Summary
- Release Year: 2017
- Genres: Indie, Puzzle, Simulator, Strategy
- Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
- Developers: Plethora Project
- Publishers: Devolver Digital
Block’hood: A City-Building Simulator That Celebrates Diversity and Experimentation
Released in 2017, Block’hood is a unique and engaging city-building simulator that challenges players to create sustainable and thriving neighborhoods. With over 90 different building blocks to choose from, players can experiment with different combinations and arrangements to create unique and diverse urban environments.
One of the key features of Block’hood is its focus on resource management. Each block in the game has its own inputs and outputs, and players must carefully consider how to connect them to create a productive and efficient network. For example, residential blocks require food and water, while industrial blocks produce goods that can be used to generate revenue. By understanding how each block is dependent on others, players can create symbiotic relationships that benefit the entire neighborhood.
Another important aspect of Block’hood is the concept of decay. If blocks do not receive the inputs they need, they will begin to decay over time. This can lead to a domino effect, as decaying blocks can negatively impact the blocks around them. Players must therefore be careful to monitor their neighborhoods and ensure that all blocks are receiving the resources they need.
Block’hood offers two main game modes: Sandbox Mode and Challenge Mode. Sandbox Mode allows players to experiment freely with different building blocks and designs, while Challenge Mode presents players with specific goals and objectives to achieve. In addition, there are also Education and Research modes that are designed for use in classrooms and academic settings.
Key Features of Block’hood
- 90+ building blocks: Players have a wide variety of blocks to choose from, including residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure blocks. Each block has its own unique inputs and outputs, and players must carefully consider how to connect them to create a productive and efficient network.
- Resource management: Players must carefully manage the resources in their neighborhoods to ensure that all blocks are receiving the inputs they need. Resources can be generated through a variety of means, such as farming, mining, and manufacturing.
- Decay: If blocks do not receive the inputs they need, they will begin to decay over time. This can lead to a domino effect, as decaying blocks can negatively impact the blocks around them. Players must therefore be careful to monitor their neighborhoods and ensure that all blocks are receiving the resources they need.
- Sandbox and Challenge Modes: Block’hood offers two main game modes: Sandbox Mode and Challenge Mode. Sandbox Mode allows players to experiment freely with different building blocks and designs, while Challenge Mode presents players with specific goals and objectives to achieve.
- Education and Research Modes: Block’hood also includes Education and Research modes that are designed for use in classrooms and academic settings. These modes provide educators with tools and resources to teach students about urban planning, sustainability, and other related topics.
Benefits of Playing Block’hood
There are many benefits to playing Block’hood, including:
- Improved problem-solving skills: Block’hood requires players to think critically and solve problems in order to create successful neighborhoods. This can help to improve problem-solving skills in other areas of life.
- Enhanced creativity: Block’hood encourages players to be creative and experiment with different building blocks and designs. This can help to enhance creativity in other areas of life, such as art, writing, and music.
- Increased understanding of urban planning: Block’hood provides players with a unique opportunity to learn about urban planning and sustainability. By experimenting with different building blocks and designs, players can gain a better understanding of how cities work and how to create more sustainable and livable communities.
- Fun and engaging gameplay: Block’hood is a fun and engaging game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The game’s simple mechanics and intuitive interface make it easy to learn, but the game’s depth and complexity provide a challenge that will keep players engaged for hours on end.
Conclusion
Block’hood is a unique and engaging city-building simulator that challenges players to create sustainable and thriving neighborhoods. With over 90 different building blocks to choose from, players can experiment with different combinations and arrangements to create unique and diverse urban environments. The game’s focus on resource management and decay adds an extra layer of challenge, and the game’s two main game modes provide players with a variety of ways to play. Whether you’re a seasoned city-builder or a complete novice, Block’hood is a game that is sure to provide hours of enjoyment and learning.
Review Score
8.5/10