be those small gray winged creatures clinging to rooftops and caves, observing in silence.

Eremite Games has infused a Gothic flavor into buildings related to bats, making alterations such as adding tall, pointed spires with a steampunk touch and pipe structures to the cityscapes of your settlements. These areas are veritable melting pots of architectural styles today. To me, it seems like the Frogs might be grumbling about the bats’ towering spires blocking sunlight from their rooftop pools.

The Bats are a serious-minded group, particularly skilled in metalworking, mining, and forging, spending their days in dimly lit, smoky environments. Their concern about societal perception is profound, which surprisingly strengthens their resilience in harsh conditions. Spite drives them powerfully, and they have mastered its use. They strive to uphold high standards, using the Manorial Court as a tool for exiling disruptive, noisy, or lazy citizens, thereby preserving a hardworking, productive citizenry core.

This instrument can be quite beneficial, yet it requires careful handling to avoid excessive usage which might lead to a rapid depletion of population, causing a downward spiral that we ourselves set off. This is the peril associated with any resentment the Bats may harbor.

In the recently introduced Rocky Ravine ecosystem, bats prove invaluable due to an abundance of rock-based trees providing ample minerals. These minerals are crucial because trading at the Black Market is costly and other resources are scarce within this region. Players seeking a bit of extra challenge will find these areas particularly appealing. However, remember to settle your debts promptly, as failure to do so can lead to less than pleasant consequences.

Indeed, among the fresh additions of this expansion, none have captured my heart quite like the enchanting Bamboo Flats. It’s there that the charming and endearing Fluffbeak calls home.

As your territory grows, you can offer shelter, sustenance, and comfort to this adorable critter, which reciprocates by creating beneficial fertilizer for you and bringing joy to your citizens just by being its charming, fluffy self and acting as the village’s beloved mascot. Even the grumpiest of Bats might crack a smile at these furry friends. This distinctive feature sets this ecosystem apart from others, adding exciting, gratifying twists to the gameplay, while still maintaining the core feel of Against the Storm.

Enhancing the distinctiveness and engaging mechanics of biomes is a significant advantage that both Keepers of the Stone and Nightwatchers possess, which is why it’s gratifying to observe the developer persistently moving in this direction.

Hermitedly, he brainstormed some exciting global happenings to complement this growth spurt. For instance, there’s a fresh monster on the scene, the Grazer, that grabs trees off the map and triggers Glade Events to catch you off guard, or perhaps a gang of lawbreakers might seize control of your entire settlement. Alongside these events come enticing prizes, such as the Rainpunk Shredder – an incredibly efficient woodcutting device – or a mining robot.

In addition to that, you’ll find three world map modifications, three Legendary Cornerstones, sixteen Deeds, and six decorative items waiting for you in the Smoldering City. Each one can be unlocked there!

It’s important to mention that the Commons Update, released simultaneously with the expansion, introduces several changes to the game. Notably, a new species is introduced into the mix, making resource management more challenging. However, the complexity can be reduced with the introduction of the new Commons upgrade available at the Smoldering City. Here, the Hearth can now fulfill any service needs, eliminating the need for players to build numerous specialized structures.

Observers may find it interesting that certain structures within the game now sport new designs, leading to intricate, Tetris-like arrangements and openings for a few embellishments to blend harmoniously within the urban landscape. It’s a minor adjustment, but one that brings a sense of fulfillment.

In Nightwatchers, you won’t find an overflow of extra resources, goods, or production lines – a situation that leaves me ambivalent. Typically, more items to collect and manufacture in a city-builder is rewarding, but it seems the DLC doesn’t cater to this aspect. However, Against the Storm is already quite packed, and unlike most city-builders, it’s not meant for endless expansion of a single settlement. Therefore, it makes sense that the complexity and variety of production chains are kept in check. Eremite appears to understand this balance and I appreciate their caution against overloading the game, which could potentially disrupt its carefully maintained equilibrium.

In summary, Eremite Games gained valuable insights from the somewhat debatable Keepers of the Stone. The content provided in Nightwatchers exceeds expectations, not just in quality but also in quantity. Mission accomplished! Now, could we maybe introduce armadillos in the next project?

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2025-07-29 17:20