Summary
- Release Year: 2011
- Genres: Simulator
- Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Plan it Green: The Eco-Friendly City Builder
In the engaging and thought-provoking city builder game Plan it Green, released in 2011, players take on the role of mayor and are tasked with transforming a barren and polluted city into a thriving and sustainable metropolis. With a focus on environmentalism and urban planning, the game challenges players to balance economic growth with ecological preservation.
Gameplay
Plan it Green offers a comprehensive and immersive gameplay experience that combines city building, resource management, and environmental stewardship. Players begin by inheriting a dilapidated city plagued by pollution, traffic congestion, and urban decay. Their mission is to revitalize the city by implementing green policies, constructing eco-friendly buildings, and promoting sustainable practices.
The game features a variety of zones, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges. Residential zones house the city’s population, and players must ensure that they have access to clean water, green spaces, and efficient transportation. Commercial zones provide jobs and services, and players must carefully plan their placement to minimize traffic and pollution. Industrial zones generate revenue, but also produce pollution, so players must find ways to mitigate their environmental impact.
Plan it Green’s resource management system is intricately linked to its environmental mechanics. Players must manage their city’s water, energy, and waste resources carefully. Water can be scarce, so players must invest in water conservation measures and explore alternative water sources. Energy production can contribute to pollution, so players must balance the use of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Waste management is also crucial, as landfills can contaminate the environment and harm public health.
Greendex
One of the key features of Plan it Green is the Greendex, a measure of the city’s environmental sustainability. The Greendex is influenced by a variety of factors, including the number of green buildings, the use of renewable energy, the efficiency of transportation systems, and the availability of green spaces. Players are constantly striving to improve their Greendex by implementing eco-friendly policies and investing in sustainable infrastructure.
Challenges
Plan it Green presents players with a variety of challenges as they work to transform their city into a green utopia. One of the biggest challenges is balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Players must find ways to generate revenue without sacrificing their Greendex. Another challenge is dealing with natural disasters, such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes. These events can damage the city’s infrastructure and disrupt its economy, so players must be prepared to respond quickly and effectively.
Reception
Plan it Green received generally positive reviews upon its release, with critics praising its innovative gameplay, environmental focus, and challenging difficulty. The game was nominated for several awards, including the BAFTA Games Award for Best Strategy Game.
Legacy
Plan it Green remains a popular and influential city builder game today. Its focus on environmental sustainability has resonated with players who are concerned about the future of our planet. The game has also inspired other developers to create eco-friendly city builders, such as Cities: Skylines and Eco.
Conclusion
Plan it Green is a well-crafted and thought-provoking city builder game that challenges players to create a sustainable and eco-friendly metropolis. With its engaging gameplay, challenging difficulty, and environmental focus, Plan it Green is a must-play for fans of city builders and environmentalism alike.
Review Score
7/10
Art
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