Norland: A New Frontier in Medieval Colony Simulation
Lead your noble family through a world defined by class conflict, political treachery, and strategic intrigue in this promising, yet imperfect early access title.
Early Access Review
last updated Jul 29, 2024
If you thrive on nurturing the untamed wilderness of society, Norland's journey could become an enriching one.
Gameplay: The Noble Balancing Act
Norland invites players to navigate the treacherous waters of medieval politics and resource management, leading a noble family in a colony simulation that intertwines elements reminiscent of Rimworld and Crusader Kings. While the premise is captivating, the execution often falls short of delivering a seamless experience. With an emphasis on efficiency and strategic decision-making, players are encouraged to manage not just resources but relationships, as each character’s actions have far-reaching consequences. However, the game comes with a learning curve that's less of a gentle slope and more like a brick wall, often leaving players feeling overwhelmed. Because you're magnetic forces at play—whether navigating trade agreements or deflecting the chaos brought on by a faction's newly minted queen—it's not hard to imagine a robust future if the developers can streamline some of these mechanics.
Audio: Soundtrack of Struggle
One pleasant surprise in Norland is its audio composition, creating an atmosphere fitting for a medieval setting. The soundtrack seamlessly integrates evocative tunes that not only enhance the gameplay experience but also amplify the emotional weight of your noble decisions. The sound effects, particularly during encounters and trade, possess a surprising depth that complements the overall ambiance. However, some will find the quirky voiceover lines to be more distracting than charming, often devolving into gibberish that borders on the absurd. If anything, it cultivates an odd sort of humor amid the chaos of political maneuverings.
Graphics: Aesthetic Ambitions
Norland strikes a visually appealing balance between modern aesthetics and medieval charm. The graphics, though stylized, radiate a sense of character, immersing players in a world that feels alive—at least until your settlement gets crowded and performance starts to falter. As you expand your kingdom, the game can struggle to maintain performance on systems that even meet the recommended specifications, often leading to frustrating lag and occasional freezes. It’s clear the developers have ambitious goals for the graphics, but as it stands, the performance needs a hefty patch—or two or three—to keep those beautifully rendered castles from turning into pixelated prisons under the weight of your noble ambitions.
Development & Community Engagement: Caring for Their Baby
One of the most commendable aspects of Norland is the developer's dedication to actively engaging with the community. Pledging frequent patches and updates, the devs seem genuinely invested in responding to player feedback, tailoring the game to become a richer experience over time. This commitment gives hope to players who frustratingly encounter bugs or design oversights, creating a feeling that their voices are not only heard but valued. It's refreshing in an age when many early access titles abandon their initial promise after launch. If this trajectory continues, players can hold onto optimism that the game will evolve from its early potential into something spectacular and polished.
EARLY ACCESS RATING
Developer
Long Jaunt
Publisher
Hooded Horse
Early Accesss Release Date
July 18, 2024
A Journey Worth Taking, But Hold the Horses
Norland stands as a captivating colony simulation that deftly meshes strategic gameplay with the trials and tribulations of medieval politics. Though marred by notable bugs and performance hiccups, the dedication of the developers and the rich potential seen through its gameplay mechanics make it a title to keep an eye on. If you thrive on nurturing the untamed wilderness of society—where lords and commoners exist in a delicate balance—Norland's journey could become an enriching one, provided you're willing to weather its early access storms.
