Terra Nil

 PC
Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 45 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 40 out of 45
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 45
  3. Negative: 0 out of 45
  1. Eurogamer
    Mar 27, 2023
    The reverse city builder is trickier than it appears, but utterly committed to its environmental vision, taking the genre - and every level - to new places. [Eurogamer Recommended]
  2. Kotaku
    Mar 27, 2023
    But as someone prone to bouts of climate doom every time I read anything about carbon levels and ice sheets, Terra Nil was the ultimate form of video game escapism. A little diversion, no matter how unrealistic it is, that rather than asking us to live through the planet’s destruction let us try and recover from one instead.
  3. Polygon
    Mar 27, 2023
    As I played, I kept thinking, Let me love you, as I built so many pylons and tramway poles just to complete a scenario. I played the demo over and over again when it was first released last year, excited for what would come. Even if some of the gameplay feels unnecessarily rigid, I still have a lot of respect for the way this game emphasizes environmental stewardship, especially within a genre that tends to focus on the exact opposite. Despite the roadblocks, that sense of wonder is enough to bring me back into the game’s world.
  5. Rock, Paper, Shotgun
    Mar 27, 2023
    By the time I launched my final rocket from Terra Nil, I was happy to leave it behind. It certainly feels refreshing in the citybuilding genre, which is so often focused on creating infinite growth and bustling metropolises, nature be damned, but ultimately, it's still a game about chasing numbers, and filling meters that allow you to progress. That alone could be comforting, some much needed calm in a busy world as you create a lush landscape, but I found its repetitive nature was more frustrating than relaxing. Topped off with a level that shifts the focus from its previously hopeful tone to one of somber silence as you suck away the radiation, Terra Nil struggles to cement its identity as the calm, meditative puzzler that it seems on the surface.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.7

Mixed or average reviews- based on 20 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 20
  3. Negative: 5 out of 20
  1. themetacritica
    Mar 30, 2023
    3
    The idea behind Terra Nil is beautiful. A destroyed bioma that must be recovered. BUT there is nothing else apart from that. Very simple andThe idea behind Terra Nil is beautiful. A destroyed bioma that must be recovered. BUT there is nothing else apart from that. Very simple and not attractive gameplay and mechanics.

    I really like the concept but this game it's just a concept with beautiful art. Don't expect much.    … Full Review »
  2. Ulfhedjinn
    Jul 25, 2023
    8
    Great concept, beautiful art direction. This game is really relaxing and rewarding, the only downside is that it is short!
  3. netbattler15
    Apr 2, 2023
    3
    This game had so much potential. It's very pretty and the optimization puzzle is engaging, as the demo indicated it would be... but there areThis game had so much potential. It's very pretty and the optimization puzzle is engaging, as the demo indicated it would be... but there are only 8 puzzles in the game total, and 4 of them are essentially reworks for the first 4. This game is woefully short and I feel like I was ripped off at full price. I would have loved to play this on game pass or something, but at $25, this is a rip off.… Full Review »
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