City builders, by definition, tend to have a fairly large shape. After all, you’re building an entire city here, with all the complications that come with it. So how about a city builder who opts for something a little smaller? Meet Zlin City: Arch Moderna, a city builder designed to look like dioramas, made by scanning real physical models, inspired by the real Czech city of Ziln.
Right off the bat, I’m happy to hear this line from the game’s developers in a press release: “In an age where things are artificially generated, the city of Zlín focuses on the beauty of imperfection and an incomparable human touch. It draws inspiration from model trains, children’s toys and classic puppet animation.” Hooray! Someone who truly sees meaning.
As noted, the models in the game begin life as physical models, mostly made via 3D printing, with a little hand painting for that finishing touch. Developer Polyperfect says its decision to use real models is due to imperfections like “paint drips, brush strokes, glue marks, or slightly damaged edges,” which you can’t easily replicate on a computer that “brings a human touch to the game.”
As for how the game actually plays, they reference Tiny Glad and SimCity, although not much actual gameplay has been shown yet. You can see from the screenshots that you are able to place all kinds of structures, learn about the citizens and how they are doing, and even discover some of the true history of Ziln. It is apparently as much an educational game, particularly about the architecture of the city, as it is a relaxing game.
You can also try the game for yourself, it will cost you just a little bit. Polyparfait have create a Patreon where the subscription gives you access to the alpha of the game, although it will of course depend on you if you want to shell out some money for this privilege. Otherwise you can always add the game to my wishlist on Steam.
